Maltipoos and Cavapoos are popular dogs for their adorable appearance, happy demeanor, and family-friendly traits.
They’re similar in weight, size, and stature, though some differences may help you narrow down your decision.
Before we dive into Cavapoo vs. Maltipoo similarities and differences, let’s get into each puppy’s overview.
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Table of Contents
Cavapoo Overview
Cavapoos are perfect companions for families, individuals, and everyone in between. They’re a designer dog crossbreed with King Charles Spaniel, Miniature, or Toy Poodle parents.
These are gentle, loving dogs who will develop a deep bond with every member of the household. The little lovers they are will also enjoy meeting other people and pets.
A Cavapoo is an excellent addition to families with young children or senior citizens looking for a snuggly lap dog.
They’re low-shedding pups with deep-set, round eyes that sit above their short noses. Their parents provide genes to provide Cavapoos with long, silky-smooth, floppy ears.
Some Cavapoos have a tiny mustache right under their little snouts.
Cavapoos adopt great traits from both of their parents. These are intelligent dogs that are easy to train, so long as you offer positive reinforcement and a treat here and there.
Maltipoo Overview
Maltipoos are another designer breed but with Maltese and Poodle parents. These adorable family friends are devoted members who enjoy spending time with loved ones.
These dogs are non-shedding, so they’re great animals if you or someone in your home has pet allergies.
A Maltipoo is famous for its playful, gentle, and intelligent nature. Because of their winning traits, they make excellent pets for just about any family.
If you’re looking for a stuffed animal come-to-life, you’ll love the Maltipoo.
While they enjoy playing fetch here and there, they’re just as happy to lounge around with you.
One important thing to note about Maltipoos is their tendency to bark. Luckily, just because they’re noisy doesn’t mean they’re aggressive.
As long as they get proper socialization in puppyhood, they’ll get along with just about anyone they meet.
Similarities Cavapoos and Maltipoos Share
There is a lot of likeness between the two breeds. Let’s discuss some of the most important qualities they share.
Availability
400;”>Poodle mixes continue to rise in popularity. Although neither the Maltipoo nor Cavapoo are as sought out as Goldendoodles, they’re still relatively easy to find.
There are breeders for each breed type, and there are shelters that are dedicated to housing the specific kind of dog.
It may take a little planning ahead or a couple-hour drive to find reputable breeders, but overall the availability is similar between the two breeds.
Good Family Pets
If you’re looking for a family pet, you can’t go wrong with either breed. Maltipoos and Cavapoos have even-mannered temperaments, so they get along well with children or other pets.
For families with young children who are not yet of school age, be cautious when bringing home a tiny puppy.
Young, excited kids sometimes don’t realize how strong they are and can accidentally injure the tiny pups.
Many owners choose Maltipoos and Cavapoos as their emotional support animals if they have anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders.
While they may not be big enough to be full-service animals, they’re obedient pets that quickly bond and love their owners.
Temperament
Both dog breeds are pleasant, friendly, and affectionate with humans and pets alike. Each species is well-loved for its loyalty and protection over its family members.
There are some subtle personality differences. Both dogs are excellent with children or other dogs, though Cavapoos tend to be even more kid-friendly.
Since both kinds of dogs are huge lovers, this may be why they’re both likely to become dependent on household members.
Cavapoos and Maltipoos may both potentially struggle with separation anxiety and struggle to go long bouts of time without their owners.
Intelligence
You can’t go wrong with either breed if you’re looking for an intelligent dog that’s easy to train.
Poodles are among the smartest dog breeds; luckily, both mixes inherit this trait. They quickly pick up new tricks and learn basic training with ease.
Although Cavapoos are smart, they can struggle with potty training. Don’t worry; however, they’ll improve over time.
In the meantime, you’ll have to set aside time to take them on plenty of walks so they can empty their tiny bladders.
Size
One prominent feature of these two mixed breeds is their size in terms of their weight, height, and overall stature.
Cavapoos have an average of a slightly greater weight and height, however. Whether you opt for a teacup or miniature Cavapoo or Maltipoo, they’re small dogs.
Miniature Maltipoos weigh on average between 15 to 25 pounds, and the Miniature Cavapoo is roughly 13 to 20 pounds.
Toy Cavapoos weigh 7 to 13 pounds, while Toy Maltipoos average 5 to 15 pounds.
Coat Color
Both crossbreeds come in various colors and color combinations, including cream, white, chocolate, black, apricot, and others.
Cavapoos or Maltipoos can also be single-colored, bi-colored, or tri-colored, depending on the parents.
The most common Maltipoo shade is white or pale cream, while Cavapoos are most often apricot or a shade of tan.
Coat Type
Because each breed has Poodle in their DNA, they will have a fluffy, soft, curly coat. Each dog is likely to have medium-length fur.
Maltipoos are 50% Maltese, so depending on how much of each parent dog is in their DNA, their coat may be more straight like a Maltese or curlier like Poodles.
If you have a Cavapoo or Maltipoo that shares equal amounts of DNA from each parent (known as an F1 breed,) the coat type may be straight, curly, or anywhere in-between.
Other generations, like the F1B, have more vital Poodle genes and therefore have a greater chance of inheriting a curly coat.
Grooming
As mentioned above, Cavapoos and Maltipoos have medium-length coats. Because of their full bodies of hair, it’s essential to provide proper grooming for either breed.
No matter which crossbreed you opt for, you’ll have to brush their fur regularly to prevent matting.
If the fur becomes too matted, it can cause sores, irritation, and general discomfort for your pup. Even a small amount of matting can be painful for your dog.
You may have to brush more regularly if you get a curlier dog. Ensure you can brush at least once every two days, but brush daily if needed.
It can help them get a high-quality brush for their specific coat type. Any trims or haircuts are optional if you brush your pup frequently.
Cavapoo vs Maltipoo Differences
There are some slight differences between Cavapoos and Maltipoos. Below are the primary distinctions.
Price
No matter which breed you’re leaning toward, you must prepare to spend the money it costs for a designer breed.
The price of each dog is comparable, though Cavapoos tend to be a little bit more. On average, Maltipoo puppies range in price from $1,000 to $2,000 while Cavapoos are $1,500 to $2,500.
Appearance
At first glance, it can be easy to mix up the two dog breeds. Both are tiny, fuzzy, teddy bear-like animals.
There are a few notable differences between the Cavapoos and Maltipoos. Cavapoos tend to have longer ears inherited from the gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Maltipoos may have longer snouts, and Cavapoos typically have short, rounded muzzles.
Health Issues
The benefit of purchasing a mixed-breed dog is their genetic diversity and a decreased risk of developing the usual health conditions of their parents.
Both are generally healthy breeds, though some health issues are more likely to affect one more than the other.
Cavapoos are susceptible to congenital heart problems, cataracts, luxating patella, mitral valve disease, and ear infections due to the floppy Spaniel ears.
Common health issues for Maltipoos include epilepsy, pancreatitis, patellar luxation, White Shaker Syndrome, and hypoglycemia.
All dog breeds have potential health issues due to their genealogy. No matter which dog you opt for, we suggest investing in pet insurance to be safe.
Activity Levels
There is a slight distinction between Maltipoo and Cavapoo regarding activity requirements. Maltipoos tend to require a bit less exercise than Cavapoos.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have genes that give the Cavapoo a higher energy level.
Maltipoos need a minimum of 20 minutes of daily exercise, while Cavapoos need at least 30 minutes.
Luckily for busy households or elderly pet owners, a half-hour walks each day is more doable than higher-energy breeds.
Exercise keeps your pet happy and healthy and takes their mind off of boredom. However, most of the time, Maltipoos or Cavapoos are content resting on the couch with you.
Barking
Cavapoos tend to be a bit quieter than Maltipoos. Maltipoos may bark when they’re excited, hear a noise, or sense a threat.
However, Cavapoos are sweet and friendly and are rarely ever aggressive. If you can handle a little yapping here and there, you’ll still be happy with this breed.
Neither dog will be the right choice if you want a guard dog. However, if you wish to get an attack of fuzzy pup smooches, you’ll be happy with either dog.
Shedding and Allergies
It can be challenging to choose the right pet when someone in your household has allergies. If this is the case for your family, then we may have a clear Maltipoo vs. Cavapoo winner for you.
Although both crossbreeds are allergy friendly, Maltipoos tend to pose less of a risk of an allergic reaction.
No dog is fully hypoallergenic, but Maltipoos won’t affect most individuals. Because Maltese and Poodles are non-shedding, you can rest assured there won’t be fur allergens floating in the air.
Alternatively, Cavapoos have a parent who isn’t hypoallergenic. Therefore, there is no way to guarantee that you will get a non-shedding puppy.
No matter which generation of Cavapoo you get, the mixed breed will not shed as much as a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. So, Cavapoos may be acceptable if your allergies are mild.
If you want a Cavapoo but want the best chance of getting a low-shedding or non-shedding dog, you’ll want to opt for a generation with a higher percentage of Poodle.
Generations that work best for allergy sufferers from the least allergenic are F1BB, F2BB, F1BB, F1, 2, or 3.
It’s important to note, however, that genetics are impossible to fully predict, so there is still no way to guarantee you won’t get a shedding Cavapoo.
If shedding is your primary concern, choosing the most hypoallergenic option, the Maltipoo, may be best.
Life Expectancy
Smaller or hybrid dogs tend to have a longer life expectancy. Luckily, both Cavapoos and Maltipoos fall into each category.
Cavapoos have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, while Maltipoos average 12 to 16 years. That said, there is no surefire way to determine how long your pup will live.
No matter which breed you choose to love, make sure they get adequate exercise, proper food portions, and regular vet visits. This will be your best bet of having a dog living a long, healthy life.
Maltipoo vs Cavapoo: Which Should I Choose?
Now that you’ve read through the similarities and differences, you may still wonder which option is better.
Here are a few factors to consider:
- Allergy sufferers will do best with Maltipoos as they are guaranteed to be non-shedding dogs. Cavapoos are allergy-friendly, though they may shed some.
- Maltipoos tend to be less expensive on average. However, if your heart is set on a Cavapoo, it may be worth the slight price difference.
- A Cavapoo may be the better choice if you want a quiet dog. Maltipoos are a bit yappy, which may annoy any apartment neighbors.
- Cavapoos have a slightly harder time with potty training. If you’re patient, they’ll get the hang of it, though some pet parents may not have the time for extra housetraining.
Conclusion For “Cavapoo vs Maltipoo”
Cavapoos and Maltipoos are adorable, intelligent, and friendly designer dog breeds. They are so similar that you may not be able to spot the difference at first glance.
We hope that the comparison above can help you narrow down your choice. Either way, you’ll get a family-friendly cuddle buddy to warm your heart.
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