Today we are going to talk about the differences between a Cockapoo vs Cavapoo. Cockapoos and Cavapoos are both poodle mixes, but what sets them apart?
In general, here are the main differences between a Cockapoo and Cavapoo:
- Cavapoos can be 6 to 19 pounds heavier than the Cockapoo.
- The Cockapoo comes in less different coat colors. You’ll see a bunch of different Cavapoo coat colors.
- The Cavapoo requires more grooming because they are larger dogs.
- Cockapoos generally have more energy than Cavapoo due to their Cocker Spaniel genes.
- Cockapoos tend to live longer than Cavapoos due to their smaller size.
Other articles you would like: European Boxer Vs. American Boxer and Deep-Chested Vs. Barrel-Chested Dog Breeds
Table of Contents
Poodle Mix Breeds
Poodle mix breeds have become increasingly popular throughout the years. Today there are multiple variations of poodle available, but what sets them apart? Two popular breed options are cockapoos and cavapoos.
They are pretty similar but also differ in a variety of ways. Choosing a pet is a big decision. It’s best to research so you’ll know whether this breed is the best for your household.
Both cockapoos and cavapoo descend from poodles. When looking at the two breeds, it can be hard to notice any differences.
When you look deeper into their non-poodle sides, the cocker spaniel and Cavalier King Charles spaniel, you’ll see what sets these two breeds apart.
What Is a Cockapoo?
A cockapoo is a crossbreed mixing a poodle and a cocker spaniel. In this case, the type of cocker spaniel is not consequential as it will still lead to a cockapoo when mixed with a poodle.
The cockapoo was one of the first original poodle mix breeds that gained popularity around the early 2000s. While it is not purebred, its parents likely are. Other names used for this mix include Cockapoodle our Cockerpoo.
Poodle mix breeds gained popularity because of their pleasing nature and amazing fur. Their origins go further back than their popularity in the 2000s. The discovery of the Cockapoo dated back to the 1960s and was a fluke.
This accidental mix resulted in a teddy bear-like dog that stole the heart of breeders and continued the trend for years to come.
What Is a Cavapoo?
A cavapoo is a crossbreed mixing a poodle with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
When you look at the parents, both are well-known purebred dogs that have a huge following. You often see them in dog shows and contests due to their quality personalities and adorable looks.
You may also know this mix as a Cavoodle, but most people use the term Cavapoo.
This mix was first bred in the 1990s and is suspected to originate in Australia. The breed has since gained tons of popularity for being a family pet that is easy to socialize and train.
Size Difference
Size is one of the main differences between these breeds. Cockapoos tend to be taller than the Cavapoo. While it’s not a huge difference, Cockapoos can be an inch or two taller once fully grown.
When it comes to weight, cavapoos take the lead. Even though they have a small frame, they can weigh 6 to 19 pounds heavier than the cockapoo.
A fully grown cavapoo can weigh 11 to 22 pounds and grow to 11 to 17 inches tall.
These measurements can vary depending on the poodle parent the cavapoo was bred from. If their parent is a toy poodle, they will be smaller. If their parents are mini poodles, they will be bigger.
Knowing this can help you get the perfect size for you. It’s always best to ask a breeder about the parents.
Cockapoos reach 10 to 15 inches tall and are a fully grown weight of 12 to 24 pounds. This isn’t a large difference but can matter depending on your lifestyle. Cockapoo size will also vary depending on the parents.
If you want a specific size, you can research the parents and their breeding and estimate how big the puppies will grow to be.
Difference In Coats
Many people ask, is a cavapoo hypoallergenic? Is a cockapoo hypoallergenic? These are valid questions and crucial things to know about a breed before taking one home.
Both poodle mixes are hypoallergenic and low-shed dogs. This characteristic means they are ideal for anyone who may have a fur allergy. These dogs may not shed like a german shepherd, but you may still see lost hair here and there.
While both are hypoallergenic, their coats differ in a few ways.
Cavapoo Coat
Depending on which genes took over, a cavapoo can look more like a poodle or a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Their coats come in variations of brown, white, or black and are either solid colored or multi-colored.
Color options for cavapoo coats include:
- White
- Black
- Tricolor
- Apricot
- Cream
- Golden
- Sable
- Red
- Chocolate
In their variety of colors, their coats range from straight and short to long and curly. This trait means they require frequent grooming to avoid matting in their coats.
Cockapoo Coat
Cockapoos typically have a long coat that is either straight or loose curls. Due to their cocker spaniel side, their coat tends to shed more than the cavapoo coat.
Their coats can vary in color.
- Red
- White
- Beige
- Color mix
- Spots
Their coats can vary due to crossbreeding, so you never really know what you’ll get. Since their coat is more related to the cocker spaniel than the poodle, they require a reasonable amount of maintenance to keep it clean and mat free.
If you choose a Cockapoo, be ready for frequent grooming appointments or at-home fur maintenance, depending on your lifestyle.
Grooming Differences
On the subject of grooming, as mentioned above, both breeds will require frequent appointments. They do not shed often, but the cockapoo is known for more shedding than the cavapoo.
Their hair-like coats can easily matt due to the curls, so practice frequent brushing and care. Depending on the color variation, you may encounter issues with tear stains and staining in general if the dog is white versus black or brown.
The color variation you pick can matter, depending on how often you want to get them groomed and maintained.
Cockapoo vs Cavapoo Temperament
Temperament is not a science. While we can make assumptions based on breed, it also depends on the parents. When crossbreeding, you never know what genes will become prominent and which will not.
Cockapoos tend to have lots of energy, meaning frequent walks and playtimes to release their energy to prevent chaos in your home. Aside from their limitless energy, they are super loving and social.
They love being around people and don’t like being left alone. This is vital to note if you plan to be out of the house. Leaving cockapoos alone can often lead to separation anxiety and overexcitement when you return.
You can try many tools and techniques when preventing separation anxiety issues with your pet. For example, you can give your pup a frozen treat as a distraction just as you’re leaving the house.
Cockapoos are also known to be vocal. If you’re living in an apartment or with roommates, this can lead to noise complaints. Thankfully, patient training and techniques can fix the pup’s barking tendencies.
Cavapoos on the other hand, are much calmer than cockapoos. They are more laid back and don’t have as much energy. While they still need playtime and walks, they are slightly lower maintenance than a cockapoo.
Cavapoos are also known to be amazing with kids and family. Having a child in the home can help tire out your cavapoo, so a 20-30 min walk every day may not be necessary.
Health Differences Between a Cockapoo And a Cavapoo
With both breeds being mixes, they generally have a solid health record. Cockapoos can live 14-18 years, while cavapoos live 13-15 years. Things that can affect the lifespan of your dog are genetics, diet, and overall health.
This is why it is critical to have a competent healthcare provider for your pet, so if anything comes up, it’s taken care of.
They don’t have many common genetic health issues, but some eye problems could arise for the breed. Most breeders conduct genetic testing and can rule out these issues early on, so you shouldn’t have to worry.
It’s always ideal to ask your breeder if they’ve done genetic testing for PRA or request an eye exam before you pick up your new pup.
Cavapoo Health Issues
Cavapoos can have other health issues stemming from either the poodle or cavalier king Charles spaniel’s side. These include.
- Knee issues
- Heart attacks
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Excessive weight gain
- Ear issues
- Dental problems
All of these can be monitored well. For the weight and dental issues, it’s best to ensure that your dog is on a proper diet and is healthy for them. It’s also a sound practice to brush your dog’s teeth frequently.
This keeps their dental problems at a minimum.
Cockapoo Health Issues
Cockapoos have common health issues found in the cocker spaniel or poodle breeds. These include.
- Cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- Ear infections
- Weight gain
You can monitor these issues through frequent vet visits and proper hygienic care. For their allergies, do ample research before buying food and treats. This will help you know how your dog reacts and which products suitably fit their diets.
A way to prevent ear infections is to clean your dog’s ears often and ensure they are dry. The cockapoo is susceptible to extreme weight gain from overfeeding. This weight gain can lead to further health issues down the line.
Training Your Cockapoo vs Cavapoo
When training either breed, their energy plays a large part. Cockapoos are known to have more energy than cavapoos, which can make it harder to train them. Getting your pup to focus during training is vital.
There are techniques you can use to lower your dog’s energy. This helps when it’s time for training and allows them to focus on the task.
Due to cockapoos’ higher energy and temperament, they can have more issues training must concentrate on than a cavapoo.
Knowing your lifestyle and how involved with the training you want to be can be a big part of your decision-making. It’s best to choose the dog that best fits your lifestyle, or you may have long-term behavior issues with your family pet.
The Adaptability Of a Cockapoo vs a Cavapoo
All dogs tend to react differently when something about their routine changes. In the case of cockapoo vs cavapoo, cockapoos tend to adapt to change easier than cavapoos. This is essential to know if you move around often.
Moving with a pet can place a lot of stress on them. Dogs can take a lot of time to adapt to a new environment. It can affect their eating habits, sleeping habits, and pooping habits.
Knowing that cockapoos adapt easier to change or a new routine is essential. This makes them the better option if you hope to travel often or don’t plan to settle in one location anytime soon.
Either way, you can work with your dog and use techniques to help them adapt to a new routine or location faster.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choosing between a cockapoo and a cavapoo depends on your lifestyle. The breeds are very similar in a variety of ways but also differ depending on what you’re looking for.
They are both fantastic family pets that are good with children. They are also generally healthy and can live for a long time. Their differences are what can help you make your decision.
Cockapoos have much more energy than cavapoos. If you want a dog that requires lots of exercise and playtime, then a cockapoo is the better choice.
If your lifestyle is more relaxed or you don’t have time to take your dog on long walks often then the cavapoo is the better choice for you.
Cavapoos are more relaxed and don’t require as much maintenance as the cockapoo. They are also better with separation anxiety and won’t make much noise when it comes to barking.
As a whole, the kind of lifestyle you hope to live with your family pet will determine which dog is right for you. It’s always best to do your fair share of research into the breed and the breeder before making a lifelong decision.
You will also like:
For more information about the Cockapoo and Cavapoo differences, check out the video below: