It can be easy to get the Cockapoo, and Cavapoo dog breeds confused. Both are fantastically popular hybrid breeds, and although they share several similarities, there are a few essential distinctions one should be aware of.
Cockapoo vs. Cavapoo
Cockapoos and Cavapoos make excellent companion dogs. Educating yourself on their differences will help you make the right choice for your family and lifestyle.
Here are 10 of the most critical differences explained.
1. Behavior and Temperament Distinctions
The Cockapoo and Cavapoo are superb choices for first-time dog owners looking for an affectionate, easy-going furry friend.
Child Friendliness
Both Cockapoo and Cavapoo breeds are fantastic family-friendly dog options that love the company of children!
Cockapoos may be better suited to a home with children that, like mine, are wildly active. They are well-known for having heaps of energy and needing oodles of exercise and playtime.
Cavapoos, on the other hand, do not have the same degree of energy. Although they are very affectionate towards children, they are much calmer than Cockapoos and enjoy time relaxing with cuddles between play.
Remember that for both dog breeds to adapt and mix well with children and pets, you must invest time in early socialization.
Dealing with Change
The Cockapoo is more adaptable and easy-going than the Cavapoo when it comes to change. A Cockapoo may be a better option for families that move home or go on holiday more frequently.
Cavapoos prefer unchanged environments and are considerably more set in their ways than Cockapoos.
That does not mean that Cockapoos do not suffer from separation anxiety or loneliness. Both breeds are highly social and will struggle when left alone for extended periods.
2. Exercise Requirements
Consider your typical family routine and way of life before selecting a dog breed. If your family is active, loves outdoor activities, or has children with boundless energy, a Cockapoo will suit you well.
Exercising a Cockapoo
Cockapoos require at least 40 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. Where possible, they will be content with even more than 60 minutes. Exercise can be in the form of play, walks, or training.
If this sounds like more time and attention than you have, try picking a different breed.
Cockapoos that do not receive the attention and exercise they need may end up restless and gloomy, leading to undesirable behavioral issues.
Exercising a Cavapoo
Similarly, Cavapoos are also active dogs. Unlike the Cockapoo, they only require 30 – 40 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a light walk, romp, or play in the garden.
Cavapoos are inquisitive dogs and need mental and physical stimulation, but their activity levels are considerably lower than Cockapoos.
3. Appearance
The Cockapoo and Cavapoo are well-loved by allergy sufferers due to their hypoallergenic coats.
Both breeds’ coat types are similar, but they have distinct differences in appearance.
Ears
Cockapoos can have slightly longer ears than Cavapoos. Cockapoos inherit these longer ears from their Cocker Spaniel parent.
Nose
If you look at a Cockapoo’s nose, you will notice that it has a longer, more elongated nose than the Cavapoo. The Cavapoo nose is shorter in comparison – its nose and skull shape resembles that of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Coat Type and Color
The Cockapoos and Cavapoos have similar coat types. Both breeds sport a curly Poodle-like, wavy coat or even straight coat, like that of the Cocker Spaniel or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The degree of curl or wave depends entirely on the inherited genes.
Both breeds come in a variety of coat colors.
Cavapoo Color Variations
Peek at this non-exhaustive list of Cavapoo coat colors: black, white, red, tan, apricot, chocolate, golden, Phantom, and Sable.
A solid black coat is relatively rare for Cavapoos since the Poodle’s black gene is recessive. Pure white Cavapoos are also rare. You will usually find a splatter of color somewhere on their white coat.
Cockapoo Color Variation
Cockapoos come in an equally impressive array of colors: black, beige, white, merle, sable, golden, apricot, red, and chocolate.
There are several tri-color variations, and the color combinations greatly depend on the Cockapoo’s parent’s genes.
4. Grooming
Grooming Cavapoos and Cockapoos can be high maintenance. Both breeds have Poodle genes and can end up with curly coats. Curly coats are harder to groom and maintain than straighter, wavier coats.
If you keep your Cavapoo’s coat in a short teddy cut, maintaining their coat can be pretty low maintenance. If you prefer longer coats, then daily brushing and bi-weekly bathing may be required to keep matts under control.
The Cockapoo’s coat typically grows quickly and requires frequent brushing and grooming to avoid knots and tangles. Brushing their coats daily, especially if on the curlier side, will aid in keeping their coats tangle-free.
5. Size Differences
Cockapoos and Cavapoos can both vary in size. Even though Cavapoos can be the same size or even larger than Cockapoos, they are often smaller.
Cavapoo Height and Weight
Cavapoos are generally considered smaller dog breeds. They typically are an average height of 9 to 14 inches (22 – 36 centimeters) and weigh approximately 8 to 25 pounds (3.5 to 11.5 kilograms).
The size of a Cavapoo is dependent on the size of its Poodle parent.
Here is a quick breakdown of their average heights and weights.
| Breed | Height (Inches) | Height (Centimetres) | Weight (Pounds) | Weight (Kilograms) |
| Cavapoo | 9 – 14 | 23 – 36 | 8 – 25 | 4 – 11 |
Cockapoo Height and Weight
The Cockapoo’s size also depends on its Poodle parent, but they vary more in size and weight than the Cavapoo.
A Cockapoo’s size and weight depend on whether they are a standard, mini, toy, or teacup Cockapoos. The standard Cockapoo is the largest, and the teacup is the smallest.
Here is a quick breakdown:
| Cockapoo Type | Height (Inches) | Height (Centimetres) | Weight (Pounds) | Weight (Kilograms) |
| Standard | 15 – 18 | 38 – 45 | 20 – 26 | 9 – 12 |
| Mini | 11 – 14 | 28 – 36 | 13 – 25 | 6 – 11 |
| Toy | 9 – 10 | 23 – 25 | 7 – 12 | 3 – 5 |
| Teacup | < 10 | < 25 | < 6 | < 3 |
Try to meet your pup’s parents and source reliable breeders. This will ensure that the size Cavapoo or Cockapoo you expect is close to what you end up with.
Is One Breed Better Than the Other for Apartment Living?
Both Cavapoos and Cockapoos are popular choices for families living in apartments. Their smaller size makes them the perfect fit for small indoor spaces.
Please remember that if you live in a smaller space, both breeds still require mental stimulation and frequent outdoor walking to avoid boredom and frustration.
Cockapoos have higher energy needs, so if frequent walks or plays are not possible, perhaps consider a Cavapoo instead. Cavapoos also crave space and attention, but they cope better with less activity than Cockapoos.
6. Health Differences
Fortunately for Cavapoos and Cockapoos, they are generally healthy breeds. The health of your Cavapoo or Cockapoo relies primarily on their inherited genes.
Possible Cavapoo Health Concerns
Cavapoos can suffer from health conditions passed down by their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s parent.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of some common health conditions that may or may not affect your Cavapoo:
- Congenital Heart Defects, most commonly MVD. (Mitral Valve Disease)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Luxating Patellas (Slipping Knees)
- Atopy
- Dental Disease
- Syringomyelia
- Epilepsy
Possible Cockapoo Health Concerns
Cockapoos can also suffer from several health conditions passed down by their Cocker Spaniel parent.
Here too, is a listing of some of the common health conditions to look out for:
- Luxating Patellas
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Problems – Ear Infections
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cataracts and Glaucoma
- Allergies – Food/Pollen
- Rage Syndrome
7. Life Span Differences
The Cavapoo and Cockapoo are both known for their longevity.
Factors such as diet, genetics, and exercise will all play a massive role in the lifespan of your furry friend.
Let’s take a quick look at the numbers.
| Life span (Years) | Age Lived (Longest living of its breed) | |
| Cockapoo | 12 – 18 | 22 |
| Cavapoo | 10 – 15 | 20 |
There is no significant difference in life span between the two breeds. Focus on providing a healthy lifestyle to your furry friend, as this will influence life span more than breed type.
8. Training Differences
The Cavapoo and Cockapoo are intelligent breeds that are relatively easy to train.
Cavapoos and Training
A Cavapoo is somewhat easier to train due to its incessant desire to please. This breed will do anything to praise and to make its owner happy.
Despite this, they are a sensitive breed that does better with positive reinforcement than stern training approaches.
Cockapoos and Training
You may need to be a little more patient when training a Cockapoo. They are intelligent but also absolutely love to play and goof around!
Holding their focus when training can get tricky. Exercising and tiring them out before a training session can help.
9. Which Breed is the Better Watchdog?
The Cockapoo is hands down the better watchdog option if you seek added security.
Cavapoos are Everyone’s Friends
A Cavapoos affectionate nature makes them friendly to almost anyone and everyone. Often, they will view strangers as new friends rather than potential threats.
Cockapoos will Yap at Potential Threats
In contrast, the Cockapoo will bark at strangers or unfamiliar sounds to alert you of potential danger.
Cockapoos are considerably more vocal than Cavapoos. Although this is great from a security point of view, without proper training, the barking may become a nuisance for you and your neighbors.
10. Price Differences
Lastly, but certainly not least important, is price. How much will one of these furry companions cost you?
Cavapoos and Cockapoos are both expensive breeds and are sold at similar prices.
The smaller sizes (teacup or miniature varieties) sell for more than, the larger standard-sized options. There are also no gender price differences.
Cavapoos sell anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000, whereas Cockapoos can sell anywhere between $900 and $2,500 dollars. Not a significant reason to choose one over the other!
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