The Cavapoo and Goldendoodle are two different Poodle hybrids with several similarities and differences. They’re Poodle mixed with other well-known dog breeds: Cavalier Spaniels and Golden Retrievers. The main genetic quality that Poodles have that this breed doesn’t shed and is hypoallergenic. Oftentimes, both the Cavapoo and Goldendoodle will be mostly nonshedding and pet allergy-friendly.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has big ears and even bigger personalities for their small size. They’re awesome pets that are great with children and other dogs when they are properly socialized. They can hear from a mile away and will remind you of a puppy even when they’re all grown up. You can definitely expect some barking.
Golden Retrievers are another great dog breed, both in terms of popularity and family-friendliness. Golden Retrievers bred with Poodles make unparalleled companions for families and almost all households. They get their energy from the Poodle side and their more relaxed easygoing personality from the Golden Retriever. At this point, the Goldendoodle is basically a household name as they are one of the most popular crossbreed dogs in the world.
Here’s a quick summary of the Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle. Please read more in-depth details below.
Cavapoos are significantly smaller in size than a Goldendoodle. They can be compared to a miniature Goldendoodle but would dwarf in size compared to a standard Goldendoodle.
Cavapoos will typically have a longer lifespan because they are a smaller breed of dog when compared to a Goldendoodle. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs.
It’s more likely that your Cavapoo will come in multiple coat colors. While it’s certainly possible for a Goldendoodle to have multi-colored coats, it’s almost standard on a Cavapoo.
Both the Goldendoodle and Cavapoo will require weekly grooming in order to keep their fur untangled and unmatted. You should expect to regularly brush these dogs, clean their ears, cut their nails, and give them baths. Every 6-12 weeks you will also have to give them a haircut because they don’t shed.
What is the Cavapoo?
Cavalier Saint Charles Spaniels are small dogs that pack a punch in terms of vocalness and energy. They’re surprisingly good at fetching and come with tons of energy for such a small dog. In addition, they’re also loyal and eventually settle into a much more “couch potato” rhythm as they age.
Cavapoo Vs Goldendoodle Best Breed Comparison
The Cavapoo is energetic for a small dog because they come from two working dog breeds. They perform basic commands with ease and get their high intelligence from the Poodle. If you’re looking for a dog without as much intelligence or one that can be left alone often, this may not be the choice for you.
With the right amount of attention and physical exercise, this is a perfect breed for the whole family. It’s one of the smallest hybrids Doodle breeds meaning you can still have the benefits of a small dog with Poodle characteristics.
What is the Goldendoodle?
Goldendoodles are blends of Poodles and Golden Retrievers but are distinctly their own hybrid breed. Their silky fur can’t be compared to any other breed, and they inherit superior genetic qualities from both parent dogs. They typically look like teddy bears with their nonshedding and hypoallergenic coats.
Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle Breed Comparison
Their silky fur and lovable personalities have made them a widely-known and lovable breed for decades. When bred with a Standard Poodle, the result is a tall but lanky Goldendoodle that just wants to please and spend time with their owners.
This classic crossbreed dog already has classification in several organizations after being bred for utility and as a companion pet. The Goldendoodle makes every home or condo seem perfect for a dog, even if its inhabitants are allergic to dander. They come in multiple sizes and coat colors!
Goldendoodle vs Cavapoo Temperament
The Goldendoodle has tons of energy which is illustrated by their willingness to go on runs and walks. If they aren’t properly exercised then they will potentially wreak havoc if they’re not walked regularly. However, Goldendoodles are friendly and confident meaning that no dogs or humans in the park will be off-limits. Also, this breed is very smart and can become needy if they don’t feel properly engaged mentally.
Cavapoos, also known as a Cavoodle, are slightly less energetic, preferring the couch potato life to running around excessively. However, as puppies, they may have a ton of energy and should calm down as they age. They’re even more attached to one or two of their most beloved humans and show their affectionate side with cuddles and snuggles. Lastly, the Cavapoo is very sociable with other dogs and is most happy in a house with other pet friends. When socialized, they get along well with children, strangers, and almost all humans.
Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle Size: Which is Bigger?
Cavapoo dogs have a short overall stature and only stand 9 to 14 inches. This large gap means that they truly depend on the genetic traits they receive from each side of their mix. In general, if they inherit more Poodle genetics, they will stand taller which is why there is such a wide variation of heights. They also have a large weight range of between 9 and 25 pounds in adulthood, a reflection of the vast differences between the parent breeds.
Goldendoodles are much larger animals with an average height of 20 – 26 inches. Their average weight is also much bigger at 30-45 pounds, assuming they don’t have any weight problems. This cross-breed looks even bigger because of their hair, which can be long and fluffy depending on the hairstyle. Since Goldendoodles are such a popular dog breed though, there are three standard sizes:
Medium Goldendoodle: Typically weighs between 30 and 45 pounds and stands approximately 19 to 22 inches.
Mini Goldendoodle: Typically weighs 15 to 30 pounds and stands approximately 14 to 19 inches.
Standard Goldendoodle: Typically weighs between 45 and 80 pounds and stands approximately 23 to 25+ inches tall.
In terms of size, a Cavapoo will be similar in size to a miniature Goldendoodle. However, a medium and standard Goldendoodle will be much bigger than a Cavapoo.
Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle Life Span
When it comes to the Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle lifespan, the smaller Cavapoo does have a slight edge in this area. As a general rule of thumb, smaller dogs tend to outlive larger pups by a few years.
The average lifespan of a Cavapoo is between 12 and 15 years, whereas Goldendoodles tend to live between 10 to 15 years on average.
With that being said, you can greatly increase your dog’s quality of life and lifespan with a healthy lifestyle. Make sure you feed your pup a correct amount of high quality dog food, provide them plenty of exercise, give them lots of cuddles and kisses, and keep their overall stress levels at a minimum.
Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle Appearance
Cavapoos have floppy ears like the Cavalier Spaniel, but thanks to the Poodle genes they’re much larger and have beautiful wavy or curly coats. The coloration can differ from pup to pup and litter to litter, however they tend to be brown or golden, apricot, or red with white on the chest. Their face definitely favors the Cavalier side, with a shorter snout and floppy ears.
Goldendoodles are bigger than Cavapoos in every way: height, weight, and limb length. Their legs are very long, perfect for running around and fetching. Goldendoodles have shorter ears and a shorter snout than Cavapoos. Also, these hybrids tend to have a steadier coloration with less variation from dog to dog. Goldendoodles come in several colors including golden, apricot, red, cream, chocolate, and parti.
Goldendoodle vs Cavapoo Health
Goldendoodles suffer from Hip Dysplasia at high rates, which can cause slipping joints that worsen over time. In addition, Goldendoodles can suffer from a specific heart disorder, Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis, which can also cause problems later in life for these pups. Lastly, their eyesight may be impaired by cataracts that cloud their vision and tinge their eyes a cloudy blue.
Cavapoos have heart issues, as well, specifically mitral valve disease. In addition to cardiovascular issues, these dogs can suffer from brain-related diseases like cerebellar biotrophy, which is a very serious ailment. Their joints are prone to dislocation and slipping, especially in the kneecap and the hip.
However, we will say that crossbreed dogs are generally very healthy due to a genetic trait called hybrid vigor. This means that they will usually be healthier than any of their purebred parent dogs. This is because purebred dogs breeds with the same bloodlines and continually pass down genetic diseases. By crossbreeding to a Cavapoo or Goldendoodle, you mix genetic traits and prevent genetic diseases unless both parents are carriers.
Goldendoodle vs Cavapoo Grooming
The Cavapoo needs grooming on a regular basis, usually haircuts every other month, in order to avoid excessively long and tangled hair. Just like the Cavapoo, the Goldendoodle can’t go without haircuts for any significant amount of time. Remember, these dogs typically don’t shed so you will have to groom them often.
As friendly dogs, they’re usually well-behaved at the groomer and can be trained to endure grooming for long periods of time. Both the Cavapoo and Goldendoodle can also be groomed at home, as long as you possess the exact tools and skills needed for this delicate process.
Aside from haircuts, you will need to regularly brush these dogs to prevent mats. In addition, you will need to cut their nails, clean their ears, and brush their teeth.
Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle Training
Goldendoodles are extremely smart and easy to train with basic commands and even advanced tasks. This quality of intelligence is a product of both the Poodle as well as the Golden heritage of the breed. These two purebred dogs train well and will learn almost any command if you take the time to teach them. It’s worthwhile to train your Goldendoodle because they can listen to you in emergency situations.
Training is also necessary for the Cavapoo, although they’re not quite as intelligent as the Goldendoodle. Cavalier Spaniels are known as only moderately intelligent, which means they can learn to follow basic commands. The Cavapoo is semi-smart and can definitely be potty trained and taught to sit and stay, although more advanced commands are tougher.
Goldendoodle vs Cavapoo Costs
Like any other designer breed dog, these pups don’t come cheap. When comparing the Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle cost, they’re both in the same price range of about $2000 and $4000 for a puppy. Some ethical breeders even charge as low as $1500, but usually no less than that.
Of course, the price is determined by a variety of factors, such as your location, the breeder’s reputation, genetic guarantees, health testing protocols, demand, and even what coat type or size of Doodle you’re after.
It’s important to note that although you might get your hands on a Doodle puppy at a much lower price point, you don’t want to adopt from an unethical breeder or a puppy mill. So, be sure to do your research and only support reputable breeders who thoroughly screen their breeding dogs.
In addition to the initial costs of adopting a dog, you’ll also want to consider all the daily necessities and other supplies your pup needs. First, you’ll have to prepare your home with food and water bowls, a dog bed, a crate, toys, and so on. Then you’ll also want to factor in the ongoing expenses on food, veterinary care, trips to the groomers (or the investment in good quality grooming tools in case you decide to do this at home), and training.
Final Thoughts
The Goldendoodle or Cavpoo will make great family dogs. However, there are several differences between the two dog breeds – most notably size. Cavapoos are going to be a lot smaller than the average size Goldendoodle. Thus, since they are smaller dogs they will typically live longer. Moreover, the Goldendoodle comes in a variety of coat colors but the Cavapoo is typically a bi-color coat. We hope that you learned something today! Will you choose the Cavapoo or Goldendoodle?
