Cockapoo vs Cavapoo: What’s the Difference?
On the surface the Cavapoo and Cockapoo appear to be very similar dogs. The both have a small Poodle parent, wavy fur and floppy ears. They are likely to be lower shedding than your average pup, and their wide eyed gaze shows off a surprising level of intelligence. But these outgoing, friendly canines do have some differences that might just make one of them a better pet than the other.
Comparing the Cavapoo vs Cockapoo
At a glance, the Cavapoo and the Cockapoo are very similar. However, they’re not the same. Here are some of the key differences between these breeds.
| Cavapoo | Cockapoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 9 to 14 inches 9 to 25 pounds |
10 to 15 inches 6 to 19 pounds |
| Coat/Hair Type | Short, curly or wavy that is soft to the touch with proper grooming | Straight, wavy, or curled coat |
| Colors | Cream, fawn, brown, gold, chestnut, white. It may be solid, dual-colored, or tricolored. | Variety of colors, typically cream, white, chestnut, or fawn |
| Temperament | Friendly, affectionate, laidback | Friendly, playful, affectionate |
| Trainability | Moderate | Moderate |
| Life Expectancy | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy Levels | Moderate | Moderate |
The Genetics
One of the most important differences between the Cavapoo vs Cockapoo is their parent breeds. Both dogs are mixed breeds, which means that their parents are two separate breeds.
For the Cavapoo, their parent breeds are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. Other names for this sweet mixed breed dog include various combinations of those two breeds, including Cavadoodle and the Cavoodle.
However, the Cockapoo is the mixture of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. While they’re mostly known as Cockapoo, you may also hear them called Cockerpoos.
Because the Cockapoo’s parent breeds are so similar to the parents of the Cavapoo, there are a lot of similarities between these two dogs. However, since the Cavalier is not the same as the Cocker Spaniel, you’ll find just as many differences – including the others on this list!
Are They Different Sizes?
Because they have different parents, the Cavapoo and Cockapoo are different sizes. Assuming the same type of Poodle parent, a Cockapoo will usually be slightly larger. But not by a lot!
A Cavapoo can weigh anywhere from 11 to 22 pounds and can reach from 11 to 17 inches tall. The exact measurements depend a lot on what type of poodle the cavapoo is descended from. Those that were bred from toy poodles will be smaller than those bred from mini poodles.
On the other hand, a cockapoo usually reaches between 10 to 15 inches tall and weighs anywhere from 12 to 24 pounds.
Personality
One of the most popular points of the Cavapoo vs Cockapoo is their personalities. Both the Poodle and different breeds of Spaniels are known for being loyal to their owners with affectionate personalities. The Cavapoo and the Cockapoo embody these traits well.
However, while both of these mixed breeds are fairly similar in terms of personality and temperament, the Cockapoo is more likely to suffer from anxiety compared to the Cavapoo. This means that you may wish to consider the Cavapoo over the Cockapoo if you plan to spend an abundance of time away from home, such as a busy job or schedule. Cockapoos may need more reassurance during heightened times of sensitivity as well, such as during storms.
Cavapoo vs Cockapoo Coat
The Cavapoo and Cockapoo are both considered low shedding and can do well for those with mild dander allergies.
The Cavapoo’s coat can vary widely. Some will look similar to a Poodle, while others will look more like a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Coat colors can be anything from brown to white to black. Some will have solid coats while others will be tricolored.
The Cockapoo’s coat varies a little less in texture, but just as much in color. They can be red, white, beige or anything in between. Some have spots; some do not. Others have bridles while some even have tuxedos.
Differences in Grooming
Because both the Cavapoo and the Cockapoo share the Poodle as a parent breed, their coats have a lot of similarities – including that they’re often regarded as hypoallergenic and shed-free! However, despite a shared parent, these mixed breeds have slightly different grooming needs.
Although neither is high maintenance, the Cavapoo is considered more low maintenance than the Cockapoo. As mentioned above, the Cockapoo may be more prone to shedding depending on which parent traits it demonstrates the most. However, while this may require a bit of extra brushing throughout the week, both tend to be fairly easy to groom.
Which Dog Is Friendlier?
Generally speaking, Cavapoos are gentle and loving dogs. They usually get along well with smaller children and are regarded as great family pets. They love the company of humans and can get very attached to their companions.
As puppies, they do not react to training very well due to their short attention span, but this becomes easier as they get older.
Cockapoo are considered friendly like the Cavapoo, but are affected more by separation anxiety. They do not do well home alone. They are also more active and require more exercise than a Cavapoo. However, this can make them better suited to owners with a more active lifestyle.
Variations In Health
Due to hybrid vigor, both of these breeds are generally healthy, although Cockapoo dogs usually live longer than Cavapoos. They typically live to be around 14-18 years while a Cavapoo usually only lives 13-15 years.
Both are not prone to many health problems, though eye, ear and joint problems have popped up in both breeds.
The Cavapoo also has the potential of suffering from syringo myelia like it’s Cavalier parent. A terrible disease that needs an MRI to screen for in adulthood. For this reason I would only buy a Cavapoo puppy whose Cavalier parent had been confirmed as clear.
Are Cockapoos and Cavapoos Easy to Train?
When it comes to cockapoos vs cavapoos, the main question you may have is : What is the difference between the two personality traits of these dogs??
Both dogs’ temperaments are inherited from poodles, cocker spaniels (cockapoos), and cavalier King Charles spaniels (cavapoos). As a result, temperaments might differ from one dog to the next.
Poodles and poodle crosses are recognised for their intelligence and devotion, and they were initially developed as retrieving gun dogs.
This dog is brilliant, placing just behind border collies in dog intelligence rankings, which means they are simple to teach but can be a little quick to reconsider their owners.
In general, the cavapoo is easier to train, but this may not be easy with pups!
Because of their limited attention span, they are difficult to train at a young age. However, rest confident that this will improve as they age.
Cavapoo training is easier for people who are less confident in their training abilities since these dogs learn the basics faster than cockapoos.
Cockapoos are similarly simple to teach. However, they require more patience because they take longer to learn the fundamentals of what you want them to perform.
Should I Get a Cockapoo or a Cavapoo?
Despite appearances, there are a number of differences between these breeds.
Cavapoo are more laid-back and do not require as much grooming. But health testing is essential, especially on the Cavalier side of the family.
Cockapoo are more active and might make a great pet if you have an active lifestyle. But, they also do not stay home alone well and can quickly develop separation anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Despite being similar in many ways, the Cavapoo and Cockapoo have just enough differences to make them unique. For instance, the Cavapoo is a bit more laidback and independent than the Cockapoo. However, with the right attention and training, both mixed breeds could be the right addition for any family as long as they’re adopted from an ethical and careful breeder.
