Today, we’re taking a look at two smaller mixed breeds, and we’re doing a comparison. Obviously, I’m talking about a Cavapoo vs Cockapoo comparison, where we take a look at what’s possible with each of these fairly unique types of mixed breeds.
First, let’s take a look at the two mixes, and see what makes up each of them.
Cavapoo is a mixed breed dog, which has one parent a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and the other a Poodle. It’s a small dog and it’s also known as a Cavoodle in some circles.
Cockapoo is also a mixed breed, where one of the parents is a Cocker Spaniel and the other a Poodle. Also a fairly small dog, it’s also known under names like Cockerdoodle, Cockerpoo or Spoodle.
Cavapoo Cockapoo
Cavapoo vs Cockapoo – Side by Side Comparison
In the Cavapoo vs Cockapoo comparison, we find that in both cases we’re looking at toy dogs, of fairly small size and similar height, weight and lifespan. Since size isn’t that much different, we end up looking at things like looks and temperament to help us make a decision between them.
| Cavapoo | Cockapoo | |
| Height | 11 – 13 inches (28 – 33 cm) | 9 – 15 inches (25 – 38 cm) |
| Weight | 11 – 27 lbs (5 – 12 kg) | 11 – 25 lbs (5 – 11 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10 – 15 Years | 13 – 15 Years |
| Coat | Short to Long Length, Straight or Curly | Medium Length, Wavy, Curly or Silky |
| Shedding | Very little | Very little |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Training | Easy | Easy |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
| Family Friendly | Yes | Yes |
A Bit Of History
Cockapoo: this is a designer breed, which has a history that goes back to the middle of the 20th century, at least as a specially breeded dog, because otherwise there have always been accidental mixes between the two purebreds involved here. In 1998, fans of the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle Mix have founded The Cockapoo Club of America.
Cavapoo: while the original breeds, contributing to the Cavapoo, are old and have been around since forever, this particular mix hasn’t been purposefully bred for a long time. It’s only in the last couple of decades, that the designer dog trend has came to be. Recognition for this mixed dog is coming from ACH Club in US and The Kennel Club.
Appearance, Coat and Maintenance
Each of these two mixed breed dogs is on the small side, with a height of up to 13-15 inches (33-38 cm), while the weight will sometimes reach 25-27 lbs (12 kg). At the same time, these dogs will sometimes be as small as 9-11 inches (25-28 cm), with a weight of just 11 lbs (5 kg). They’re not quite in toy dog category, but they get small enough, and they will be good choices for smaller apartments.
The colors of the coat in either of these dogs can vary quite a bit. You get them both in black, brown, blonde, white or tri-colored. Cockapoos can also come in cream or tan.
In the case of the Cockapoo, we’re looking at a coat which is going to have either tight curls or it will be silky smooth, it all depends on the parent that he gets it from. Grooming is typically needed once every 3 days or so, so that matting is avoided. In some cases, trips to professional groomers will be required.
From the Cavapoo, you can expect to get a bit of variety as well. In some cases, it will be a longer coat, that is silky. In others, you will get it a bit curlier, just like that of the Poodle. It’s not going to shed too much, which means that you don’t have to fuss over him that much, but you can still trim down his hair once in a while. Brushing about once every three days will be enough.
Some of these dogs will be hypoallergenic, getting that low shedding side from the Poodle, and that’s one huge reason why the Poodle mixed breeds are so immensely popular these days.
Temperament – Cavapoo versus Cockapoo
A Cavapoo will be a small dog, which has been designed in time, to be the type that gets along with families, so he is good along children as well, not just adults. Pets in the home aren’t an issue for him either.
These dogs are intelligent and alert, curious about what’s going on around them, but without being aggressive. It can be easily trained and socialized, so he can be turned into a good member of your family.
You need to keep him included as well, it’s not a dog that will do well if left alone, so make sure you don’t ignore his needs.
The Cockapoo is another small dog that can be a very good pet, fun to have around both adults and children. It’s not a problem if you have other pets either.
The Cockapoo is easy to train, being intelligent and cooperative. Keep him a part of the family, give him attention and play with him, and he will be great, full of energy and social.
Whether it’s a territorial dog and aggressive or not, it depends on its training and the kind of guidance he got as a puppy.
As you can see, for the most part these are two very similar dogs, which would do very well as family pets. You can easily train them, and I’d recommend you pay great attention to that, since either of these dogs will be a part of your family for over 10 years.
The Cockapoo is the one that might bring some aggressiveness with him, but it’s not a guarantee, just something that happens for some of them, and training can take care of that.
Health & Lifespan
For both dogs, expect for them to live 10 to 15 years, so it’s a fairly typical lifespan for a pet. In both cases, as hybrid dogs, the problems they might develop in time could come from either of the breeds that make up the mix.
Cavapoo Health Problems
In particular, you can check for Periodontal disease and for ear problems, when it comes to the Cavapoo and its health issues.
The ear problems should be taken care of and checked out regularly, because this is typically a dog with floppy and longer ears, and so ear infections are more of a risk.
As for dental issues, those are just more likely to happen for a small dog in general. You can prevent this problem with teeth brushing, just 2-3 times per week.
Cockapoo Health Problems
The same issues that I’ve mentioned for the Cavapoo above, will be true for the Cockapoo as well, since it’s a similar dog.
Dental disease should be prevented, since it’s more likely for a smaller breed, and you can do that with regular brushing.
With longer ears, the Cockapoo becomes more likely to develop ear infections at some point, and so try to keep that area clean.
Eye conditions are also a bit more likely for these dogs, so watch out for those.
Buying or Adopting – Which Option Is Right For You?
My recommendation would be to try and adopt a dog, and that is true for both breeds.
- The cost is lower, typically a few hundred dollars.
- You give a home to a dog that needs it, and he will appreciate the love.
- You don’t end up paying some puppy mill for a dog.
Now, if you’re set on getting a puppy, and you can’t find one to adopt, then buying one is definitely an option. Expect to have to pay a lot more for one though, maybe even up to $2,500.