Cavapoo vs Maltipoo: Key Differences to Help You Choose

You’ve decided to bring home an adorable little puppy, and the choice has already been made, for the most part: It’s a battle between Cavapoo vs. Maltipoo. Which adorable little furball wins the prize here? Picking just one is a herculean task considering the sheer amount of cuteness and affection both pups bring to the table, and also the fact that they look quite similar for the most part. It gets you almost wondering why they even have the same name. Well, they are indeed two distinct breeds, though with some major commonalities. In this blog post, we’ll cover both their similarities and differences to help assist you in the task of making a choice between the two.

Let’s Talk Cavapoo

A Cavapoo is a cross between the regal Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle (usually a Toy or Miniature). Cavapoos aren’t small dogs, as they weigh somewhere between 12 to 25 pounds and stand at 9–14 inches tall. We didn’t say they were big dogs either. They can thank their Poodle parent for their size as well as a fluffy, hypoallergenic coat, but the silkiness of their fur comes from the Spaniel parent’s side. These dogs are outgoing and get along wonderfully with other pets and children, making them fantastic companions for individuals and families alike. They are moderately active and love their daily walks and playtime, though their exercise requirements aren’t very demanding.

What About The Maltipoo?

Maltipoos, on the other hand, are beautiful small dogs that are a mix of the Maltese and Poodle, either miniature or toy. They come in a much smaller package, weighing only about 5–20 pounds with a height of 8–14 inches. Their curly coat takes much more after their Poodle parent, which again makes them hypoallergenic. They have an equally affectionate and loyal personality, though they lean a little more on the introverted side. They’re friendly, absolutely, but they prefer the chill life, choosing to spend their time indoors relaxing with their family rather than constantly interacting with strangers. As you might have guessed, they are playful but significantly less active compared to a Cavapoo.

Differences Between The Two Breeds

Both dogs share many similarities, but they also have key differences that set them apart. Let’s break them down and highlight which breed might be the better choice for specific scenarios.

• Cavapoos are a lot more outgoing and energetic, whereas Maltipoos prefer a more laid-back, “kick back on the couch and watch a movie” kind of lifestyle, they’ve got quite a personality. Both dogs need their daily walks and a healthy amount of mental and physical stimulation, but for those with a more active lifestyle, Cavapoos would be the better pick.

• Both breeds are equally trainable, but the Maltipoo may require a little more patience. Due to its overall lower energy levels, it cannot stay very active for too long. The Cavapoo, being more eager to please and generally more active, tends to learn quicker.

• Maltipoos are much happier staying indoors, whereas Cavapoos require at least 1–2 hours of exercise a day. This makes Maltipoos a much easier pick for individuals living in an apartment. However, Maltipoos can be a bit yappy, so training to manage their barking is necessary.

Both breeds require regular grooming due to their curly or wavy coats, but Cavapoos may have thicker coats that demand more attention. Maltipoos, with their silkier fur, might require less frequent grooming.

What Is Similar Between The Two

Both the Maltipoo and Cavapoo are designer dog breeds. As the name might suggest, the “poo” that is common between the two breeds’ names is an indication of their shared parent, everyone’s favorite—the Poodle. Thanks to this, both breeds inherit the intelligence and low-shedding fur of the Poodle.

The special fur that comes from the Poodle is hypoallergenic, which is ideal for people with allergies. However, it is important to remember that hypoallergenic does not mean “allergy-proof.” An allergic reaction can still be triggered, so it’s best to test this personally before bringing a dog home.

Furthermore, due to the intelligence inherited from the Poodle, both dog breeds are quite trainable. They learn tricks impressively fast and become obedient dogs. 

Health Considerations for Both Breeds

Another thing to take into consideration the the health problem that, like all dogs, Cavapoos and Maltipoos can inherit from their parent breeds. Bringing a pet home is a major responsibility and it is essential that you, as a future pet parent, are aware of these no matter which breed you choose

Cavapoo Health

Heart Problems: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known to be prone to heart disease, particularly mitral valve disease.

Joint Issues: Cavapoos can inherit joint problems like hip dysplasia or patellar luxation from the Poodle or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Maltipoo Health

Dental Issues: The Maltese breed is prone to dental problems, so regular teeth cleaning is important for Maltipoos.

Eye Problems: Maltipoos can also experience eye issues, like cataracts, as they age.

Both breeds are generally healthy if raised in a well-managed environment with proper care but these are the issues that they are vulnerable towards. 

Conclusion

Choosing between the two is almost like deciding who to sit with during a lunch break when you’re in a group of three friends—how can you possibly pick between your two best friends? But oh well, if you must, we hope this blog has helped you make a choice.

To sum it up in a nutshell: If you’re looking for a medium-sized dog with more energy that loves an active lifestyle, the Cavapoo is an obvious pick. On the other hand, if you prefer a laid-back lap dog to snuggle up with, the Maltipoo will be your personal hand warmer.

FAQs

Do Cavapoos and Maltipoos Get Along with Children and Other Pets?

Both breed of dogs are extremely friends and social to the extent that they’re perfectly fine living with a family including children and other pets.

Do Cavapoos and Maltipoos Shed?

Compared to other breeds, thanks to their hypoallergenic due to their Poodle ancestry, they shed very little.

Do These Breeds Require Different Types of Training?

Both breeds benefit from positive reinforcement training, but Cavapoos might take to training more quickly due to their eagerness to please. Maltipoos can sometimes have a stubborn streak, so consistency and patience are important.

Which Breed Is Better for Allergy Sufferers?

Both Cavapoos and Maltipoos are considered hypoallergenic due to their Poodle ancestry. However, individual dogs can vary, so it’s important to spend time with a puppy before committing if you have allergies.

What Is the Lifespan of a Cavapoo Vs a Maltipoo?

Both breeds have similar lifespans, typically ranging from 12 to 15 years. With proper care, a healthy diet, and regular vet checkups, both Cavapoos and Maltipoos can live long, happy lives.