At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Cavapoo | Cockapoo |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Mixed Breed Dogs | Hybrid Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 9 to 14 inches | From under 10 to over 15 inches |
| Weight | 9 to 25 pounds | From under 6 to over 19 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Cavapoo
Popular in Australia and the UK since the 1990s as a small, low-shedding family dog.
Heart screening of the Cavalier parent matters, because Cavaliers are prone to mitral valve disease.
Health to watch
- Mitral valve disease
- Syringomyelia
- Hip dysplasia
- Addison's disease
- Bloat
The Cockapoo
One of the oldest designer crosses, bred in the United States since the 1950s. In the UK it is usually an English Cocker cross, and it has become one of Britain's most popular dogs.
Its coat can be straight, wavy or curly and needs regular clipping.
Health to watch
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Ear infections
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Addison's disease
Key differences
Where they differ most.
First-time owners
The Cockapoo suits first-time owners better than the Cavapoo.
Good with children
The Cavapoo is better with children than the Cockapoo.
Good with other dogs
The Cockapoo gets on better with other dogs than the Cavapoo.
Shedding
The Cavapoo sheds more than the Cockapoo.
Apartment living
The Cockapoo copes better in an apartment than the Cavapoo.
Copes alone
The Cockapoo copes better when left alone than the Cavapoo.
Which to choose
Cavapoo or Cockapoo?
Choose the Cavapoo if…
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
Choose the Cockapoo if…
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Cavapoo or the Cockapoo?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Cavapoo or the Cockapoo?
The Cavapoo is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Cockapoo can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Cockapoo sheds less than the Cavapoo. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Cavapoo and Cockapoo have?
The Cavapoo is prone to mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, hip dysplasia. The Cockapoo is prone to progressive retinal atrophy, ear infections, glaucoma. Both share a risk of Addison's disease and bloat. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
