At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Maltipoo | Cavapoo |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hybrid Dogs | Mixed Breed Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 8 to 14 inches | 9 to 14 inches |
| Weight | 5 to 20 pounds | 9 to 25 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 13 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 Maltipoo
A small companion cross popular in the United States since the 1990s, bred for a low-shedding lapdog.
It is affectionate and often vocal, and does best with company most of the day.
Health to watch
- Dental disease
- Patellar luxation
- Portosystemic shunt
- Addison's disease
- Bloat
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
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Barking
The Maltipoo barks more than the Cavapoo.
Apartment living
The Maltipoo copes better in an apartment than the Cavapoo.
First-time owners
The Maltipoo suits first-time owners better than the Cavapoo.
Exercise needs
The Cavapoo needs more exercise than the Maltipoo.
Easy to train
The Maltipoo is easier to train than the Cavapoo.
Good with children
The Cavapoo is better with children than the Maltipoo.
Which to choose
Maltipoo or Cavapoo?
Choose the Maltipoo if…
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
Choose the Cavapoo if…
- You want a dog that barks less
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
Questions.
Is the Maltipoo or the Cavapoo bigger, and which lives longer?
The Cavapoo tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Maltipoo or the Cavapoo?
The Maltipoo is generally easier to train than the Cavapoo. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Maltipoo or the Cavapoo?
The Cavapoo is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Maltipoo can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Maltipoo sheds less than the Cavapoo. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Maltipoo and Cavapoo have?
The Maltipoo is prone to dental disease, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt. The Cavapoo is prone to mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, hip dysplasia. Both share a risk of Addison's disease and bloat. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
