Let us start by comparing the Cockapoo and Cavapoo traits to see which one will fit into your family. Whether you want a Cockapoo or Cavapoo, they are both fantastic breeds. They have such unique personalities and excellent temperaments. Both of these small Doodles are the perfect companion dog. But which one is right for you?
Origins
Before we get started comparing these Doodles, we must first look into how they originated. The origins can give us a better idea of how these Doodles will behave. All Doodles are half Poodle. The Standard Poodle is a hunting dog in water sport. Their intelligence and loyalty lead people to start developing smaller versions to be the perfect companion.
Cockapoos are also half Cocker Spaniel. Spaniels are also a hunting breed and are known to have a gentle heart. Cocker Spaniels have a mild temperament and are loyal to their families. They love to cuddle as much as they like to play. The first Cockapoo was developed in the 60s to be the perfect buddy to many Americans.
The Cavapoo is half Cavalier King Charles. The Cavalier is a very people-oriented dog that people initially used for hunting. This breed transformed, however, during WWII and became more of a lap dog. The Cavapoo traits align more with this picture as they first entered the scene in the 50s. The Cavapoo is perfect for people who are home a lot and enjoy caring for their dogs.
Temperament
Now that we know some of the back histories of these dogs, we can better analyze them.
Some Cockapoo traits include sweet, loving, and friendly. Cockapoos also enjoy all people and even strangers. They are highly intelligent and active little dogs. Cockapoos don’t require anything unusual and are suitable for all owners. They are also great with kids when appropriately socialized and from a young age. While they might seem to have a lot of energy, they are very attached to their owners. No activity is better than being right next to your owner, cuddling.
The Cavapoo temperament is very friendly and affectionate. They love being right at your heels for most of the day. They actually prefer to be in human company at all times. Cavapoos are also highly intelligent and love to play games and puzzles with their families. They do wonderfully with kids of all ages and form strong bonds with them as well. These dogs do best in homes where there is someone around at all times. Cavapoos develop extreme separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Energy Levels
Cockapoos are a moderate energy level dog. They enjoy walks at least once a day with some playtime in between. When Cockapoos are smaller, they will have that high puppy energy. But this goes away quickly. You won’t have to worry about making sure that you take several walks a day unless you want to.
Cavapoos, by contrast, are a high energy dog. They will need at least two short walks a day with plenty of playtime. Cavapoos have a lot of energy, but they use most of it to chase after you. So if you have a more active lifestyle, the Cavapoo is perfect for you. They love many of the same outdoor activities that we love and can keep up well.
Trainability
When comparing the Cockapoo vs Cavapoo, they are both equally trainable. They are both eager to please and therefore catch on quickly to commands. If you use positive reinforcement and lots of praise, your dog will be well behaved. Both breeds easily housebreak and learn a variety of commands and tricks. They may even enjoy things like agility training to help burn some energy.
Both the Cockapoo and Cavapoo also do well when you give them lots of mental stimulation. They love puzzles and games to play with them. These are also excellent training exercises for when you are away. It will give them something to accomplish while you are away. Remember, though that these dogs are smart, so the more they perform a puzzle, the faster they solve it.
Coat Type
Doodles are so famous for their hypoallergenic coats. That means that there is little to no shedding with both of these breeds. And because both of these dogs are bred with only hypoallergenic coats, there is no chance of getting one that sheds. Hypoallergenic coats are great for many reasons. They are suitable for people with asthma or seasonal allergies. The low shedding coat also means less cleaning around the house.
Cockapoos coat can either be straight, wavy, or curly. Curlier coats have virtually no shedding at all. One of the Cockapoo traits that most people don’t realize is that they have a puppy coat. This puppy coat will shed or “blow out” to make room for their adult coats.
Cavapoos can have either a wavy or curly coat. They also have a puppy coat that will eventually shed away, but they remain soft and fluffy still. Most owners say that Cavapoos shed so little that they never notice it at all.
Grooming
While these dogs might have a hypoallergenic coat, they also have a high-maintenance coat. Since both of these dogs have similar hair types, they require the same amount of grooming.
To begin, you will need to invest in a comb, slicker brush, and dematting rake. You will need to comb and brush your dog daily to prevent any tangles. When you run into a knot, and you will, it is best to be very gentle. Using the dematting rake to break up the tangle from the end to the root is best. If you have a more active lifestyle, you will need to be very diligent.
Keeping your dog’s hair trimmed is also vital for their health. We recommend taking your Doodle to the groomer every 6-12 weeks for a haircut. This frequency will prevent their hair from matting close to the skin. It can also help them to feel fresh and clean, which is also an essential part of their health.
Size And Lifespan
When it comes to size and lifespan, both the Cavapoo and Cockapoo are almost identical. Cavapoos are slightly larger, weighing between 12-25 pounds, and Cockapoos are 12-24 pounds. Sizes of these dogs greatly depend on what size the Poodle is. If the Poodle is toy-sized, they will produce smaller puppies.
Cavapoos have an average lifespan of 13-15 years, and Cockapoos are 12-15 years. But, it is not uncommon to see these dogs live much longer. With great care, breeding, and regular vet visits, your dog could live many more.
Medical Conditions
Knowing what your dog is prone to can help you in many ways. It can help you better decide what type of dog insurance to get. And if you can afford any of these common illnesses, should your dog develop them. If you know what to look for, it can also help you pick the best breeder according to health tests.
Cockapoos can be prone to:
- Eye disease and cataracts
- Genetic joint defects
- Spine problems
- And Allergies
Cavapoos are prone to:
- Neurological disease
- Heart disease
- Skin conditions
- And joint damage
Most of these conditions are due to poor breeding. Both the Cockapoo and Cavapoo are very prone to come from backyard breeders and mills. When you have too many generations of poor breeding, it can make it hard to find healthy ones.
It takes a lot of homework to figure out if you have the best breeder for your dog. These dogs are very well-bred if done correctly, but they do cost a bit extra.
Cost
When it comes to the price point, the Cockapoo costs a little more. Cockapoos cost $1,100-$2,000 while Cavapoos cost $1,200-$1,800. This price can change depending on where you live and how well they are bred. Just remember that higher-priced doesn’t always mean better bred. Bad breeders everywhere dupe owners into thinking that they have healthy puppies because of price.
Never purchase from a breeder until you have seen a clean breeding facility. The next step is to see the parents of the litter you will be choosing from. You will want to spend some time to make sure that they have sound temperaments and look healthy.
Then you will want to see the DNA and vet certification that these dogs are a good match. If you take these steps, you will increase your chances of a healthy, happy dog ten-fold.
And there is always the option of adoption. Both of these breeds are common enough to find in your local shelters. You won’t have the health guarantees as with a breeder, and adoption isn’t for everyone.
Comparing Cockapoo vs Cavapoo (Summary)
These two breeds are very similar, but they have unique traits. The Cockapoo traits are more for laid-back people. While the Cavapoo traits are for more active people who are home a lot, they can both make great pets for first-time dog owners, and they are even better for seasoned owners. Which one will you choose?