Choosing the right dog breed is a significant decision, especially when considering friendly and adorable breeds like the Cavapoo and Cockapoo. As an experienced dog parent and a passionate dog enthusiast working with PawsAndTheCityNYC, I’ve seen firsthand how these breeds can bring joy and companionship to their owners.
Cavapoos, a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, and Cockapoos, a blend of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, both offer unique qualities that suit various lifestyles. In this article, “Cavapoo vs Cockapoo: Which Is Right For You?“, we’ll explore their origins, temperaments, grooming needs, living conditions, and costs, helping you make an informed choice for your next furry friend.
Cavapoo vs Cockapoo: Which is Right For You?
The main difference between Cavapoos and Cockapoos lies in their parent breeds, which influences their size, temperament, and grooming needs. Cavapoos, a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, are typically smaller and more adaptable to apartment living, making them ideal for families and individuals seeking a friendly, affectionate companion with moderate exercise needs. Cockapoos, a cross between Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, tend to be more energetic and require more exercise, making them better suited for active families or individuals with more space.
Aspect | Cavapoo | Cockapoo | Who Should Choose |
---|---|---|---|
Origin | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel & Poodle | Cocker Spaniel & Poodle | |
Size | Small to medium (9-25 lbs) | Small to medium (10-30 lbs) | Those preferring smaller to medium-sized dogs |
Appearance | Soft, wavy or curly coat, expressive eyes | Soft, wavy, or curly coat, expressive eyes | Those who enjoy grooming and a cuddly appearance |
Temperament | Friendly, affectionate, good with kids | Energetic, intelligent, social | Families with children, those wanting a loving companion |
Behavior | Playful, adaptable | Playful, outgoing | Those looking for an adaptable pet |
Training | Responds well to positive reinforcement | Highly trainable, eager to please | First-time dog owners, those interested in training activities |
Grooming Needs | Regular brushing, occasional trimming | Regular grooming, more frequent trimming | Those who can commit to regular grooming |
Exercise Needs | Moderate (daily walks, playtime) | High (daily walks, playtime, mental stimulation) | Active individuals or families |
Living Conditions | Adaptable to apartment living | Soft, curly, or wavy coat, long ears | Apartment dwellers or those with limited space (Cavapoo); those with a yard (Cockapoo) |
Health Issues | Potential for heart issues, hip dysplasia | Potential for ear infections, hip dysplasia | Those aware of potential health monitoring |
Cost | $1,200 – $3,000 | $1,000 – $2,500 | Those prepared for initial and ongoing costs |
Lifespan | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
Both breeds are intelligent, social, and low-shedding, but your choice should depend on your lifestyle, living situation, and how much time you can dedicate to grooming and exercise.
About Cavapoo

The Cavapoo, also known as the Cavoodle, is a hybrid breed resulting from the cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. This designer breed emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, primarily in Australia, as breeders aimed to combine the best traits of both parent breeds. The goal was to create a dog with the friendly and affectionate nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle.
Appearance and Size
Cavapoos are small to medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 9 to 25 pounds and standing about 9 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. Their appearance can vary, but they often have a soft, wavy, or curly coat that can come in various colors, including cream, fawn, chocolate, gold, chestnut, and black. Cavapoos have expressive eyes, a cute button nose, and floppy ears, giving them an endearing and teddy bear-like appearance.
Common Personality Traits
Cavapoos are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are incredibly social dogs that thrive on human interaction and are generally good with children and other pets. Cavapoos are playful, adaptable, and intelligent, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques.
They enjoy being involved in family activities and are known to form strong bonds with their owners. Due to their adaptable and loving temperament, Cavapoos make excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike.
About Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is one of the oldest designer dog breeds, originating in the United States in the 1960s. This hybrid breed is a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, combining the best traits of both parent breeds.
Breeders aimed to create a dog with the Cocker Spaniel’s affectionate and gentle nature and the Poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic coat. The Cockapoo quickly gained popularity for its friendly demeanor and low-shedding coat, making it a beloved family pet.
Appearance and Size
Cockapoos vary in size, depending on whether they are bred from a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle. Generally, they range from small to medium-sized, weighing between 10 to 30 pounds and standing 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
Cockapoos have a soft, curly, or wavy coat that can come in a variety of colors, including black, white, buff, cream, apricot, red, chocolate, and parti-color. They are known for their expressive eyes, floppy ears, and a charming, teddy bear-like appearance.
Common Personality Traits
Cockapoos are known for their energetic, intelligent, and social nature. They are highly trainable and eager to please, making them excellent companions for families and individuals alike. Cockapoos thrive on human interaction and are generally good with children and other pets. They are playful, and loving, and enjoy being part of family activities.
Due to their energetic nature, Cockapoos require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Their friendly and outgoing temperament makes them a great choice for active families, singles, and seniors who can provide them with the attention and exercise they need.
Who Should Choose a Cavapoo?
1. Families with Children
Cavapoos are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions for families with young children. Their friendly demeanor ensures they get along well with kids, providing a loving and playful presence in the home.
2. Apartment Dwellers
Due to their smaller size and adaptable nature, Cavapoos are well-suited for apartment living. They don’t require a large yard and can thrive in smaller spaces as long as they get their daily walks and playtime.
3. First-Time Dog Owners
Cavapoos are easy to train and eager to please, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. Their moderate exercise needs and friendly personality make the transition to pet ownership smoother.
4. Seniors and Singles
The Cavapoo’s affectionate and loyal nature makes them ideal companions for seniors and single individuals. They offer companionship and are not overly demanding in terms of exercise, making them manageable for those with a more relaxed lifestyle.
5. People with Allergies
While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Cavapoos tend to shed less due to their Poodle heritage. This makes them a better option for individuals with mild allergies, though regular grooming is still necessary to minimize dander.
Who Should Choose a Cockapoo?
1. Active Families
Cockapoos are energetic and love to play, making them a great choice for active families. They enjoy outdoor activities, long walks, and engaging playtime, thriving in a lively household.
2. Owners with a Yard
Although Cockapoos can adapt to apartment living, they do best in homes with a yard where they can run and play. Their energetic nature benefits from having outdoor space to explore and expend their energy.
3. Experienced Dog Owners
Cockapoos are highly trainable but may require a bit more effort due to their energetic and sometimes stubborn nature. Experienced dog owners who are familiar with training and providing consistent exercise will find Cockapoos to be rewarding companions.
4. Families with Older Children
Cockapoos are playful and social, making them great pets for families with older children who can match their energy levels and participate in their exercise routine.
5. Those Looking for a Social Dog
Cockapoos are incredibly social and thrive on interaction with their human family members. They are excellent for individuals or families who can spend a lot of time with their pets, ensuring they get the attention and engagement they crave.
Cavapoos are perfect for those seeking a smaller, adaptable, and affectionate companion with moderate exercise needs, while Cockapoos are ideal for active families or individuals with more space and time for regular exercise and play. Your choice should align with your living situation, activity level, and how much time you can dedicate to your new furry friend.