Breed comparison
Cavapoo vs Cockapoo
Cavapoo or Cockapoo? Both are small Poodle crosses with soft, wavy coats and a lap-dog streak, and both are popular with people who want a friendly companion in a smaller package. The short answer: the Cavapoo is the smaller, mellower, more clingy dog, while the Cockapoo tends to be a bit livelier and more varied in size. Neither cross has a breed standard or AKC recognition, so the parents and breeder matter more than the name, and both need regular grooming and plenty of company.
Photo: BAVhah · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. BetacommandBot assumed… · CC BY 2.5 · via Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
| Cavapoo | Cockapoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 9–14 in (23–36 cm) | 9–16 in (23–41 cm) |
| Weight | 9–22 lb (4–10 kg) | 6–30 lb (3–14 kg) |
| Life span | 12–15 years | 12–16 years |
| Group | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Coat | Soft, wavy to curly or silky; low to moderate shedding, varies by puppy | Soft, wavy to curly; low to moderate shedding, varies by puppy |
| Lower-allergen coat | No | No |
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly to strangers | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| Tolerates being alone | ||
| Good for first-time owners | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Barking | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Trait scale 1–5. Shedding, grooming, barking and drooling: 5 = more. Highlighted rows are where the two breeds differ.
The key differences
Size
Cavapoos run 9 to 14 in (23 to 36 cm) and 9 to 22 lb (4 to 10 kg) in our profile. Cockapoos have a wider range, at 9 to 16 in (23 to 41 cm) and 6 to 30 lb (3 to 14 kg), depending on the Poodle parent. PetMD describes toy Cockapoos at under 12 lb and standard types often over 20 lb. As with any cross, puppies can mature bigger or smaller than expected.
Energy and exercise
The Cockapoo scores 4 out of 5 for energy and exercise, against 3 for the Cavapoo. PetMD describes the Cavapoo as low-key and needing light to moderate exercise, and the Cockapoo as moderate, needing a couple of walks a day plus play such as fetch or swimming. Both do well in apartments (4 out of 5). Mental games help both, and our guide on how much exercise a dog needs helps you set the baseline.
Coat and grooming
Both score 4 out of 5 for grooming and 2 for shedding, so neither is low-maintenance. PetMD suggests brushing a Cavapoo about three times a week with grooming every six weeks, and professional grooming for a Cockapoo every four to six weeks. Soft wavy coats mat behind the ears, under the legs and around the collar. Neither cross is guaranteed hypoallergenic.
Temperament and training
Both are affectionate (5 out of 5), good with kids (5) and trainable (4). The Cockapoo is the more playful of the two (5 versus 4) and barks a little more (3 versus 2). The Cavapoo has the Cavalier's gentle, clingy nature. PetMD flags separation anxiety as a concern for both crosses, and both score 1 out of 5 for tolerating time alone.
Health and life span
Cavapoos typically live 12 to 15 years and Cockapoos 12 to 16 years, and a mix does not guarantee good health. PetMD lists hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye conditions, mitral valve disease and uncommon syringomyelia for the Cavapoo. For the Cockapoo it lists cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, obesity and skin allergies. Ask any breeder for heart and eye test results on both parents.
Cost and care
Grooming is the main ongoing expense for both, with professional visits every four to eight weeks. The Cavapoo may need more vet attention for heart disease if a Cavalier parent carries it. Both crosses suffer in a lonely home, so budget for a walker or daycare if you work away from home.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Cavapoo if you want a smaller, calmer, lap-loving dog for a quiet home, and you are prepared to ask hard questions about heart health in the Cavalier parent. Choose the Cockapoo if you want a slightly bouncier, more athletic small dog with more size options, and you can give it a bit more daily exercise. Whichever you pick, meet the parents, ask for health test results and plan on regular grooming and companionship, because both struggle when left alone for long stretches. A good breeder will welcome those questions and tell you honestly which parent each puppy takes after.
Cavapoo profile Cockapoo profile
Frequently asked questions
Which is smaller, a Cavapoo or a Cockapoo?
Usually the Cavapoo, at 9 to 22 lb (4 to 10 kg) in our profile. Cockapoos range from 6 to 30 lb (3 to 14 kg) depending on the Poodle parent.
Are Cavapoos or Cockapoos hypoallergenic?
Neither is guaranteed. Coats vary from puppy to puppy, and no dog is truly allergen-free. If allergies matter, spend time with the specific dog first.
Which is more energetic, a Cavapoo or a Cockapoo?
The Cockapoo, at 4 out of 5 for energy against 3 for the Cavapoo. Both still enjoy walks, play and plenty of company.
