Cavapoo vs Maltipoo: Choosing the Perfect Companion

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Posted Sep 23, 2024

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Choosing between a Cavapoo and a Maltipoo can be a daunting task, especially for first-time dog owners.

One key difference to consider is their size: Cavapoos tend to grow up to 14 inches tall, while Maltipoos typically reach 8-12 inches in height. This makes them suitable for different living situations - larger homes are ideal for Cavapoos, whereas smaller apartments can accommodate Maltipoos.

Their coat types also vary significantly; Cavapoos inherit the Poodle's low-shedding and curly hair, whereas Maltipoos have a softer, more hypoallergenic coat.

Expand your knowledge: Cavapoo Coat Types

Appearance and Grooming

Both Cavapoos and Maltipoos can come in a variety of coat colors and types, making them easily confused with one another.

Maltipoos have a longer snout compared to Cavapoos, which is also seen in Malteses and Cavaliers, while Cavapoos inherit longer ears from their Cavalier parents. Additionally, Maltipoos tend to have shorter ears.

Here are some common coat colors found in both breeds:

  • Blenheim
  • Black
  • Black and white
  • Red or ruby
  • Tan or cream
  • Apricot
  • Golden
  • Chocolate
  • White
  • Bi-colors and tri-colors

Maltipoos shed very minimally, regardless of their coat type, due to the Maltese's lack of an undercoat.

Size and Weight

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Both Cavapoos and Maltipoos are pocket-sized pups that come in Toy and Mini sizes, making them perfect companions for city living.

The size of these Doodles is determined by the size of their parent dogs - so if you use smaller parents, your puppies will likely be smaller too. For example, mixing a tiny Maltese with a small Toy Poodle can result in minuscule Toy Maltipoos.

While both breeds are similar in size, Cavapoos tend to be slightly larger than Maltipoos. A Toy Cavapoo weighs between 7-15 pounds and stands at 9-12 inches tall, while a Toy Maltipoo is usually around 5-15 pounds with a height of 6-11 inches.

Here's a comparison chart to help you visualize the size difference:

In terms of weight, Cavapoos usually weigh between 5.4 and 11 kg (12-24 pounds), while Maltipoos typically range from 2.5 to 9 kg (5-20 pounds). On average, a Cavapoo weighs around 18 pounds, whereas a Maltipoo averages about 12.5 pounds.

Lastly, when it comes to height, Cavapoos usually stand between 28 and 45 cm (11-18 inches) tall, while Maltipoos typically reach heights of 25-33 cm (10-13 inches).

Grooming Requirements

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Maltipoos and Cavapoos are both low-shedding breeds thanks to their Poodle heritage.

Both breeds can come in three main coat types: straight, wavy, and curly. However, Maltipoos have a greater advantage when it comes to shedding, with most of them shedding very minimally due to the Maltese's undercoatless trait.

Straight-coated Cavapoos might shed more than their curly or wavy counterparts, as they can inherit the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's double coat. This is still relatively low compared to other breeds, but worth noting for owners who prefer a hypoallergenic pet.

Here are some general grooming requirements for each breed:

Regular grooming sessions can help prevent matting and tangling in both breeds. It's also essential to brush their teeth regularly to maintain good oral health.

Both Maltipoos and Cavapoos require regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to stay healthy and happy.

Health and Wellness

Both Cavapoos and Maltipoos can be prone to certain health issues due to hybrid vigor not being a guarantee against inherited conditions.

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The most common health problems in these Doodles include joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, as well as eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Allergies, sensitivities, digestive issues, and ear infections are also potential concerns.

Maltipoos may be more susceptible to specific conditions like White Shaker Syndrome, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and epilepsy, while Cavapoos might be more prone to heart mitral valve disease (MVD).

If this caught your attention, see: Cavapoo Health Issues

Shedding Allergies

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your life, allergies might be a concern for some people. The good news is that both Cavapoos and Maltipoos are allergy-friendly breeds.

One of the biggest differences between these two breeds when it comes to shedding is that Maltipoos shed none to minimal, while Cavapoos shed moderately. This means if you have severe allergies, a Maltipoo might be a better choice for your family.

The best generations of Cavapoos for allergy sufferers are F1BB, F2BB, F1B, F2B, and F1 / F2 / F3. These generations have a higher percentage of Poodle and therefore a decreased risk of shedding and irritating allergies.

Explore further: Cavapoo Shedding

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Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds' shedding levels:

Keep in mind that genetics can be unpredictable, so even with these guidelines, your Cavapoo may still shed. If allergies are a major concern for you, it's always best to consult with a breeder or veterinarian for personalized advice.

Wellness

Both Cavapoos and Maltipoos are considered relatively healthy breeds due to hybrid vigor, which means they're less likely to inherit common hereditary conditions found in their parent breeds.

However, like all breeds, they can still be prone to certain health issues. Cavapoos may be at a higher risk of heart mitral valve disease (MVD), while Maltipoos are more susceptible to White Shaker Syndrome, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and epilepsy.

Regular veterinary visits are essential for both breeds, with Cavapoos needing check-ups every 12-18 months and Maltipoos requiring visits at least once a year.

In terms of lifespan, both breeds have a similar life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years on average, although some individuals may live up to 18 years old.

Training and Behavior

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Both Cavapoos and Maltipoos are easy to train due to their high intelligence levels inherited from the Poodle side of their lineage.

Their intelligent nature makes them good at obedience trials and they enjoy training and interacting with their owners. They're often food motivated, so having a treat to hand can ensure your dog is always in top form.

Here's a comparison of their trainability:

Both breeds require mental stimulation and exercise, so make sure you set aside time each day for walkies and playtime. This will help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors in your pup.

Personality/Character

Both Cavapoos and Maltipoos are intelligent dogs that enjoy spending time with humans.

They're gentle, loving, and outgoing, making them great companions for families. However, both breeds can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so it's essential to provide plenty of attention and socialization.

Maltipoos tend to be more vocal than Cavapoos, often barking more frequently and showing displeasure if they don't receive enough attention.

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Here are some key personality traits to consider:

Both breeds are sensitive, but they can be trained to manage this sensitivity with early socialization and positive reinforcement.

Cavapoos tend to be more adaptable to changes than Maltipoos, making them a great option for families who like to travel or have changing schedules.

Trainability

Both Cavapoos and Maltipoos are easy to train thanks to their high intelligence levels inherited from the Poodle side of the lineage.

Their intelligence makes them good at obedience trials, and they enjoy training and interacting with their owners. They're often food motivated, so having a treat to hand can ensure your dog is always in top form.

To make the most of their trainability, start training and socializing your puppy from a young age. This will help good manners take root and prevent bad behaviors that can arise from boredom or lack of stimulation.

Here's a comparison of Cavapoo and Maltipoo trainability:

Remember, training is crucial for your dog's mental development. Make sure you provide plenty of mental stimulation throughout the day to prevent boredom and bad behaviors.

In terms of their environment, both Maltipoos and Cavapoos don't require much space and can easily live in apartments. However, it's essential to set time aside each day to take your pup out for walkies and playtime.

Family and Lifestyle

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Both Cavapoos and Maltipoos are great family pets who get along well with children. They love being around humans and crave all the attention they can get from the family.

However, Maltipoos might be a better choice for families with slightly older kids as they tend to be more vocal, which can disturb quiet time that babies need. On the other hand, Cavapoos are generally calmer and quieter, making them suitable for smaller children or larger dogs.

Here's a quick comparison of both breeds in terms of their family-friendliness:

Remember to consider your lifestyle and what you want out of your relationship with your pet when choosing between a Cavapoo and a Maltipoo.

Family Friendly?

Both Cavapoos and Maltipoos are great family pets and get along well with children.

They love being around humans and crave all the attention they can get from the family. However, Maltipoos might be a better choice for families with slightly older kids because they might get a bit vocal, which can disturb quiet time that babies need.

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In addition to that, as Maltipoos are slightly smaller than Cavapoos, very young children may accidentally hurt them. Then again, this also applies to very small Cavapoos.

Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds:

Both Doods are regarded as very family friendly dogs who don’t shy away even from strangers. But the key here is proper socialization to ensure that your pup gets used to people of all ages and all sorts of regular household sights, sounds, and situations.

If you're looking for a calmer and quieter pup, have smaller children in your family, or don't have severe allergies, a Cavapoo might be more suitable.

Cost

The cost of adopting a Cavapoo or Maltipoo can be steep, often ranging from $1500 to $4000, depending on factors like breeder reputation and location.

These prices are determined by various factors, including breeding standards, health testing protocols, and demand in your area. Some breeders even charge more for certain generations of Doodles, coat types, or size.

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Unknowing customers often fall prey to backyard breeders and puppy mills that offer lower prices, but these pups come with serious health conditions that are harder and more expensive to treat.

The ongoing costs for a Maltipoo vs Cavapoo are pretty much the same, but larger pups require more food, which can add up over time.

Comparison and Selection

If you're looking for a guard dog, neither Maltipoo nor Cavapoo is the right choice.

A Maltipoo will do slightly better than a Cavapoo as a watchdog due to their tendency to bark. This might be because they can weigh up to 10 pounds and deliver puppy kisses that are hard to ignore!

Take a look at this: Maltipoo vs Poodle

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Cavapoo a calm dog?

Yes, Cavapoos are known for their calm nature, inherited from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This temperament makes them a great companion for families and individuals looking for a relaxed pet.

Is a Cavapoo a quiet dog?

Cavapoos are generally quiet dogs, but individual personalities may vary. Some Cavapoos may be more vocal than others, so it's essential to spend time with a potential pet to understand its temperament.

What is the disadvantage of Cavapoo?

Cavapoos may be prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, as well as allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify these potential health problems early on.

Dipesh Jha

Senior Writer

Dipesh Jha is a skilled writer with a passion for storytelling. He has a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human emotions, which he brings to life through his words. With a background in creative writing, Dipesh has honed his craft over the years, producing a body of work that is both poignant and thought-provoking.