When it comes to choosing a dog breed from the vast variety of marvelous canines, the decision sure seems overwhelming. The two breeds in discussion today are the Cavapoo and the Maltipoo. Both of these breeds are known to be friendly, charming, and gentle canines with a cute appearance.

These two hybrid breeds make wonderful family companions and are known for their amazing qualities. Their charming personalities often confuse pet owners when making a decision on which breed to choose for their household.

Read on to learn more about Cavapoo and Maltipoo and their distinctive features and characteristics that set them apart from each other, helping you make the right decision.

Cavapoo vs. Maltipoo: Which One Is Easier To Groom

Parent Breeds & Breeding History

Cavapoo

Cavapoo is a cross breed canine gaining quick popularity in the UK. Their parent breeds are Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Toy Poodle. These small breeds also go by the name Cavadoodle or Cavoodle. First generation Cavapoos were a cross between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Toy Poodle and the second generation was a cross between two Cavapoos.

Maltipoo

Maltipoo is a small designer breed that is a cross between Maltese and Poodle. This small breed is still not common in the UK but are otherwise gaining popularity because of their temperament and hypoallergenic coat type. These canines were developed in the 1960’s but do not have much history but their parent breeds have existed since the Roman times.

Appearance & Size Difference

Cavapoo

Cavapoos combine features of either parent breed. They are small dogs but may be fluffy, woolly, or silk coated. They are enchanting little puppies with dark eyes and drop ears. Their coat comes in a variety of different colors including white, cream, shades of gold, red & tan, black, and chocolate.

The height and build of Cavapoos depend on their exact breeding process. If the cross was between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy Poodle, the breed will turn out to be small and dainty, however, if the cross was between a Cav and a Miniature Poodle parent, the breed will turn out to stockier and tall.

Maltipoo

Maltipoos are known for their cute, teddy bear like appearance with their large, dark, round eyes that shine so bright. Their folded ears hang next to their head. These canines come in various coat colors like white, gray, cream, and apricot. Their appearance and size varies from puppy to puppy.

The Maltipoo comes in four sizes. The teacup, toy, miniature, and standard. Their size depends on how and in what conditions they have been bred.

Grooming, Shedding, & Maintenance

Cavapoo Grooming

Because of their Poodle percentage, Cavapoos are low shedding canines that make them ideal pets for people with allergies. They may have a low shedding coat but they require consistent grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Regular brushing, bathing, and trimming must be a part of their routine to keep them looking maintained, says PetMD.

Eye and ear cleaning and important to prevent infections and clean their teeth to prevent dental issues. It is recommended to brush their hair three times a week. Use a pin brush for Cavapoos with straight hair and slicker brush for small dogs with curlier hair.

Maltipoo Grooming

Maltipoos also have a low shedding coat but they are still high maintenance and require regular professional grooming to maintain their appearance. Every Maltipoo has a different coat type which is why grooming needs differ from dog to dog.

To ensure their skin remains healthy, pet parents must tend to get professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Regular brushing and bathing are essential to prevent skin infections and itching. Clean their ears to keep them wax-free. Tear stains must be removed using a pet-friendly eye cleaner. Provide optimal dental care to ensure healthy teeth.

Temperament & Personality Traits

Cavapoo

Cavapoos are highly affectionate dogs that are loyal with high energy levels. These canines do not do well when left alone and need their favorite humans to be around them all the time. These small companion dogs are family friendly and get along well with other pets in the house or society. They may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

Maltipoo

Maltipoos are known to be well-mannered dogs with a charming personality. Though they are small, these canines act like watchdogs, ready to take down any threats. Maltipoos bark to alert their owners if something does not feel right. They are loving and affectionate with children and are eager to please their humans and form strong bonds with them, says Hill’s Pet.

Intelligence & Training Differences

Cavapoo

Cavapoos are highly intelligent dogs. Don’t be fooled by their size, these canines require consistent training and mental stimulation to stay focused and prevent boredom. These canines have an eager to please attitude which is why they respond well to positive reinforcement training. These canines need mental stimulation in the form of interactive play to make training sessions fun for them.

Cavapoos must be properly socialized from an early age so they get along well easily.

Maltipoo

Maltipoos are highly trainable and intelligent dogs. They get their learning ability and sharp minds from the Poodle genetics. Maltipoo has an eager to please temperament and learn new skills easily. They respond well to proper training that includes positive reinforcement and reward based training.

They may be a bit stubborn and show an independent streak but with the right training and early socialization, they can turn into well-behaved adults.

Exercise & Energy Requirements

Cavapoo

Cavapoos are known to be highly energetic and fun loving. They have moderate energy levels followed by short bursts of energy which can be resolved with divided play time. These canines require at least an hour of exercise that can include daily walks and interactive indoor play.

Cavapoos can play in wet and cold weather but you might wanna be more careful during hot climate as they tend to heat up quickly.

Maltipoo

Maltipoos have low to moderate energy levels which is why they require 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise every day. Their exercise sessions can be divided in short walks and indoor play to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. Exercise is important for them to prevent health issues and keep them happy.

You can take help from our exercise calculator to learn how much exercise these hybrid breeds require everyday.

Health, Lifespan, & Generic Concerns

Cavapoo

These small canines have a lifespan of 10-15 years which makes them your long standing companions. Cavapoos generally are healthy breeds but like other animals, these canines are prone to various health issues that must be put into consideration.

These dogs can acquire gastro problems, ear disorders, patella luxation, and anal gland disorders. Regular vet checkups are recommended to ensure optimal health, says Petplan.

Maltipoo

Maltipoos enjoy a long and healthy life with a lifespan of 12-16 years. If they are provided proper care, these canines stay in good health well into their adulthood. Though they are generally healthy but are predisposed to various health concerns because of their parent breeds. These canines are prone to patella luxation, dental issues, progressive retinal atrophy, and white shaker syndrome.

Regular vet checkups must be ensured to ensure proper care.

Both the Cavapoo and Maltipoo must be adopted from responsible breeders keeping health considerations in mind.

Lifestyle Fit & Ownership Experience

Cavapoo

Cavapoos tend to have a lot of grooming needs but are still low maintenance as their only requirement is to stay close to their owners. These canines are playful, affectionate, and fun and get along well with family members, making them ideal for first time pet parents and any household.

If you’re someone willing to fulfill their grooming commitment, these dogs are the ideal choice for you. They can fit into any lifestyle and household as long as they are provided care, love, and attention.

Maltipoo

According to Purina, Maltipoos will be ideal pets for families with older children who know how to behave around small dogs and can take up their grooming commitment and provide proper care. Because this breed has low energy levels and not a lot of exercise needs, they are ideal for apartment living or small homes with no yards.

They might not be ideal for a young family as little kids can end up hurting these small canines.

Pricing, Availability, & Buying Guide

Cavapoo

Cavapoos are a wonderful dog breed that fit well into most homes and are the perfect pet for the right owners. Considering they are a hybrid breed, these canines are not found easily or should we say responsible breeders are not found that easily.

If you buy these dogs from a breeder they will cost you $1500-3000+ which is why it is recommended that you adopt these pets from a shelter home which costs much less, around $100-750. To adopt these canines you must fill out an application, go through interviews, meet the dog, and finalize paper work.

Maltipoo

Maltipoo dogs are difficult to find. Even if you do find one, these canines must only be bought if produced by responsible breeding to prevent dog scams. If you want to buy these pups from a breeder, it might cost you $1500 or above depending upon the coat color and traits you choose. It may cost extra if you want the puppy delivered to you.

You might be able to find these dogs in shelter and rescue homes and would not have to pay so much but it does take time. The price drops to $200-$600 when adopting these puppies.

Which Breed Is Better For Your Lifestyle?

Cavapoo vs. Maltipoo, which is the best breed for you? When choosing which breed to go forward with, it all comes down to important factors such as your lifestyle and preferences plus the dogs’ needs and requirements of company, nutrition, exercise, grooming, etc.

While both of these breeds are excellent and affectionate canines, well-suited for various households, but they differ in styles, personality, and adaptability.

If you want a playful, social dog with moderate energy levels, the Cavapoo is your perfect match. However, if you’re looking for a smaller dog breed with low energy levels and that requires just your love and attention to thrive, Maltipoos are the ideal choice for you.

Conclusion

Neither of the dog breeds is considered low maintenance when it comes to grooming sessions. Both these canines have coat types that vary from dog to dog depending on their parent breeds. These canines require professional grooming sessions every now and then to maintain their looks.

Not just that but as owners, you must be ready to spend a good amount of time grooming them. If you however, plan to cut their hair short, then that is a different scenario as they’ll be much easier to handle otherwise be ready with your scissors, brush, and swabs to keep them looking charming and well-maintained.