Poodle mixes are in high demand these days, and new hybrids with cute names and adorable personalities seem to pop up all the time. Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are two of the best-known examples. Both have a Poodle parent, but a few key differences set them apart.
Goldendoodles, sometimes called Groodles, are a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever, while Cavapoos come from crossing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Poodle. Despite their similarities, the two differ in both looks and behavior.
Both are friendly, outgoing, and playful. Cavapoos tend to have lower energy levels than Goldendoodles, though. Either one makes a loving companion for many homes, but Goldendoodles are usually better suited to active families.
Here are some key differences between Goldendoodles and Cavapoos.
Goldendoodle vs. Cavapoo: Which Sheds Less and Why?
Goldendoodles and Cavapoos are adorable, friendly dogs, but their shedding habits can be different. If you’re wondering which breed sheds less, understanding their coat types and grooming needs can help you choose the right one.
Origins & Purpose
Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The first ones were bred as guide dogs, and the idea dates back to the 1960s, though the dogs didn’t become popular as house pets until the 1990s.
A Goldendoodle can come from a first cross between a Retriever and a Poodle, from breeding two Goldendoodles together, or from breeding a Goldendoodle back to one of the original breeds, as Purina mentions.
Cavapoos are also a designer breed. Because they come from crossing Cavaliers with Poodles, their roots lie in both companion dogs and gundogs. Like Goldendoodles, they can come from breeding two Cavapoos together or from crossing a Cavapoo back to one of its two parent breeds.
Size & Physical Build
Goldendoodles and Cavapoos differ quite a bit in size. Goldendoodles are the larger of the two, and in many cases even the smallest Goldendoodle is bigger than the largest Cavapoo. The biggest Goldendoodles can be several times the size of the smallest Cavapoos.
Wagging tails, teddy bear-like bodies, and cute faces set Goldendoodles apart, especially the Miniature ones. Standard Goldendoodles stand 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh around 50 to 90 pounds. Depending on the Poodle parent, they also come in smaller sizes, including Medium, Miniature, and Toy.
Cavapoos inherit traits from both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, and there is no breed standard. Even puppies from the same litter can look quite different, depending on the genes they inherit. Cavapoos also come in three sizes, Standard, Miniature, and Toy, based on the size of the Poodle parent. Fully grown, they stand 9 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 7 and 30 pounds.
Both can adapt to apartment living, but Cavapoos are usually the better fit thanks to their smaller size.
Temperament & Personality
Goldendoodles and Cavapoos can differ quite a bit in temperament. Both love playing with their humans, but Goldendoodles are the more playful of the two. They’re incredibly loving and loyal, and they enjoy exploring and socializing more than Cavapoos do.
PetMD mentions that Goldendoodles make wonderful family pets. They tend to behave well around cats and children and cherish time spent with their people. These affectionate dogs are also prone to separation anxiety and don’t like being left alone.
Cavapoos are happy little dogs that form strong bonds with their humans and make loving lap dogs. They’re even clingier than Goldendoodles and are often called “Velcro dogs.” They can develop separation anxiety, too, when left alone for extended periods.
Exercise & Energy Levels
Goldendoodles get their energy from their Golden Retriever side. They’re more energetic than Cavapoos and need regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep up with them.
Plan on 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise for physical and mental enrichment. Games of fetch and swimming are great ways to channel that energy in a positive direction.
Cavapoos, on the other hand, are relatively laid-back pooches with lower energy levels. They’re playful, but curling up in your lap is their favorite thing. They need at least half an hour of exercise a day for physical and mental stimulation, which can come from off-leash running, on-lead walks, and games at home.
Training & Intelligence
Both Goldendoodles and Cavapoos are smart dogs, and both tend to be quick learners. Goldendoodles are often considered a little more trainable, though.
Goldendoodles are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes training a breeze. They respond well to positive reinforcement, and consistent training paired with early socialization helps shape their personality.
Cavapoos are intelligent and eager to please, too, so they’re easy to train. They also do well with positive reinforcement and enjoy dog sports like agility.
Grooming Frequency
Goldendoodles come in a few coat types, including curly, wavy, shaggy, and straight (flat). Curly-coated Goldendoodles have tight, Poodle-like curls that need brushing at least two to three times a week. Their low-shedding coat is often described as allergy-friendly, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Doodles with wavy or shaggy coats have a soft, fleece-like look. The coat may seem low-maintenance, but it still needs regular grooming to look its best, and these dogs shed at a low to moderate rate.
Straight-coated Doodles look more like their Retriever parent. As WebMD mentions, flat-coated Doodles have what’s known as an improper coat, with a smooth face and no furnishings. These two coat types shed more often and also need regular grooming.
Cavapoos often inherit a low-shedding coat from their Poodle parent, which can make them a good fit for allergy sufferers, though some have a silky, straight coat like the Cavalier. Either way, regular grooming prevents mats and tangles, so brush your dog at least three times a week.
Health & Lifespan
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are both generally healthy breeds that can stay with you for more than a decade.
Goldendoodles have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. They can be prone to health conditions common in both Golden Retrievers and Poodles, including hip dysplasia, eye issues, heart problems, and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Cavapoos have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Over their lifetime, they may develop hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye conditions, heart disease, dental problems, allergies, syringomyelia, and curly coat syndrome with dry eye (CLM).
Keep in mind that mixed breeds aren’t automatically healthier than purebreds, since they can inherit problems from either parent. Buy from a reputable breeder who focuses on regular health testing and healthy breeding practices.
Goldendoodle vs. Cavapoo: Which one is best for you?
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles have more in common than not, but a few physical and behavioral traits set them apart. They share a Poodle parent, and the right choice ultimately comes down to your personal preference and lifestyle.
Goldendoodles are better suited to active households and do well with singles who are always on the move. Cavapoos are a great fit for anyone looking for a lap dog.
Whichever you choose, both thrive on attention from their pet parents and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long.
Conclusion
Goldendoodles and Cavapoos are both popular designer breeds with a lot in common, but there are some clear differences. Goldendoodles are larger than Cavapoos, and they come in several coat types, while Cavapoos tend to have either a Poodle-like or a Cavalier-like coat.
Both are friendly, loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their humans, and both can develop separation anxiety when left alone for long stretches. Goldendoodles are generally more energetic, while Cavapoos make better lap dogs.
Shedding depends on the coat each dog inherits from its parent breeds. Goldendoodles with curly or wavy coats and Cavapoos with Poodle-like coats usually shed less than other variants. Regular brushing and bathing help keep the coat healthy and shiny.
