The Cavoodle and the Cockapoo: What is the Difference?

May 27th, 2019 by Laura

Last Updated on April 27, 2020

So you have your heart set on getting a Cavoodle, but you’ve found a listing for Cockapoo puppies instead.

They look really similar, so what’s the difference between the two breeds?

Both are bred with a Poodle

The difference between the Cavoodle and the Cockapoo may not be obvious at first glance. While both breeds need to be bred from a Poodle, the difference lies in their Spaniel parents! Cavoodles are bred from Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, while Cockapoos are bred from any Cocker Spaniel. This may seem like a very small difference, but it can mean the world when it comes to behaviours and temperaments in your puppy.

For instance, Cavoodles are much more laid back than their Cockapoo counterparts; a walk a day is ideal, and plenty of snuggles are more than sufficient. Cockapoos need more attention on the whole, as they exhibit more energy than a Cavoodle.

Both have similar style coats

Because both the Cavoodle and the Cockapoo are bred with a Poodle and a Spaniel, this leads to them looking very similar in terms of coat color and type. Both are considered to be hypoallergenic dogs (thanks to Poodle genes), and both can have either a silky Spaniel coat, or a soft curly Poodle coat.

The only real difference between their coats is the colours, with Cockapoos having more colours to choose from.

Cavoodles have a shorter muzzle

This is a visible difference that is best explained with genetics. There is very little difference in height and weight between the Cavoodle and the Cockapoo, as they are both bred from a Poodle and a Spaniel. However, the difference lies in the snout, with Cavoodles rocking the slightly shorter muzzle of the King Charles Spaniel.

Cavoodles are a little easier to train

Both breeds come from the exceptionally intelligent Poodle, but the Cavoodle’s advantage comes from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs are more than happy to please their owner, meaning they are more likely to pick up tricks and have them stick. Positive reinforcement techniques help immensely in this regard.

While Cockapoos can be trained fairly simply, it may take more patience and more time. They have different temperaments and attachments when it comes to their owners, as well as a shorter attention span.

Cavoodles have a low demand for exercise

While this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to walk and exercise your Cavoodle, it does mean that you don’t have to go on very long walks to keep them happy. Cavoodles are fantastic for people who like to stay home more often, or can only do short walks. They also require a smaller yard than their Cockapoo friends.

In comparison, Cockapoos are higher energy, and need to walk more to be sufficiently sated. Longer walks and more athletic owners are preferable as Cockapoo owners, whereas a Cavoodle is a fairly good fit for any type of owner.

Different genetic disorders affect each breed

Unfortunately, furry friends must pass over the rainbow bridge at some point; as owners, it is important to give our four legged friends the best life possible. Cavoodles live up to 15 years if they are well cared for, while Cockapoos live as long as 18 if kept completely healthy. This is still an incredibly long time, especially for small dogs such as these.

It is also important to consider their genetic disadvantages; health risks that each breed can inherit vary between the two. Eye problems are common in both breeds, such as cataracts and blindness. Cavoodles can suffer heart problems and some skin maladies.

Cockapoos, on the other hand, can suffer a life-threatening disease known as Familial Nephropathy, which affects the kidneys of young puppies and ultimately progresses as the dog gets older.

It may seem grim, but a medical screening and regular veterinary checks help ensure that your chosen companion is the healthiest they can be!

While there is a case to be made for both dogs, it ultimately depends on the owner’s personal preference. Cavoodles are fantastic, low maintenance dogs that are easy to train, while Cockapoos are more energetic and require more time.