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cockapoos vs cavapoos

Cockapoo vs Cavapoo - Comparing The Breeds

Written by Ryan Gliozzo

Index:

A Cockapoo or a Cavapoo, that is the question. Both beautiful crossbreeds, but which one is for you? This blog explains their different characteristics and individual personalities so you can decide for yourself.
A cockapoo and a cavapoo

Introduction

Cockapoos (or Cockerpoos) are the offspring of a hybrid between a Cocker Spaniel and a poodle. Cavapoos, on the other hand, come from crossbreeds of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.

The Cockapoo is a somewhat larger dog, whereas the Cavapoo is a smaller dog (not by much though). Both are sociable dogs with little shedding, due to the poodle gene.

Many also have lovely, curly coat types. Cockapoo colours and Cavapoo colours come in a variety of shades, which can change as they grow.

Their cuteness is their main draw as they can resemble little teddy bears. Most people think their noses look like little buttons.

The reality is, these noses are actually buttons, and, if pressed lightly, give off feelings of happiness and joy.

In this post, we will compare the Cavapoos and Cockapoos, examining their breed and other flairs to assist you in deciding which dog breed is best for you and your family.

Cavapoo vs Cockapoo – Which poodle mix is right for you?

cockapoo running on grass

If you're looking for a dog, you may have come across the question of Cavapoo versus Cockapoo. Are there any differences? They are both mixed-breed canines belonging to the Spaniel breeds and Poodle families.

This gives them characteristics from two separate breeds.

If you're searching for a dog that requires less attention overall, try a Cavapoo; they require less grooming, train faster, and don't demand as much attention from their owners as Cockapoos do. Cavapoos also suffer less from separation anxiety.

Overall, the Cavapoo temperament is near-perfect as a family dog, and they're one of the more intelligent breeds.

However, if you have an active family and want a friend that will be the life of the party, a cockapoo is an excellent choice.

They have a high energy level, are very loyal and loving, and they immediately bond with their owners (and miss them while they are gone)—ideal for the busy family who enjoys taking their pets everywhere.

Whatever breed you pick, you'll have a healthy and family-friendly companion who will be around for years to come.

Which breed is smaller in stature – Cavapoo vs Cockapoo?

close up of cavapoo

When it comes to dogs, size is important. And always something to be considered when choosing a dog of any breed. If you don't have a large enough home or garden, you may be trapped with a huge animal with nowhere to go.

Fortunately, both of these dogs are on the smaller side, but you may have a choice for how large or heavy your new family member is. Of course, genetic inheritance has a significant role in the size of any dog, although there are some noticeable variances in general comparisons.

The Cockapoo is generally the larger of the breeds compared to a Cavapoo, although not by much. Cockapoos are likely to grow from 11-17" long and weigh 11-25lbs.

This places them in the medium-small group; they aren't as little as Chihuahuas or teacup breeds, but they aren't as huge as Labradors and Alsatians.

Cavapoo, on the other hand, stands 9-14" tall and weighs 12-22lbs. So while the numerical difference isn't significant, in terms of actual size, a Cavapoo is shorter and rounder than a Cockapoo.

Are Cockapoos and Cavapoos easy to train?

puppy running across grass

When it comes to Cockapoos vs Cavapoos, the main question you may have is: What is the difference between the two personality traits of these dogs??

Both dogs' temperaments are inherited from Poodles, Cocker Spaniels (Cockapoos), and cavalier King Charles Spaniels (Cavapoos). As a result, temperaments might differ from one dog to the next.

Poodles and Poodle crosses are recognised for their intelligence and devotion, and they were initially developed as retrieving gun dogs.

This dog is brilliant, placing just behind border collies in dog intelligence rankings, which means they are simple to teach but can be a little quick to reconsider their owners.

In general, the Cavapoo is easier to train, but this may not be easy with pups!

Because of their limited attention span, they are difficult to train at a young age. However, rest confident that this will improve as they age.

Cavapoo training is easier for people who are less confident in their training abilities since these dogs learn the basics faster than cockapoos.

Cockapoos are similarly simple to teach. However, they require more patience because they take longer to learn the fundamentals of what you want them to perform.

Cockapoo vs Cavapoo health: are they prone to health conditions?

puppy sitting in a camping chair

Both of these breeds are usually very fit, although they have some health issues. However, both have a proclivity for eye issues.

This is because of a mutation that causes progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). This trait is shared by numerous breeds, including those that create a crossbreed. Whichever dog you pick, it is very important to test for PRA.

This can be achieved through genetic testing performed by a vet. In both breeds, the Poodle side is healthier than the Spaniel side.

Yet Cavapoos can develop cardiac mitral valve disease (MVD), and nearly half of King Charles Spaniels have it by the age of five. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this.

The Cavapoo can inherit this gene and others that cause problems for Spaniels, such as syringomyelia, cataracts, retinal atrophy, skin problems, and epilepsy. Not every Cavapoo will be born with health problems.

A reputable breeder will have been able to conduct a medical examination on the parents before breeding.

The Cocker Spaniel is a generally healthy breed. Still, they do have certain problems.

For example, Cocker Spaniels are prone to hip dysplasia. Diabetic kidney disease, familial nephropathy and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia affect the cocker spaniel.

This is an auto-immune illness characterised by internal and external haemorrhages.

The Cockapoo can pass on heart problems, pancreatitis, ear infections, epilepsy, and obesity. Therefore, a respectable breeder may conduct a medical check on the parent dogs before reproducing from them.

Cockapoo vs Cavapoo behaviour: are they good with children?

dog rolling on its back

Both of these breeds are well-known for being excellent with children so they make wonderful family pets! They like nothing more than being 'best friends' with kids and will gladly grow up to be lifetime buddies with them as their loyal companions.

Cockapoos prefer more active youngsters, but both breeds enjoy tiny children. If you have children, either breed will typically suit them.

Conclusion

In our opinion, there is no obvious winner here. It all depends on what you want from your dog. Both dogs have brownie points, and both have things that you should be aware of, particularly in terms of health.

Both make excellent family pets and are gentle with little children as they have sweet personalities and a boundless supply of energy (a little like the kids).

However, the Cavapoo is more energetic and enjoys playing more than the Cockapoo. Either way, they both make great companion dogs.

The Cavapoo prefers a calmer existence, yet he enjoys family life as well. Both breeds are reasonably healthy. Still, both may have eye concerns that you should investigate before purchasing one of them.

Both breeds do have a decent life expectancy so this shouldn't put you off. Also, be sure to find an ethical breeder for your pet, no matter what you end up buying.

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