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Cavapoo vs. Cockapoo: How Do These Breeds Differ?

Cavapoo vs. Cockapoo

There are more than 300 internationally recognized dog breeds, and new hybrid breeds appear each year. Keeping up with these emerging breeds can be challenging.

The cavapoo and cockapoo, for example, both come from Poodles. However, they’re not exactly alike.

Cavapoo and cockapoo dogs are hybrid breeds. The cavapoo is a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, and the cockapoo is a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. Their primary physical differences are typically muzzle length and head size. In terms of temperament, cavapoos may be slightly friendlier than cockapoos. Still, every dog is unique, and hybrid pups are no exception.

Cavapoo vs. Cockapoo: How are They Different?

Cavapoo and cockapoo dogs both inherit half their genes from a Poodle parent. However, cavapoo pups have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent, while cockapoo pups have a Cocker Spaniel parent.

As such, cavapoos may be slightly larger than cockapoos. They may also have slightly larger heads and longer muzzles. Cavapoo dogs may be more energetic and friendly than their cockapoo counterparts. Still, there is no breed standard for either of these hybridizations.

Precise appearance varies from litter to litter, as does temperament. Pet parents looking to adopt either of these hybrid breeds should adopt from a reputable breeder to avoid serious health or behavior problems.

Cavapoo vs. Cockapoo Appearance

The cavapoo has a variable appearance, but most tend to be brown or golden-haired. Still, every puppy’s coat color and length depends on the genes it inherits from its parents. Poodles come in a wide variety of colors, including black, white, cream, and brown.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also come in a wide combination of fur colors, but the breed standard is a white chest and legs, with brown coloration around the face, ears, and back. Some of these dogs also have black fur.

As such, a cavapoo can have solid-colored fur or feature various colors throughout its coat. However, the unofficial standard appearance for this dog is a medium-length brown or gold coat with gentle curls.

This hybrid pup can also have a mix of features from either parent. For example, cavapoo dogs can be as large as a Poodle or as small as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. This variation means that some cockapoos are small dogs, while others fall into the medium-size category.

Still, most cavapoo pups are relatively small. In terms of facial features, this hybrid breed tends to have a relatively flat snout and face, much like a toy poodle. In fact, this novel hybrid dog breed tends to resemble a toy poodle more than a spaniel.

The cockapoo’s appearance is just as variable as any other hybrid dog’s appearance. These pups can exhibit a wide range of physical traits that are found in either of their parents. That said, most cockapoo dogs share a similar look.

Breeders hoping to create cockapoo puppies tend to breed small toy poodle dogs with purebred Cocker Spaniels, resulting in small-to-medium-sized puppies. Cockapoos may have dark brown or light golden fur, though color variations are common.

This hybrid dog breed may also have longer ears than their Poodle parents. That’s because purebred Cocker Spaniels tend to have relatively long ears, a trait that may pass down to your cockapoo pup.

And while some cockapoo dogs have tight curls throughout their coats (much like their Poodle parents), most will have gentle waves or silky curls that are easy to keep tangle-free. Just as with cavapoo puppies, cockapoos mostly resemble golden toy poodles.

Cavapoo vs. Cockapoo Availability

Both cavapoos and cockapoos are designer dog breeds and puppies of their kind tend to be relatively expensive. Designer breeds mean that they’re a hybridization of currently-existed registered breeds.

You can expect to spend upwards of $1,000 to adopt a cavapoo puppy. Puppies that are listed for far less may have inherited health problems or a lackluster genealogy. Disreputable breeders may attempt to sell mixed-breed or sick cavapoo pups at a lower price, so be cautious of low-cost cavapoos.

Just like cavapoo puppies, cockapoo puppies tend to be relatively expensive. If you are looking to own a cockapoo, you can expect to spend at least $1,500 on a puppy, potentially more if the pup’s fur color is rare or they’re larger than other cockapoos. As such, adopting a cockapoo can be just as expensive as adopting a purebred Cocker Spaniel or Poodle.

Still, pet parents could adopt a rescued cavapoo or cockapoo. Not only is this a low-cost route to owning one of these adorable dogs, but it’s also a great way to keep these pups out of shelters. Always check your local animal shelter before opting to adopt from a breeder.

Cavapoo vs. Cockapoo Personality

As you might expect, cavapoo puppies tend to have personalities that are very similar to their parent’s personalities. A cavapoo may be just as intelligent and alert as its Poodle parent, but it could also be exceptionally friendly and gentle like its Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent.

Unfortunately, there is no way to determine a dog’s personality when it’s born. Additionally, most pet parents will likely discern their cavapoo’s temperament only after spending a significant amount of time with them. That said, the cavapoo is likely to be sociable and easy to train.

If you’re looking for an intelligent, loyal, and friendly dog, you might fall in love with the cockapoo. That’s because these dogs are known for their quick wits and affectionate personalities.

Still, the precise personality of your chosen cockapoo puppy can be challenging to figure out from a picture or a single meeting. Most dogs won’t reveal all of their behaviors and traits until they’ve matured.

It’s crucial to remember that while cockapoo dogs may exhibit the traits of either parent breed, there’s no standard for their personalities. Some cockapoo pups may be more stoic, much like their Poodle parents. But some may be cuddle bugs, like their Cocker Spaniel ancestors.

Cavapoo vs. Cockapoo Energy Level

Both Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have moderate energy levels and require at least thirty minutes of play or exercise each day. Their hybrid offspring, the cavapoo, will likely exhibit a similar amount of energy.

As such, the cavapoo could be an excellent choice for families, couples, or single adults. Though they do enjoy a good romp around the yard and daily walks, they won’t be zooming around your house at all hours. Generally, this hybrid breed is known for its relaxed, laidback nature.

Just like the cavapoo, cockapoo dogs tend to have a medium amount of energy. They need between thirty minutes and an hour of exercise each day and could be a great addition to a household with children or active adults.

But don’t expect your cockapoo to enjoy long hikes or vigorous outdoor activities. After all, this designer dog tends to be on the smaller side. Consequently, they’re not likely going to be as active or adventurous as shepherding breeds.

Cavapoo vs. Cockapoo Trainability

Theoretically, training your cavapoo pup should be a breeze. After all, the Poodle is often recognized as one of the smartest dog breeds, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are commonly quite intelligent and easy to train.

Because the cavapoo is a mix of these two breeds, it makes complete sense that they’d be just as smart. Of course, the cavapoo is a designer breed, so there’s no true breed standard. Ultimately, whether your unique puppy can be easily trainable or a little rebellious will depend on their individual temperament and personality.

Starting your dog’s training when they’re still a puppy is a great way to avoid unwanted behaviors such as biting, excessive barking, or inappropriate chewing. Remember, any dog can become aggressive if they’re not properly trained.

Cocker Spaniels and Poodles are both intelligent breeds, so their hybrid can be equally smart. Though that does not guarantee that cockapoos are easy to train.

Cocker Spaniels can be possessive of their owners and aggressive toward other dogs if they’re not properly socialized and trained. If you plan on adopting a cockapoo puppy, be sure to begin training early to help them avoid unwanted aggressive behaviors.

Fortunately, you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting your cockapoo dog to follow commands, as they’re quick learners that are also fiercely loyal. Just be sure to stock up on treats!

Cavapoo vs. Cockapoo Grooming Needs

Just like their Poodle parents, most cavapoo pups will have short or medium-length fur with slight curls. Their fur may also be quite soft to the touch due to their spaniel genes. They don’t tend to shed a lot, but they do require daily brushing to stay tangle-free and comfortable.

Poodles are notorious for their grooming needs, as are Cocker Spaniels. Consequently, cockapoo dogs may require a little extra attention and care in terms of hygiene and grooming. After all, these pups often have medium-length coats with wavy-to-curly hairs.

This type of fur traps dirt and debris quite easily, which makes daily brushing necessary. However, some longer-haired cockapoo dogs may also need regular professional grooming services.

The fur near their eyes can become overly long, making it challenging for a cockapoo to see. As such, most cockapoos will need a haircut about every month or so. Still, this hybrid pup doesn’t shed nearly as much as longhaired breeds.

Cavapoo vs. Cockapoo Common Health Conditions

One of the greatest drawbacks of owning a purebred animal is having to deal with congenital health conditions. Many purebred dogs are prone to certain health problems due to the high presence of recessive genes.

Cavapoos are far less likely to inherit an illness than their purebred parents. As such, they may suffer from fewer congenital health problems than Poodles or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. However, it’s possible for cavapoos to develop certain health conditions.

Some common health problems to watch for in cavapoo dogs are:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
  • Cataracts
  • Luxating Patellas (Dislocated Knees)

The most pressing issue for cavapoo puppies may be hearts disease, namely mitral valve disease (MVD). That’s because Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are about 20 times more likely to develop this condition than other breeds.

Though the mix of Poodle genes can decrease the chance of your cavapoo developing MVD, it’s still possible to adopt a pup that ends up showing signs of heart disease. Sadly, there’s little that pet owners can do to solve this problem, aside from adopting from trustworthy breeders.

Cockapoo pups inherit genes from a Poodle parent and a Cocker Spaniel parent. Consequently, they’re not purebred dogs, and they’re less likely to suffer from the congenital conditions that affect Poodles and Cocker Spaniels.

That said, it’s not impossible for a cockapoo to inherit or develop a health condition.

Some of the most prevalent health conditions that may affect a cockapoo include:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Tooth and Gum Disease
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Poodles typically suffer from far fewer inheritable health problems so it’s most likely your cockapoo’s congenital conditions are from their Cocker Spaniel parent. For example, the small skull and close-set eyes of the purebred Cocker Spaniel often lead to vision problems later in life.

Potential pet parents should always adopt from a reputable breeder that has bred out inheritable eye conditions. Choosing a breeder who is registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or comparable institution is a great way to ensure that your cockapoo pup lives a long, healthy life.

Final Thoughts

There are hundreds of recognized dog breeds, and when you begin cross-breeding them you end up with potentially thousands of hybrid breeds. The cavapoo and cockapoo are both examples of hybrid dogs bred from purebred parents.

The cavapoo is a mix of Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The cockapoo is a mix of Poodle and Cocker Spaniel. These dogs tend to look and behave in a similar fashion, primarily due to their Poodle and spaniel ancestry. Still, Cavapoo pups may be larger and more energetic.

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