The Cavapoo and Maltipoo are two of the most popular mixed dog breeds in the world. Dog owners are drawn to these particular breeds because of their friendly nature, intelligence, and active lifestyle.
However, how do the Cavapoo and Maltipoo compare to one another? Even though the two breeds share a parent in the poodle, they are most definitely not the same and have some undeniable personality and appearance differences.
In this article, we will be discussing a few of the most important factors that differ between the two dogs, including size, coat, temperament, health issues, and exercise requirements. So if you are considering one of these two pup breeds, but can’t choose between them, take a look below.
Cavapoo vs Maltipoo – Comparison
Size and Weight
The size of your Cavapoo will depend on what type of poodle was used during the breeding process. If the puppy has a standard poodle as a parent, it could reach up to 14 inches in height. However, if a miniature poodle was used during the breeding process, the Cavapoo will be much smaller, reaching roughly 9 inches tall. Similarly, the bigger Cavapoo puppies can weigh anywhere around 25 pounds, while the smaller ones will only be about 12 pounds.
On the other hand, Maltipoos are generally smaller and lighter. This breed’s height can range from just 6 inches to about 14 inches. Smaller Maltipoos usually weigh roughly 5 pounds, while bigger puppies can reach above 20 pounds. With that being said, the average Maltipoo is usually between 8 and 12 inches tall.
Coat – Length, Color, and Maintenance
The Maltipoo has a coat that is medium to long in length. Also, their fur usually has a fluffy texture and is curly or wavy (depending on the appearance of their parents). Cavapoos have a similar coat texture and length.
Poodles are known for their low coat maintenance. For this reason, Maltipoos and Cavapoos will shed very little if they inherit more of the Poodle gene than the Maltese or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Since Maltese are usually solid white in color, Maltipoos tend to adopt the color of their Poodle parent. This dog breed is normally parti (a mixture of 2 colors) or black.
On the other hand, red, cream, black, and sable are the most common colors of the Cavapoo.
Temperament and Personality
As we have already mentioned, the temperament of these two dog breeds is what draws many dog owners to them.
The Cavapoo is known for being an incredibly well-mannered and loving animal. They make exceptional companions and love to be around small children. More so, this particular dog breed gets along well with other animals and can make very good therapy dogs. If you are looking for a family dog, the Cavapoo might be the perfect choice for you.
As we have already discussed, Maltipoos are smaller than Cavapoos. For this reason, they may not be the best choice if you have very small children, as they are more fragile. With that being said, they are still incredibly loving and want to be around their owners at all times.
Health Issues
Since Maltipoos are smaller and more fragile than Cavapoos, they tend to suffer from more health concerns. For example, they are more prone to bone breaks. On top of this, Maltipoos can inherit epilepsy, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, white shaker syndrome, patellar luxation, and thyroid issues from their parents.
The Cavapoo is more prone to MVD (Mitral Heart Valve Disease) and Addison’s Disease than the Maltipoo. This breed is also known for developing cataracts and syringomyelia. With that being said, this breed is generally healthier than the Maltipoo and tends to live slightly longer.
All dog breeds come with their own list of health concerns that they may or may not encounter in their lives. While it is impossible to avoid these issues, it is recommended that you purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder, as they will ensure that your dog has its necessary shots and tests after being born.
Exercise Requirements
The Cavapoo is an energetic dog breed that requires regular exercise. While they may not need hours of playtime and walking a day, they do need a substantial amount of attention. It is recommended that you take your Cavapoo for at least one half-hour walk every day. This will keep them fit and will help avoid any unhealthy weight gain.
Maltipoos require slightly more exercise than Cavapoos. If you are thinking of purchasing a Maltipoo, you should be prepared to take your puppy for two walks every day. They do not need to be very long – in fact, 20 minutes is substantial.
Which Breed Is More Suitable For Me?
Now that you understand the differences between the two dog breeds, you can begin thinking about which puppy will better suit you and your family.
Since Cavapoos are such loving and affectionate dogs, they need to be around people as often as possible. If you are someone who isn’t home that much, this breed is not suitable for you. If you are looking for a good guard dog, the Cavapoo is definitely not a good choice.
The Maltipoo is also a very loving dog, meaning that they will want to be in the house, surrounded by people at all times. However, they do not make good guard dogs. If you are an elderly person who is looking for a loving companion, this breed may be the perfect choice.
Final Thoughts
The Cavapoo and Maltipoo are two incredibly popular mixed dog breeds. Even though they both share the Poodle as a parent, there are plenty of differences between them. The Cavapoo is larger and heavier than the Maltipoo, making it more suitable for families with smaller children.
Both dogs have very friendly temperaments and do not make good guard dogs. The Maltipoo has a longer coat than the Cavapoo, but both breeds are not known to shed that much. Also, the Maltipoo requires slightly more exercise than the Cavapoo and is prone to more health issues.