Cavapoo vs Cockapoo: Cocker Mixes Compared

Deciding between getting a Cavapoo vs Cockapoo can be difficult at first glance. They look similar with often gorgeous curly coats and playful happy personalities and share some genetic makeup.

It is not surprising that they have similarities because both are Poodle mix breed dogs. Cockapoos are a mix of breeding a Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle. On the other hand, Cavapoo is a mix of a Poodle with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

As they are both Poodle crosses, they do have many similar features. However, they both have their unique characteristics and features.

Both dog breeds are popular as well as in the list of the most expensive dog breeds. In the UK, they both make the top four in the list of most expensive dogs.

So, if you are stuck in deciding between Cavapoo vs Cockapoo, then look no further. This blog will explain the similarities and differences so you can finally decide which of these beautiful and fluffy puppies, who look like a teddy bear, is the right dog breed for you.

History

Neither Cavapoo nor Cockapoo are recognised breeds by the American Kennel Club. While both mixed breeds have become extremely popular in the past few decades, it is hard to track down exact history of these lovely companion dogs.

Cavapoo History

As discussed before, Cavapoo is a mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. By mixing these breeds, it has also combined the personality traits and looks of both highly popular dogs.

There have been many breeders who have claimed to have invented this crossbreed. However, the most popular version is that they originated in Australia in the 1950s, where they are called Cavoodles.

It is believed the aim was to combine the personality of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the appearance of the Cavapoo.

Their popularity has grown in the past twenty years, and they are considered designer dogs.

Cockapoo History

Cockapoos are Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mixes. Most commonly, it is the Miniature Poodle. They are sometimes also referred to as Cockerpoo or Cockapoodle.

Again, there is no certain origin, but they have been around for about 60 years, are not officially recognised Kennel Club breeds and most likely come from the United States of America.

However, it is certain that both Cockapoo, as well as Cavapoo, have been bred by accident many times before.

While not pedigree, the crossbreed is wildly popular, and there are dedicated Cockapoo Clubs in many countries, including in United States as well as the United Kingdom.

Breed Overview

Both Cavapoo and Cockapoo are small to medium-sized dogs. However, their size will depend on the Poodle parent they have been crossed with.

Cockapoo

Cockapoos can run from small to medium size. Cockapoo can weigh from as little as 6 to 19 pounds. Their height can be from 10 to 15 inches tall from paw to shoulder.

Cockapoos have an average life span of 12 to 15 years, which is the same as Cavapoos.

The Cockapoo size depends on which Poodle they have been bred with. The four types are:

• The Teacup Toy- tiny dog, weighing as little as 6 pounds and up to 10 inches tall
• The Toy Cockapoo- weight up to 12 pounds and height of around 10 inches
• The Miniature Cockapoo- Weight 13 to 18 pounds and height 11 to 14 inches.
• The Standard/Maxi Cockapoo- height around 15 inches and weight 19 pounds.

Cockapoo puppies' coat can come in many colours, most usual are solid colours black, cream, apricot, red and chocolate. The coat can be straight, wavy or curly.

Cockapoos are a good choice for people with allergies due to their coat type and low shedding.

Cockapoos can have a bit longer ears than the Cavapoo inherited from Cocker Spaniels.

Cavapoo

Cavapoos, a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, are normally around 9 to 14 inches tall from paw to shoulder, with females being shorter than males. The weight is between 10 to 20 pounds for males and 9 to 15 pounds for females.

For both the Cavapoo and Cockapoo, their height depends on the Poodle gene chosen. The most common type of Cavapoo is the Toy or Miniature Poodle. Toy Poodles tend to be smaller than Miniature Poodles. So, it is best to get your Cavapoo puppy from a reputable breeder to know who the parent breeds are.

The Cavapoo coats are medium-length and curly or wavy. It is normally cream, chocolate, gold or chestnut in colour. Cavapoo coats can be solid or have white markings. They are low shedding and, because of this, are also considered hypoallergenic.

The dogs live around 12 to 15 years.

Grooming Cavapoo vs Cockapoo

Both Cavapoo and Cockapoo require visits to a professional dog groomer to keep their coat shiny and good-looking.

The coat is prone to matting and requires weekly grooming. Some of it can be done at home.

At home, the pet parent can brush the coat to keep matting at bay. Also, you should be regularly clean the dog's teeth as well as ears to avoid ear infections. You may also want to gently wipe and check around the pup's eyes.

A bath and professional groom is required every 5 to 6 weeks using a good quality shampoo that is suitable for their silky locks.

The nails could naturally wear down by walks but should be checked and if required, may need cutting every one to two months.

The exact grooming requirement depends on who the parent breeds are, as this can change their coat type. This is the case for both Cockapoo puppies and Cavapoo puppies.

Generally, a Cavapoo coat is considered more low maintenance to groom than Cockapoo. Cockapoo coat that has been inherited from Cocker Spaniel can grow faster and require more care.

Temperament

Both breeds have pleasant temperaments and personalities to be great companions as well as wonderful family pets.

Cavapoos are social, love attention, are easy to train and are very affectionate. They are also highly intelligent, while Cavapoo puppies can sometimes have a short attention span. Because they are sociable dogs, they are great also around kids and other dogs and pets.

Cockapoos share many characteristics with Cavapoos. They are friendly and loyal and love being around people and animals. Cockapoos can also be great family dogs.

The main difference for Cockapoos vs Cavapoo is their energy levels. Cockapoo temperament is pleasant, but they are very high energy. Cavapoo behaviour can be a little bit calmer. So, Cockapoo is definitely not a dog for a couch potato but suits better for an active family.

Both dogs dislike being alone and create strong bonds with their owners, so can have separation anxiety. It is important to get them used to alone time from young age to make sure they are comfortable alone as well as around people.

Separation anxiety can lead to destructive behaviour, so it is important to deal with it from puppy age.

Exercise and Training: Cavapoo vs Cockapoo

Both the Cockapoo and Cavapoo are considered easy-to-train dogs and suitable for first-time owners. They are highly intelligent mix breeds and eager to please their owner.

Because they are so smart, they require regular mental stimulation to ensure they are not bored. Consistency is key to keep them happy and healthy dogs. Both Cockapoo and Cavapoo training should be a regular part of the day.

Both dogs are recommended an hour a day for exercise, which should include one long walk and playtime in the garden as well as training sessions. However, on average, Cockapoos tend to have higher energy due their Cocker Spaniel side and may require a bit more than Cavapoo.

Also, the exercise needs will depend on which Poodle type the dog is bred with as small dogs require less. Also, new puppies can easily be over-exercised. It is important to remember their joints are still developing.

Health of Cavapoo vs Cockapoo

Due to being hybrid breeds, both are considered healthy. They can even be healthier than King Charles Spaniels and Poodles.

While crossbreeds generally have fewer health problems than purebred, there is still the possibility they can develop genetic diseases passed on by their parents.

Genetic testing should be done by reputable breeders to ensure the puppies do not carry on any common mutations and issues. For example, they should be tested for progressive retinal atrophy and hip dysplasia.

Common Cavapoo health problems are gastrointestinal disorders, ear diseases, patella luxation (can lead to arthritis) as well as anal gland issues. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can have many health issues like heart mitral valve disease and sometimes these can also appear in their children.

Cockapoos can have similar health issues that Cavapoo have. Another health issues they can have is allergies. A vet can help to analyse the cause of allergy, which could be related to the environment, pollutants or diet.

Cockapoo vs Cavapoo: Which one is Better for an Apartment?

Both breeds are suitable for apartment life.

While they both will require time outside and exercise, with Cockapoo being a bit more energetic, they can still be happy spending time inside the apartment.

However, make sure the dogs are given mental stimulation and playtime at home.

Are Cockapoos and Cavapoos hypoallergenic

The good news is both Cavapoo and Cockapoo are good dog breeds for allergy sufferers.

However, it is important to remember no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

If you do suffer from allergy, it is important to find the cause of the allergic reaction. Allergies are mostly caused by saliva as well as dander that can fall from dogs when they shed.

Both breeds have got the reputation of being allergy friendly due to their Poodle gene, that is low shedding.

Conclusion

To conclude, it is clear the two dogs have many things in common. The dog breeds are both friendly, sociable and loving towards their parents.

Both are suitable for family life and can make excellent family pets. They love attention, are highly intelligent, easy to train and keen to spend time with their owners.

They require medium exercise, while Cockapoos can have a little bit more energy which should be considered.

Both dogs are also generally healthy. You just need to ensure they are purchased from a reputable breeder who has done health testing.

Whichever dog you choose, it is clear neither of them is better or worse. It really depends on your own preferences. However, it is clear either way, you get a lovely energetic fluffy dog.