Are you thinking about welcoming a puppy into your family and have your heart set on the adorable Cavapoo and Maltipoo? But how do you choose between these two bundles of sweetness? If you're feeling confused and unsure which breed is right for your lifestyle, you've come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we put these two fantastic hybrids face to face to uncover all their differences and similarities, helping you make the most informed and loving choice.
Welcome to the wonderful world of designer dogs! If terms like "Cavapoo" or "Maltipoo" are new to you, don't worry. They're what's technically called first-generation hybrids or crosses, born from the union of two purebreds with the aim of combining their best traits. They're small, often hypoallergenic, and typically affectionate, making them perfect candidates for those looking for a first dog or a companion for apartment living.
Both the Cavapoo and the Maltipoo share a great deal of popularity, but beneath that soft fur lie slightly different personalities and needs. Let's explore them together!
Origins and History: Where Do These Puppies Come From?
Before we dive into the differences between Cavapoo and Maltipoo , it's helpful to understand their roots.
- Cavapoo: This hybrid was born from the cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle (of the Toy or Miniature variety). The goal was to create a dog with the Cavalier's sweet and gentle nature and the Poodle's hypoallergenic coat. The breed began gaining popularity in the 1990s.
- Maltipoo: The Maltipoo, on the other hand, is the fruit of the love between a Maltese and a Toy Poodle . Here too, the intention was to blend the loyal and affectionate nature of the Maltese with the curly, hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle, creating an ideal companion dog.
So, they both share a common parent: the Poodle. It's the other parent that makes the difference!
Face to Face Comparison: Character and Personality
This is perhaps the most important aspect of your choice. A dog isn't just about looks, but also about a personality that must match yours.
- Cavapoo Personality: Inheriting the Cavalier King Charles's extremely sociable and peaceful nature, the Cavapoo is a true "cuddly" dog . It is incredibly affectionate, loves being with its family, and follows its owner like a shadow. It tends to be very patient and gentle, making it an excellent dog for families with quiet children. It is generally quieter and more "lazy" than the Maltipoo.
- Maltipoo Personality: The Maltipoo inherits from its Maltese parent a lively, playful, and sometimes somewhat chatty temperament (it may bark to attract attention). It is a cheerful and energetic companion, always ready to play. It is very attached to its owner and can develop mild separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Its small size makes it very fragile, so it is best with older children who know how to interact gently.
Bottom line: If you're looking for a calm companion and a living hug, the Cavapoo might be for you. If you prefer a more energetic and playful friend, the Maltipoo will be your daily source of joy.
Appearance and Coat: All That Softness!
Here too, the differences are subtle but present.
- Cavapoo Appearance: The Cavapoo tends to be slightly larger and stockier than the Maltipoo, weighing between 11 and 26 pounds. Its eyes are large and round, inherited from the Cavalier, giving it a sweet, dreamy expression. Its coat can be wavy or curly, and comes in a variety of colors: fawn, black, white, but also unique colors like tricolor or Blenheim (white and chestnut).
- Maltipoo Appearance: The Maltipoo is a decidedly smaller and more petite dog, typically weighing between 3 and 6 kg. It often has a lively and mischievous expression. Its coat is typically soft, silky, and woolly, ranging from creamy white to apricot to silver. It often resembles a living stuffed toy.
Grooming: Both breeds are NOT low-maintenance . Their fine, curly coats tend to matt easily.
- Cavapoo: Requires brushing every 1-2 days and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
- Maltipoo: Because its coat is finer and silkier, it is even more prone to tangles. It requires very thorough daily brushing to prevent the formation of painful matts. It will also need regular grooming.
Health and Life Expectancy
Being hybrids, both benefit from what's known as "hybrid vigor," which can reduce the risk of some genetic diseases typical of purebreds. However, it's important to understand the predispositions inherited from the parents.
- Cavapoo Health: They can be prone to heart problems (inherited from the Cavalier King Charles) and patellar luxation, common in many small breeds. Their life expectancy is approximately 12-15 years .
- Maltipoo Health: They tend to be healthy dogs, but they can suffer from patellar luxation, dental problems (common in all small dogs), and sometimes inherited eye problems from the Maltese. Their life expectancy is slightly longer, around 13-16 years .
Cavapoo or Maltipoo? The Summary Table to Help You Choose
| Characteristic | Cavapoo | Maltipoo |
|---|---|---|
| Breeds of origin | Cavalier King Charles + Poodle | Maltese + Poodle |
| Cut | Small-Medium (5-12 kg) | Small (3-6 kg) |
| Temperament | Calm, cuddly, adaptable | Lively, playful, cheerful |
| Energy Level | Medium-Low | Medium-High |
| Coat | Wavy or curly, various colors | Silky and woolly, light colors |
| Hair Maintenance | High (brush every 1-2 days) | Very High (daily brushing) |
| Ideal for | Peaceful families, elderly people, first owners | Active people, singles, families with older children |
| Tendency to bark | Low | Average |
Conclusions: Which One to Choose for You?
There's no clear winner in the Maltipoo vs. Cavapoo comparison . There's just the right dog for YOU.
Choose a Cavapoo if:
- Looking for a quiet dog and a Netflix companion on the couch?
- You want an extremely sweet and patient character.
- Prefer a slightly larger and more robust size.
- You have no problem dedicating time to grooming, but you don't want to do it every single day.
Choose a Maltipoo if:
- Are you looking for an energetic and playful dog to keep you active?
- You love the "plush" look and you don't mind the commitment of daily brushing .
- You live in a very small apartment and prefer a very small dog.
- You are looking for a faithful companion who will always be by your side.
And after the choice? Welcome to the world of pets!
Whatever your choice, welcoming a puppy is a wonderful adventure. And to get off to a good start, you'll need everything you need to make his life (and yours!) comfortable, safe, and fun.
From super-soft beds to ergonomic leashes, from anti-eat bowls to impeccable DIY grooming products, our online pet shop is here for you. And don't forget our sweet treat: pet clothing ! A warm sweater for your Cavapoo or a small T-shirt for your Maltipoo isn't just trendy, it's a practical way to protect them from the cold during winter walks.
Ready to prepare your house for your new best friend?
Explore the collections on dogmoda.it and discover everything you need to welcome your little bundle of joy in the style they deserve. From essentials to the trendiest accessories, you'll find everything you need to start this fantastic adventure together.