Hybrid breeds are popular among dog lovers because they often bring the best attributes of different breeds together. If you like a certain breed’s coat but wish it had another breed’s frame, you may find exactly what you’re looking for by checking out some hybrid dogs.
Cavapoos and Cockapoos are among the hybrid dog breeds that have become quite popular in recent years. What can you expect when you look at the Cavapoo vs Cockapoo comparison? Find out by continuing with the rest of this article.
What Is a Cavapoo?
Let’s take a few moments to learn more about the individual breeds featured in this article before we discuss their similarities and differences. We can begin with the Cavapoo.
The Cavapoo is the result of breeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. This particular hybrid breed is also fairly new. The ASPCA notes that breeders only started intentionally pairing Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles during the 1990s.
Cavapoos have become very popular pets because of how well-behaved they are. They also feature an absolutely adorable look. We’ll get more into the physical characteristics and personality traits of Cavapoos later when we compare them closely to Cockapoos.
Next: The Cavapoo vs. Goldendoodle comparison
What Is a Cockapoo?
In contrast to the Cavapoo, Cockapoos have been around for quite some time. According to the ASPCA, many people believe that Cockapoos have been intentionally bred since the 1950s. If that is indeed the case, then the Cockapoo would be one of the oldest Poodle mixes ever conceived.
The Cockapoo is the result of pairing a Cocker Spaniel together with a Poodle. You should be able to find this specific Poodle mix rather quickly. Many breeders provide Cockapoos because it remains a very popular hybrid breed to this day.
Different types of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles can be used to breed Cockapoos. Make sure you identify the right combination based on the traits and characteristics you want to see in your new pet.
Next: The Cavapoo vs. Havapoo (our comparison)
The Similarities between Cavapoos and Cockapoos
New dog owners may have a hard time trying to tell Cavapoos and Cockapoos apart from one another. That’s probably because these two particular hybrid breeds look remarkably similar.
In this section of the article, we’ll highlight the many similarities that these dogs share. It’s helpful to learn about those similar traits and characteristics so you can tell early on if these breeds are right for you.
No Shortage of Affection
What do you want most out of a pet dog?
Many people want pet dogs that can be companions. They want to have that buddy that will always be up for cuddles following a long day at work. They would prefer to have a dog that does not shy away from showering them with love and attention.
If that description aligns with your preferences, then you’ll be happy with a Cavapoo or a Cockapoo. Both Cavapoos and Cockapoos love smothering their owners with kisses. When you go to lie down, you can expect these dogs to follow closely.
It’s nice to have a pet that affectionate. People who have stressful jobs would appreciate being able to relax at home. Cavapoos and Cockapoos can certainly help melt away your stress with their efforts to snuggle.
That inclination to be affectionate is also a personality trait that these dogs possess at an early age. Does cuddling with a Cavapoo or Cockapoo pup sound enticing? If so, you already know what to do.
Next: Cavapoos vs. Maltipoos
Great around Kids
Choosing the ideal pet as a parent is no easy feat. Kids and animals are unpredictable. When they interact, there’s no way to tell how things will go.
Getting a pet that will not pose a threat to your child is crucial. You’re getting exactly that if you decide to purchase a Cavapoo or a Cockapoo.
The aforementioned breeds are famously good around kids. They are gentle and affectionate dogs that will not react violently to the sudden movements of young children. Even if your child is getting a bit too handsy with your dog, you can expect your pet to remain calm.
Cavapoos and Cockapoos are also great pets for young kids because they do enjoy playtime. They form close bonds with their young human owners. Don’t be surprised if you find your child and your pet sleeping next to one another after extended playtime.
Friendly Breeds
Expect your Cavapoo or Cockapoo to get along with more than just your kids. One of the reasons why those breeds are so popular is due to their reputation for being friendly. The two breeds are friendly and approachable in different ways.
Cavapoos are generally laid back. You will hardly ever see them aggressive unless you go out of your way to threaten them. If you show the Cavapoo and their master that you are not a threat, that’s often good enough to get you in the clear.
On the other hand, Cockapoos make friends quickly because they are almost always up for playing. Engage them in a round of fetch or any other game and you will likely have their undivided attention. Make sure to have some toys around if you’re having guests over and you want them to get along with your dog.
Having a dog that can intimidate any would-be intruders is not necessarily a bad thing. Even so, you may prefer to have a pet that has an easier time around people. Remember to look for a Cavapoo or a Cockapoo if you want a friendly pet.
Compatibility with Other Animals
Some pet owners don’t start with dogs. Many folks out there start with cats because they heard that those animals require less maintenance and attention compared to dogs.
The thing about cats not needing a lot of care and/or attention is not necessarily true. However, you may have still bought into that idea and that’s why you already have a cat.
If you already have a cat at home, should that be reason enough for you to hold off on getting a Cavapoo or a Cockapoo? You’ll be glad to know that owning a cat should not stop you from getting one of those dogs.
Both Cavapoos and Cockapoos enjoy the company of other animals. They will be more than happy to play with your other pets if you give them the opportunity. Whether or not your cat will be open to the playtime invitation is another matter altogether.
You can also expect these dogs to get along with their fellow canines. Generally speaking, they should be able to join just about any type of household quite easily.
Trainability
Training is an important activity to engage in for any dog owner.
You need to train your dog properly so they understand where to go when nature calls. Adequate training also keeps some of your pet’s less desirable traits in check. Teaching your dog some commands is also smart because they can be more helpful if you are able to communicate with them more effectively.
We all know that dogs are trainable, but the ease of doing so can vary from one breed to the next. What should you expect out of Cavapoos and Cockapoos if we’re talking about trainability?
Both breeds are fairly easy to train and that’s due in large part to how smart they are. They should be able to pick up on your commands rather quickly. After a few reps, they should clearly understand which command you want them to perform.
The trick with these dogs is to keep training sessions short. If your training sessions run long, they will start to lose focus. You can try to keep going, but the lessons may not stick in your dog’s head that well. It would be better to spread training out across several days instead of giving your Cavapoo or Cockapoo a crash course.
You should also be careful against being too strict during training. Cavapoos and Cockapoos don’t react well to that type of approach. They are more likely to follow your commands if you offer encouragement and treats.
Coat Quality
Cavapoos and Cockapoos are often mistaken for one another because they look very similar. Their coats are largely responsible for those mix-ups.
These two breeds have coats that are similar in so many ways.
They both have coats that are curly and wavy and their colors tend to be similar too. Both breeds may also have coats that are made up of one or multiple colors.
You should also know that both dogs technically do not have hypoallergenic coats. That said, shedding should not be an issue with either Cavapoos or Cockapoos. The loose hairs they occasionally shed will likely not be enough to trigger allergies.
Expected Lifespans
We can also see similarities between Cavapoos and Cockapoos by looking at their expected lifespans.
On average, Cavapoos and Cockapoos will live for 12 to 15 years. They have a slightly longer lifespan than most dogs. The expected lifespan for Cavapoos and Cockapoos is another reason why you should consider getting one of them as a pet for your child.
The Differences between Cavapoos and Cockapoos
This Cavapoo vs Cockapoo comparison does not end with highlighting the similarities between the two breeds. For this next section, we’ll focus on the traits and characteristics that differentiate them. Learn more about the differences between the two breeds so you can choose the better fit for your home.
Energy Levels
In terms of behavior, Cavapoos and Cockapoos are very similar to one another. The two breeds are known for being affectionate, friendly, and smart. Those also double as reasons why they make great pets.
If there is one easily noticeable dissimilarity related to the personalities of these two breeds, it has to be the discrepancy in their energy levels.
Cockapoos are very energetic. They are bundles of energy that you must figure out how to deal with.
Pet owners who enjoy heading outdoors will like Cockapoos a lot. Those dogs are very capable of keeping up with their active owners. They are always up for something fun and you won’t even need to bribe them with a treat to get them interested.
You should also try to take Cockapoos on multiple walks so they can burn off their energy. Thanks to that, staying fit is typically not an issue with Cockapoos.
Cockapoos being so energetic can sometimes be troublesome as well. They struggle in small homes because they cannot move around as much. You’ll have to take them out on long walks regularly to counter that problem.
Cavapoos don’t have the large energy reserves that Cockapoos do. Even playtime is something they will grow tired of if it goes on too long. You can keep your Cavapoo perfectly happy by saving a spot for them next to you on the couch or your bed. They much prefer snuggling to running around and that may make them better pets for certain owners.
The exercise needs of a Cavapoo are easier to meet for pet owners with busy schedules. A single walk per day will suffice for this hybrid breed.
Anxiety Issues
Anxiety is not a uniquely human problem. It’s also an issue that troubles different kinds of animals and dogs are on that list.
More often than not, dogs get anxious for one of two reasons.
The first reason is due to being left alone. Dogs don’t just like having us around. Many of them also depend on us for companionship. They don’t feel as well if we aren’t around.
Some dogs experience anxiety because of loud noises. They may feel uneasy because of rumbling thunder or fireworks exploding nearby.
Cavapoos and Cockapoos are both susceptible to anxiety, but the latter are more affected by that issue. Early on, you should do your best to stay with your Cockapoo as much as possible so they can feel more at ease. If you know a storm’s passing by your area, you should also try to stay home with your Cockapoo.
The anxiety issues for your pet may also become more significant over time. Go ahead and take them to the vet if you think that their anxiety issues are no longer normal. They may need additional treatment at that point.
Average Size
Cavapoos and Cockapoos are regarded as small dogs. They are easier fits inside more households because they don’t require a ton of space, although Cockapoos do enjoy running around larger houses more.
Despite the fact that both hybrid breeds are considered small, their size still varies quite a bit.
The discrepancy is barely noticeable in their height. The average height range for a Cavapoo goes from 9 to 14 inches. For Cockapoos, the average height range extends from 10 to 15 inches.
Unless you’re carefully measuring the height of the two breeds, you likely won’t notice that discrepancy. The discrepancy is more noticeable when you look at their weight.
A fully grown Cavapoo will weigh somewhere in the range of 10 to 25 pounds. Notably, Cockapoos are even lighter. An adult Cockapoo will likely top out at around 19 pounds. Smaller Cockapoos may only weigh close to 6 pounds.
You’re getting a small dog no matter what if you’re choosing between a Cavapoo and a Cockapoo. Still, one dog is clearly lighter than the other. It’s good that Cockapoos are often lighter because that makes them easier to travel with.
Grooming Requirements
You want the coat of your Cavapoo or Cockapoo to stand out in a good way. To ensure that their coat always looks its best, you must take the time to maintain it. Aside from regularly bathing your dog, you should also adopt a brushing routine that lines up with your pet’s needs.
A Cockapoo’s coat should be brushed about three times per week. If their coat looks extra frizzy, you can brush it an extra time to keep the curls and waves looking neat.
Grooming requirements for Cavapoos are more demanding. You will have to brush their coat daily. The curls and waves in a Cavapoo’s coat can end up tangled quickly. It’s a bit of a chore, but you should brush it every day to keep those unwanted knots out.
Food Preferences
To finish up, let’s discuss the food preferences of Cavapoos and Cockapoos.
Shopping for a Cockapoo’s food is easy. Cockapoos will enjoy eating any brand of kibble you get. They will chow down without much hesitation after you set their food bowl down.
A Cavapoo is more discerning when it comes to its meals. Once they’ve developed a preference for a certain brand of kibble, you should stick with it. They probably won’t like anything else you feed them. At the very least, getting them to try something new will be a challenge.
Remember as well that a single cup of kibble per day will suffice for Cavapoos and Cockapoos. Divide the cup of kibble into two servings so your pet is satisfied with its meals.
Cavapoos and Cockapoos can be great pets for any household. If you want to identify which specific breed will be best for your home, you have to go through the Cavapoo vs Cockapoo comparison. Hopefully, the details in the article have already put you on the right track.
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