Should you get a Poodle or a Cavapoo? While both dog breeds are undeniably cute, both have differences in appearance and personality. Welcoming a furry friend into your life can bring happiness and company, but only if you choose the right dog! 

When choosing a dog, it is important to understand their physical requirements, potential health issues, exercise needs, dietary requirements, and lifestyle preferences. In this article, we explore the characteristics of Poodles and Cavapoos to help you make an informed decision. 

About the Dog Breeds 

Poodles are the most popular breeds known for their appearance, intelligence, and versatility. Poodles originated in Germany and were bred for retrieving fowls from water and hunting. Poodle’s high trainability made them popular performers in the circus and traveling shows. In addition, they are hypoallergenic dogs which make them popular among dog lovers allergic to dog dander. 

The Cavapoo, also known as the Cavoodle is a famous cross-breed dog resulting from mating a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. In the early 1990s breeders started intentionally combining these two breeds to get a dog that combined the best traits of its parents. The result was a friendly and hypoallergenic Cavapoo. 

Coat Color, Type, and Maintenance

Cavapoos have a soft, wavy, curly coat that can differ in texture from wiry to soft. Their coats come in various colors, including black, blue, apricot, red, and various combinations of these colors. The variety of coat textures and colors means that Cavapoo owners can choose from numerous Cavapoo haircut styles based on the unique characteristics of each dog. 

Cavapoos are low-shedding dogs and require less maintenance than most dog breeds. They require daily brushing to prevent matting and to keep their coat healthy. However, they only need a bath once every two weeks. Although bathing needs depend on the level of activity and environment. 

Poodles, on the other hand, have wool-textured, dense single coats. The coats come in a wide range of colors like white, black, brown, cream, apricot, and grey.  Poodles are the original hypoallergenic dog breed; they shed way less than the average dog, and their loose hair often get stuck in their dense coat. Just like Cavapoos, you must brush your Poodle daily to keep the coat shiny. You must take your dog for a trim every month to keep it looking grand.  

 Size difference

Poodles are available in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. 

• Standard Poodles are the largest with a height of 18 to 24 inches and weight between 45 and 70 pounds. 
• Miniature Poodles are medium-sized dogs with a height of around 10 to 15 inches and weight of 10 to 20 pounds.
• Toy Poodles are the smallest; they have a height of about 9 to 10 inches and typically weigh between 4 to 9 pounds.

The size of a Cavapoo may differ depending on the parent Poodle’s size. Generally, Cavapoos are small to medium-sized dogs, larger than toy Poodles but smaller than standard Poodles. They typically can weigh between 7 and 25 pounds and stand between 9 and 14 inches tall at the shoulder. 

Exercise and Training Needs

Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, making them quick learners. They enjoy engaging in tasks that provide a challenge. Hence, introducing novel methods will keep your Poodle interested and involved during training. Moreover, this means that Poodles may get bored easily, and they can engage in destructive habits while bored. So, you must ensure regular exercise, engaging playtime, and toys. 

Cavapoos inherit about half of their genetics from Poodles, so they also inherit the intelligence and enthusiasm for training. However, their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lineage makes them predisposed to moments of relaxation. 

What’s the takeaway? Cavapoos are as intelligent as Poodles and need mental stimulation to keep away from bad habits. However, they require less exercise and will be happy with a walk around the block once a day while Poodles may require more exhaustive exercise. 

Temperament

Poodles are intelligent, alert, faithful, and trainable breeds. They are loyal to their own families, but you may sometimes find them timid or nervous around new people, which is why some people find them distant. The best part about Poodles is that they are competent and like learning when they get treats as a reward. 

Cavapoo are friendly, jolly, affectionate, and Sociable. The Cavapoo has the calm qualities of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the slightly nervous traits of a Poodle. This hybrid dog is eager to meet everyone and play in the park. 

They are very friendly and may get out of hand, which is why you need to teach them good behaviour and give them the necessary training from the start. They are smart, hardworking, and quick learners.

Health Issues Specific to The Breed

Poodles and Cavapoos are both quite healthy dog breeds. Even so, there are certain health issues that you should watch out for when getting a Cavapoo. Luxating patellas, eye diseases, and heart conditions are a few concerns. 

Most of these diseases are heredity and you can reduce the risk of these afflictions by choosing to purchase from an ethical breeder. 

Poodles are purebred dogs, but they have not been subject to the cruelty of selective breeding like Bulldogs, and so they are relatively healthier than other dog breeds. Regardless, they are prone to issues like Hip dysplasia, thyroid issues, stomach issues, etc.

Dietary Requirement

Cavapoo and Poodle, despite their unique traits, share specific dietary requirements essential for their health and well-being. 

The Cavapoos diet consists of high-quality commercial dog food or a balanced homemade diet approved by a veterinarian. Due to their Poodle linkage, they might tend to allergies, so selecting hypoallergenic food options can be beneficial.

Poodles are known for their agility, which may contribute to their high metabolism. They require a balanced diet of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Toy and miniature Poodles may have higher energy levels than Standards, necessitating appropriate portions to match their activity levels.

Cost Comparison

Miniature Poodles and Standard Poodles share comparable initial costs, averaging approximately $1,200. However, these breeds frequently have prices closer to $2,000, varying based on their size, well-being, and breeder’s reputation. Toy Poodles are more expensive as toy breeds are more expensive in general. 

On the other hand, you can purchase a Cavapoo for $1500 to $4000 in the USA, depending on factors like size, generation, coat color, location, etc. Cavapoos and Poodles both are expensive dog breeds, but Cavapoos seem more expensive. 

Tip: Naturally, only some possess over $1,000 to acquire a Cavapoo or Poodle. Adopting one from an animal shelter is a budget-friendly and emotionally fulfilling choice.  

Conclusion for Poodle vs Cavapoo – Which one is Right for you

Your lifestyle, interests, and the distinctive characteristics of each breed should all be carefully considered when deciding between the Poodle and the Cavapoo. 

While there are slight differences between the two breeds, both are considered a good option for family dogs. The Cavapoo is known for being friendlier to strangers in general, but Poodles can also learn to be amiable toward strangers with the proper early socialisation.

Due to its typical higher level of activity, the Cavapoo is an ideal option for people with busier schedules. People who like the outdoors and lead an active lifestyle will be happier with a Poodle.

Your well-informed choice will result in a joyful journey full of treasured memories and an unwavering bond, whether you are drawn to the intelligence of the Poodle or the kind attitude of the Cavapoo.