Is the Cavapoo or the Maltipoo better for families with children?

The Cavapoo tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.

Which sheds more, the Cavapoo or the Maltipoo?

The Cavapoo sheds more than the Maltipoo. If shedding is a concern, the Maltipoo is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Cavapoo or the Maltipoo?

The Cavapoo is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Cavapoo or Maltipoo bigger?

Cavapoo and Maltipoo are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Cavapoo or Maltipoo?

Maltipoo tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Cavapoo is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Cavapoo or Maltipoo?

For apartment or flat living, Cavapoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Cavapoo vs Maltipoo: Which Is Better With Kids?

Cavapoo vs Maltipoo: full comparison

Trait	Cavapoo	Maltipoo
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Medium
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Low	Very Low
Barking	Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Medium
Adaptability	Very High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Key differences at a glance

The Cavapoo has noticeably higher childfriendly than the Maltipoo.

Size and living space

The Cavapoo is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. By comparison, the Maltipoo is a small but sturdy breed that suits apartments and smaller homes well and needs little floor space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Cavapoo wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Maltipoo wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Cavapoo needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and sheds very little. The Maltipoo needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Cavapoo learns quickly and enjoys the training process, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Maltipoo trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. On guarding instinct, Cavapoo is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Maltipoo will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Cavapoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Cavapoo has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Cavapoo has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Cavapoo has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Maltipoo has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Cavapoo if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more adaptable dog.

Choose the Maltipoo if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Cavapoo or the Maltipoo better for families with children?: The Cavapoo tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.
Which sheds more, the Cavapoo or the Maltipoo?: The Cavapoo sheds more than the Maltipoo. If shedding is a concern, the Maltipoo is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Cavapoo or the Maltipoo?: The Cavapoo is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Cavapoo or Maltipoo bigger?: Cavapoo and Maltipoo are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Cavapoo or Maltipoo?: Maltipoo tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Cavapoo is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Cavapoo or Maltipoo?: For apartment or flat living, Cavapoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Cavapoo vs Maltipoo