Cavapoo vs. Goldendoodle: Pick a Breed that Fits Your Lifestyle

Both the Cavapoo and Goldendoodle are affectionate, adorable, and make wonderful companions. However, each breed has unique personality traits and needs, which might make one a better fit for your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a cuddly lap dog for cozy nights or an energetic adventure buddy, this guide will help you decide. We’ll explore everything you need to know about these popular hybrid breeds—from their exercise and grooming requirements to their temperament and ideal living conditions—so you can choose the right fluffy friend for your home and family.

The Goldendoodle is a lovable mix of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The hybrid breed first appeared in the 1990s, quickly stealing dog lovers’ hearts. Bred for their friendly nature, smarts, and low-shedding coats, Goldendoodles are the perfect blend of fun and fluff.

The Cavapoo is a small, affectionate mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. Originally bred in the late 1950s (it didn’t reach its cult status until the 1990s, though), this adorable pup was designed to be the ultimate companion dog – loving, smart, and low-shedding.

Poodle Influence: Toy, Miniature, and Standard Sizes

The size of the Poodle parent influences the size of both Goldendoodles and Cavapoos. Since Poodles come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, it creates a range of sizes for these designer breeds.

Goldendoodles, for example, can vary significantly in size, coming in four types:

• Toy Goldendoodle: Under 14 inches tall, weighing 10-20 lbs—perfect for smaller spaces and lap-dog lovers.
• Miniature Goldendoodle: 14 to 16 inches, weighing 20-40 lbs—a great mix of portability and playfulness.
• Medium Goldendoodle: 17 to 20 inches, weighing 45-55 lbs—an energetic but manageable size for active families.
• Standard Goldendoodle: Over 20 inches, weighing 65-90 lbs—a large, playful companion that thrives with space and exercise.

Cavapoo sizes, on the other hand, include:

• Toy Cavapoo: 9 to 12 inches, weighing 7-14 lbs—tiny, cuddly, and ideal for apartments or smaller homes.
• Miniature Cavapoo: 12 to 14 inches, weighing 10-18 lbs—small but sturdy, great for families or singles alike.
• Standard Cavapoo: Up to 18 inches, weighing 20-30 lbs—the largest Cavapoo variety, offering a balance of size and playfulness.

Both Goldendoodles and Cavapoos are known for their affectionate and friendly personalities, but their energy levels and temperament can differ based on their parent breeds. Here’s how they compare:

Goldendoodles inherit their playful, outgoing, and social nature from their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents. They are:

• High-energy – Love outdoor activities, running, and playtime.
• Extremely friendly – Social butterflies who get along with everyone.
• Highly intelligent – Quick learners, eager to please, and easy to train.
• Great for active families – Need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Cavapoos, with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix, are more relaxed and affectionate than Goldendoodles. They are:

• Moderate-energy – Enjoy playtime but also love lounging and cuddling.
• Incredibly loving – Thrive on human companionship and love being lap dogs.
• Highly adaptable – Happy in apartments or larger homes, as long as they get attention.
• Sensitive and gentle – Perfect for emotional support and calm households.

Goldendoodles and Cavapoos inherit their coats from their Poodle parent, which means they tend to be more allergy-friendly than other breeds. However, their coat texture and maintenance needs can vary based on their genetic mix.

Goldendoodles typically have a wavy to curly coat, thanks to their Poodle and Golden Retriever mix. The more Poodle influence they have, the curlier and more hypoallergenic their coat will be.

• Shedding: Minimal to low shedding, depending on coat type and generation. F1B (75% Poodle) Goldendoodles tend to be the most allergy-friendly.
• Grooming Needs: Moderate to high – requires regular brushing (2-3 times a week) to prevent matting and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
• Allergy-Friendly? Generally, yes, but not all Goldendoodles are completely hypoallergenic. A curlier coat is better for allergy sufferers.

Cavapoos usually have a soft, wavy, or curly coat, blending the silky fur of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the curls of the Poodle.

• Shedding: Low-shedding, but may shed slightly more than Goldendoodles due to their Cavalier genes.
• Grooming Needs: Moderate—needs brushing several times a week and grooming every 6-8 weeks to maintain a tangle-free coat.
• Allergy-Friendly? More hypoallergenic than Cavaliers but slightly less than Goldendoodles. Those with curlier coats will be more allergy-friendly.

Bathing and Grooming Requirements

Both breeds require consistent grooming to keep their coats manageable and mat-free, with Goldendoodles generally needing more brushing due to their thicker coats. Here’s a detailed breakdown of recommended grooming routines for Goldendoodles and Cavapoos:

Goldendoodle Grooming Needs

• Brushing: 3-5 times a week, as their wavy or curly coat is prone to matting.
• Bathing: Every 4-6 weeks, or more frequently if they love outdoor adventures.
• Professional Grooming: Every 6-8 weeks to maintain coat shape, reduce matting, and keep them looking tidy.
• Ear Cleaning: Regularly needed to prevent wax buildup and infections, especially for larger Goldendoodles with floppy ears.
• Nail Trimming & Teeth Brushing: Trim nails every few weeks and brush teeth regularly to support overall hygiene and prevent dental issues.

Cavapoo Grooming Needs

• Brushing: 2-4 times a week to prevent tangles and matting, especially for curlier coats.
• Bathing: Every 4-6 weeks or as needed.
• Professional Grooming: Every 6-8 weeks to maintain their fluffy coat and trim around the face and paws.
• Ear Cleaning: Regularly check and clean to prevent infections, as Cavapoos’ floppy ears can trap moisture.
• Nail Trimming & Teeth Brushing: Every few weeks to keep nails at a comfortable length and promote good dental health.

Both Goldendoodles and Cavapoos are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, their exercise needs vary due to differences in energy levels and size.

Goldendoodles tend to be high-energy dogs, requiring daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. They thrive in active households that can provide plenty of outdoor adventures and training challenges.

Cavapoos, on the other hand, are more relaxed and adaptable. While they still enjoy playtime and mental engagement, their exercise needs are more moderate compared to Goldendoodles. Their smaller size and affectionate nature make them ideal dogs for families, seniors, and first-time dog owners who want a loving pet without the high-energy demands of larger breeds.

Although Goldendoodles and Cavapoos are generally healthy, long-living breeds, like all dogs, they can inherit certain health conditions from their parent breeds.

For example, Goldendoodles are prone to joint and size-related issues, whereas Cavapoos are more likely to experience heart and dental concerns due to their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lineage.

Proper care, routine vet visits, a nutritious diet, and regular exercise can significantly improve their lifespan and overall well-being.

Goldendoodles typically live 10-15 years, with smaller-sized Goldendoodles often living longer than their full-sized counterparts. Their health concerns derive from their Golden Retriever and Poodle genetics, which make them prone to joint and hereditary conditions. Common Goldendoodle health concerns include:

• Hip & Elbow Dysplasia – A common issue in larger breeds, leading to arthritis and mobility problems.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – A degenerative eye disease that can lead to vision loss over time.
• Ear Infections – Floppy ears trap moisture, making them prone to bacterial infections.
• Allergies & Skin Sensitivities – Goldendoodles can suffer from food or environmental allergies.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) – A life-threatening condition more common in deep-chested Standard Goldendoodles.

Cavapoos enjoy a longer lifespan of 12-15 years thanks to their smaller size and hybrid vigor. However, their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ancestry makes them more prone to heart and dental issues, which require extra attention as they age. Some common Cavapoo health issues that may arise include:

• Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) – A heart condition common in Cavaliers, which can lead to heart failure if not monitored.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – An inherited eye condition that can cause blindness over time.
• Ear Infections – Their floppy ears need regular cleaning to prevent wax buildup and bacteria growth.
• Luxating Patella – A condition where the kneecap slips out of place, leading to discomfort or limping.
• Dental Issues – Small breeds are prone to plaque buildup and gum disease, requiring extra dental care.

Both Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are adorable, affectionate, and highly intelligent dogs. But which one is the right pup for you?

It all depends on your lifestyle. If you’re looking for a high-energy, playful, and adventurous dog, a Goldendoodle might be your perfect match. They thrive in active households and love outdoor adventures, training challenges, and socializing with everyone they meet.

On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler, smaller, and more relaxed dog, the Cavapoo is an excellent choice. They’re affectionate lap dogs who enjoy a mix of play and snuggles, making them ideal for families, seniors, or apartment living.

If your heart tells you Goldendoodle, explore our available Goldendoodle pups. As a trusted and licensed Goldendoodle breeder, Central Illinois Doodles is the #1 destination for future doodle parents.

https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/cavapoo

https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/cavapoo

https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/goldendoodle