Cockapoo vs. Maltipoo – What Is The Best Breed For You

Cockapoo and Maltipoo dogs are hybrid dogs and are a combination of two different dog types. These two breeds have caught the eye of people with family and people without. Read on to find out more about these two intriguing dog breeds.

Key Similarities

Both of these dogs are well-suited for apartment living, RV’s, or condos since they are small dogs.

A Cockapoo and a Maltipoo have easy-going personalities and are little fluffy dogs.

These dogs love to be around their family members and play inside and outside. They have a high energy level which makes them perfect for families with children,

A Cockapoo and a Maltipoo have coats that need to be brushed daily. If not, the coats can become snarled and matted.

Key Differences

The Cockapoo has short or long hair coats that can be either straight or curly. The Maltipoo has a coat that can be curly or scruffy, depending on their poodle parent.

The Cockapoo can go on longer walks than the Maltipoo and needs less exercise.

The Cockapoo is sturdier and denser than a Maltipoo because a Maltipoo is a little more delicate..

Pros of Owning a Cockapoo

A Cockapoo is a friendly and family-loving dog and has a great temperament. The Cockapoo is a little bit more intelligent than the Maltipoo because of having a Cocker Spaniel parent.

Pros of Owning a Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a smaller dog, and the typical weight is about 6 to 8 pounds.

Since the Maltipoo needs less exercise, they are perfect for a more laid-back family or a senior.

All About the Cockapoo

History

The Cockapoo is a hybrid mix of either a Toy or Miniature Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. Since your dog is a crossbreed, there can be a range of diversity from the litter. However, very rarely have a litter of Cockapoos with identical size puppies and coat color.

Size & Appearance

The Cockapoo can be standard, miniature, or toy depending on the size of the Poodle parent. A standard Cockapoo can weigh a little over 20 pounds and be about 15 inches tall. Miniatures can weigh between 12 to 20 pounds and be between 11 to 14 inches. The Toy Cockapoo weighs less than 12 pounds and is no more than 10 inches tall.

The coat is a Cockapoo is similar to a poodle with the floppy ears of a Cocker Spaniel. They have large, beautiful eyes and a teddy bear-like appearance.

Lifespan

Between 14 to 20 years

Guard dog or Family

The Cockapoo is not a guard dog but will bark if he sees someone coming towards the house or knocking at the door.

Training & behavior

A Cockapoo is a little easier to train because one of the parents is a Cocker Spaniel. So, your dog may pick up training and commands a little faster. But it may be a bit of a struggle to get your dog to focus on the lesson. Again, it’s because your dog is hyper-social and loves to be around other animals and people.

This dog is bred to be a companion dog, not to be left outside or left alone too long. Excessive barking and destructive behavior can be caused by too long separation time.

Crating this breed is a benefit that can ensure your pup doesn’t have accidents in the home. Plus, it can be his safe place to get away from noise and confusion if your dog wants to take a nap.

Shedding, grooming, and maintenance

The Cockapoo has a coat that is long and can range from loose curls to straight. Cockapoos come in various colors and color combinations of Poodle, and Cocker Spaniels breed.

Many owners let their dog’s coat grow au natural, but some owners like to keep their dogs clipped. The coat should only be trimmed between one to two inches in length. Any hair around your dog’s eyes should be trimmed so he can see correctly. You should brush your dog’s coat daily.

Your Cockapoo should be odorless and not shed much. Your dog should only be bathed when necessary to retain the coat’s health and coat oils.

Your dog’s ears need to be checked weekly and cleaned weekly. Because his ears flop over, it blocks the circulation and will cause ear infections. Gently wipe out your dog’s ear with a cleaning solution on a cotton ball.

Only clean what you can see. If the ear smells bad, looks tender or red, or if he scratches or shakes his head frequently, then your dog may have an ear infection.

Health issues

Some of the health issues of a Cockapoo are cataracts, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, allergies, liver disease, and ear infections.

When purchasing your puppy, the breeder should show you health clearances from the parents from Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, the Auburn University, and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.

All About the Maltipoo

History

The hybrid was established in the 1990s to bring together the Maltese and the Poodle traits together. The other opinion was that the breed was created for people with allergies since the dander is low.

Size & appearance

These are small dogs about 11 inches in height and about 5 to 18 pounds in weight. Your dog could look like either one of his parents or both of them. The eyes are usually brown, but sometimes the eyes can be blue, although it is rare. Their ears are floppy, and the tails curl over the dog’s body.

The coat color can be any combination of their parents. For example, most of the time, a Maltipoo will have the thick and curly coat of the Poodle parent. But sometimes, the coat of the Maltese parent will show up, so the coat will be long and flowing.

Lifespan

The life span can be between 12 and 14 years.

Guard dog or Family

These dogs are known to be family dogs but can become protective of their family members. Sometimes this protectiveness can turn into guard dog behavior.

Training & behavior

The Maltipoo is somewhat easy to train if you’re consistent and use the reward method. They love to be taught new tricks, adjust well to a new environment, and settle in quickly.

Shedding, grooming, and maintenance

No matter which type of coat your Maltipoo will have, both will need to be brushed daily. Also, your dog will need to be professionally groomed about every 6 weeks.

Depending on how much Poodle your dog has in him will depend on how much he sheds. He will also need to have his ears cleaned, so your dog doesn’t get an ear infection.

Health issues

For health issues, the most problematic are luxating patella, tracheal collapse, eye issues, white dog shaker syndrome, liver issues, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

Always ask to see the health certification of both parents before buying your puppy from the breeder.

What About?

Temperament and behavior

Cockapoos are affectionate and friendly dogs with a comedic personality. They are highly intelligent and love learning new activities. These dogs love to be around their family and are the better dogs for younger children since they are larger and sturdier.

You can’t leave these dogs alone for long periods of time. If left alone too long, the dog will act out by barking and even becoming destructive.

Exercise needs:

These dogs will adapt to apartment living if he is adequately exercised. But the ideal home is a house with a small fenced-in yard. Your dog will need at least 40 minutes of a high level of exercise a day. A good play session in the yard will take care of that.

Quick facts

  • The American Cockapoo Club of America was created in 1999. It was formed so that there would be a breed standard for Cockapoos.
  • Cockapoos love being with their family and can develop separation anxiety if not socialized properly.
  • If your Cockapoos coat is extra curly, it may require daily brushing plus a trip to the groomers regularly.
  • The cost of a Cockapoo puppy can range from $600 to $2000.

What About?

Temperament & Behaviour

These are friendly, happy dogs that love to spend time with their owners. The Maltipoo is loyal to a fault and has the affectionate of the Maltese mixed with the Poodles intelligence.

When socialized at a young age, they will get along with other pets and animals. These are charming dogs that are easy to love.

Exercise Needs

Maltipoos need around 40 minutes of exercise daily. This can be broken into two walks twice a day. Plus, mental stimulation is necessary, so games and playing fetch as good ways for your dog to get it.

Quick facts

  • The cost of a Maltipoo puppy ranges from $400 to $2000.
  • These are small dogs with small faces and short legs. Maltipoos have ears that perk up when they run and a short tail that waves gently.
  • The Maltipoo isn’t recognized by either the American Kennel Club or the Kennel Club.

Conclusion

This is not about picking the better dog but the dog which suits you, your lifestyle, and your family. For example, a Cockapoo would probably better fit young families. While the Maltipoo may be a better fit for a lower-key family, who likes to play indoor games.

In the end, the choice and puppy are yours.