If you’ve spent more than 10 minutes looking for a small, fluffy dog online, you’ve already met these two. The Maltipoo and the Cavapoo show up everywhere — Instagram reels, “best family dogs” lists, apartment-living guides, you name it. And honestly? That popularity is 100% deserved.
But here’s the problem most future dog parents face: both breeds look adorably similar, both are mixed with a Poodle, and both seem equally lovable. So how on earth do you choose?
That’s exactly what this guide is for.
At PuppyHeaven, we’ve spent years helping families, couples, seniors, and first-time dog owners find the right match. In this article, we go deep — not just the usual “one is slightly smaller” comparison, but real, honest differences in temperament, health, grooming, cost, and lifestyle fit. By the end, you’ll know exactly which breed is the right one for your life.
Let’s get into it.
Quick Summary: Maltipoo vs Cavapoo at a Glance
| Feature | Maltipoo | Cavapoo |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Breeds | Maltese + Poodle | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle |
| Size | 5–20 lbs, 8–14 inches | 9–25 lbs, 9–15 inches |
| Lifespan | 13–16 years | 12–15 years |
| Temperament | Playful, vocal, cuddly | Gentle, social, calm |
| Shedding | Very low | Very low |
| Hypoallergenic | Near-hypoallergenic | Near-hypoallergenic |
| Training | Moderate–easy | Easy–very easy |
| Barking | Higher tendency | Lower tendency |
| Best For | Apartments, singles, seniors, work-from-home | Families, active owners, multi-pet homes |
| Purchase Price | $1,000–$4,000 | $1,500–$4,500 |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate | Moderate–high |
| Separation Anxiety | High | Moderate |
Where Do These Breeds Come From?
The Maltipoo — Tiny, Feisty, and Full of Heart
The Maltipoo is a cross between the Maltese and the Poodle (usually a Toy or Miniature Poodle). The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds in the world — these fluffy white dogs were literally bred to sit on the laps of royalty and nobility for centuries. The Poodle, on the other hand, is one of the most intelligent working dogs ever bred.
Put those two together, and you get a dog that is compact, clever, affectionate, and a little bit sassy.
Maltipoos became popular around the late 1990s and early 2000s in the United States, originally bred to create a small companion dog that was allergy-friendlier than most. Today, they’re one of the most recognizable designer breeds in the country.
The Cavapoo — The Gentle Giant of Small Dogs
The Cavapoo (also called the Cavoodle in Australia) is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. The Cavalier is famously one of the most affectionate and gentle dog breeds on the planet — they were literally bred to be companion dogs for British royalty. The Poodle brings intelligence, trainability, and a low-shedding coat into the mix.
Interestingly, Cavapoos actually have a longer history than most people realize. While they surged in popularity in the 1990s in the U.S., the first recorded Cavapoo crosses go back to the 1950s in Australia, where breeders were specifically trying to create a calmer, allergy-friendlier companion dog.
The result is a dog that is warm, gentle, adaptable, and deeply social — one that almost never meets a stranger.
Size and Appearance: How Different Do They Actually Look?
Maltipoo Size
Maltipoos are generally the smaller of the two breeds. They typically weigh 5 to 20 pounds and stand 8 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. Most Maltipoos stay quite compact and lightweight, which makes them highly popular for apartment living and travel.
Their coat is usually soft, fluffy, and either wavy or curly. Because the Maltese parent is almost always white, Maltipoos most commonly come in cream, white, and silver shades — though apricot and buff colorings do appear. Their coats tend to have a finer, silkier texture compared to the Cavapoo.
Cavapoo Size
Cavapoos are slightly larger and sturdier. They usually weigh 9 to 25 pounds and stand 9 to 15 inches tall. While still clearly a small breed, they have a more solid build that many families with young children find reassuring — they’re less fragile than the Maltipoo.
Cavapoos have a much wider range of coat colors, thanks to the Cavalier parent. You’ll commonly see chestnut, gold, tri-color (black, white, and tan), and ruby coats. Their coats tend to be slightly thicker and can range from silky and straight to wavy and curly depending on which parent they take after more.
Key Takeaway on Looks
If you want the smallest possible dog — choose the Maltipoo. If you want a slightly sturdier dog with more coat color variety — the Cavapoo wins. Both are undeniably adorable and will attract attention everywhere you take them.
Temperament: The Biggest Difference Between These Two Breeds
This is where things get really interesting — and where most comparison guides fall short by oversimplifying.
Maltipoo Personality
The Maltipoo is lively, playful, and deeply attached to its people. These are dogs that want to be in your business constantly. They tend to follow their owners around the house, curl up on laps whenever possible, and demand attention with their big personalities.
They can be a little more vocal than Cavapoos. “Yappy” is a word that sometimes gets associated with Maltipoos — and it’s not entirely unfair. Their Maltese heritage gives them a sharp, alert personality. They will bark at the doorbell, at the neighbors, and at suspicious-looking squirrels outside the window. With proper training and early socialization, this can be well-managed — but if you live in a thin-walled apartment building, it’s something to keep in mind.
On the flip side, that same alertness makes them surprisingly effective little watchdogs. They are emotionally sensitive dogs that pick up on their owner’s moods and respond accordingly. If you’re stressed, your Maltipoo will know it.
One important thing to understand: Maltipoos can be prone to separation anxiety. They bond very intensely with their primary person and can become distressed when left alone for extended periods. This makes them better suited for families where someone is home most of the day, people who work from home, or retirees.
Cavapoo Personality
The Cavapoo has a different kind of emotional energy. They are warm and affectionate but tend to be calmer and more laid-back than the Maltipoo. Their Cavalier heritage gives them a gentle, patient quality that makes them exceptional with children, seniors, and multi-pet households.
Where the Maltipoo can be a little reactive, the Cavapoo tends to roll with things. New people, new environments, different daily schedules — Cavapoos handle change better than most small breeds. They are sociable without being needy, affectionate without being overwhelming.
Cavapoos are also quieter. They’re unlikely to bark excessively, which makes them easier to manage in close-living situations.
They do still experience separation anxiety — it’s common in both breeds — but they generally handle alone time slightly better than Maltipoos.
The Cavapoo’s Spaniel heritage makes them particularly empathetic and emotionally aware dogs, which is one of the reasons they excel at therapy and emotional support work. If you’re looking for a dog that seems to genuinely understand how you’re feeling, the Cavapoo is extraordinary at this.
Training: Which Breed Is Easier to Train?
Both breeds are intelligent — that Poodle DNA shows up clearly in both of them. But there are some practical differences worth knowing.
Training a Maltipoo
Maltipoos are smart and eager to please, which works in your favor during training. However, they can be a bit stubborn at times — a trait that seems to come from the Maltese side. Housetraining in particular can take some patience with Maltipoos. They can take longer to fully grasp bathroom routines than larger breeds.
The most important thing with Maltipoos is early socialization. If you don’t expose your Maltipoo puppy to new people, new dogs, new sounds, and new environments in those first few months, you risk ending up with a dog that’s fearful or reactive as an adult. Well-socialized Maltipoos are genuinely delightful. Under-socialized ones can be snappy and anxious.
Always use positive reinforcement — treats, praise, play. Maltipoos respond very poorly to harsh corrections.
Training a Cavapoo
Cavapoos tend to be slightly easier to train across the board. Their Spaniel heritage makes them naturally attentive and responsive to human cues, and their Poodle intelligence means they pick up commands quickly. Most Cavapoos thrive in puppy training classes and can progress to more advanced training with relative ease.
That said, they can occasionally channel what trainers call “stubborn Spaniel energy” — moments where they’d simply rather sniff that interesting patch of grass than sit when asked. It’s occasional and manageable, not a character flaw.
Like Maltipoos, Cavapoos do best with positive reinforcement. Keep training sessions to 10–15 minutes, keep them fun, and be consistent.
Grooming Needs: What You’re Signing Up For
Both breeds are low-shedding, which is a huge draw for allergy sufferers and people who prefer clean homes. But “low-shedding” does not mean “low-maintenance.” This is a misconception that leads many new owners to be surprised by how much grooming these dogs actually need.
Maltipoo Grooming
The Maltipoo’s coat is typically fine and silky, which sounds easier to manage — and in some ways it is. But fine hair can tangle and mat surprisingly quickly if not brushed regularly. Plan on brushing your Maltipoo 3–4 times per week at minimum.
Professional grooming appointments every 6–8 weeks are recommended to keep the coat trimmed, clean, and healthy. Eye staining (the reddish-brown marks beneath the eyes) is also common in Maltipoos and requires daily gentle cleaning around the eye area.
Monthly baths, regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care round out the grooming routine.
Cavapoo Grooming
Cavapoos can have more variable coats — ranging from straighter and silkier to thick and wavy — and those with curlier coats need particularly consistent brushing to prevent matting. Plan on brushing your Cavapoo 4–5 times per week if the coat is thicker.
Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is also recommended. Cavapoos have floppy ears (inherited from the Cavalier) which can trap moisture and lead to ear infections if not cleaned regularly. Check those ears weekly.
Cost of Grooming
Professional grooming typically runs $50–$90 per session depending on your location. Over the course of a year, that can add up to $300–$700 in grooming costs for either breed. It’s a real ongoing expense that prospective owners should factor into their budget.
Health: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Both breeds benefit from “hybrid vigor” — the general health advantage that mixed breeds tend to have over purebreds. But that doesn’t make them immune to health issues. Many conditions from the parent breeds can still show up.
Common Maltipoo Health Issues
- Luxating Patella (Slipping Kneecap): One of the most common issues in small breeds. The kneecap slips out of position, causing a characteristic hopping gait. Mild cases may self-resolve; severe cases require surgery.
- Dental Disease: Small dogs have crowded teeth, making them highly prone to dental problems. Brushing your Maltipoo’s teeth regularly and scheduling dental cleanings is essential.
- Allergies: Skin allergies are common and can cause itching, biting, and recurring skin infections.
- White Shaker Syndrome: A neurological condition more common in white-coated dogs (like the Maltese). Causes full-body tremors. Treatable with corticosteroids.
- Portosystemic Shunt: A liver condition that can affect small breeds. Worth screening for, especially if purchasing from a breeder.
- Epilepsy: Seizures can occur in some lines.
The Maltipoo lifespan is impressively long — typically 13–16 years, making them one of the longer-lived small dogs.
Common Cavapoo Health Issues
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): This is the big one for Cavapoos, inherited from the Cavalier side. MVD is a progressive heart condition. Responsible breeders will health-test breeding dogs and delay breeding until age 2.5+ per established protocols.
- Hip Dysplasia: The hip joint doesn’t develop correctly, leading to arthritis and pain. More common in Cavapoos than Maltipoos due to the Spaniel heritage.
- Syringomyelia: A serious neurological condition in Cavaliers where fluid-filled cavities form near the spinal cord. Responsible breeders screen for this.
- Eye Conditions: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) can occur in Poodle lines. Worth testing for.
- Ear Infections: Those adorable floppy Cavalier ears trap moisture and are prone to infections.
The Cavapoo lifespan is typically 12–15 years — slightly shorter than the Maltipoo, largely because of the heart disease risk from the Cavalier side.
Health Verdict
Neither breed is inherently “healthier” than the other. The Maltipoo has a slightly longer lifespan on average, but the Cavapoo’s health risks (especially MVD) are well-understood and can be significantly mitigated by choosing a breeder who performs proper health screening.
For both breeds: always ask the breeder for health clearances on both parents. This is non-negotiable.
Exercise Needs: How Active Do You Need to Be?
Maltipoo Exercise
Maltipoos are energetic but don’t require marathon exercise sessions. A couple of 15–20 minute walks per day plus indoor playtime is typically sufficient. They enjoy interactive games, fetch (yes, even tiny dogs love fetch), and mental stimulation toys.
Because of their small size, Maltipoos can meet most of their exercise needs even in a studio apartment — provided you play with them consistently. They are genuinely well-suited for lower-activity lifestyles.
Cavapoo Exercise
Cavapoos need a bit more physical activity than Maltipoos. Plan on 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day, split between walks, outdoor play, and mental stimulation. They enjoy exploring outdoor environments and are more naturally curious and adventurous than the Maltipoo.
For apartment dwellers, Cavapoos can absolutely thrive — but you need to commit to those daily walks. A bored, under-exercised Cavapoo will find ways to entertain themselves that you won’t enjoy.
Which Breed Is Right for Your Lifestyle?
Choose a Maltipoo If You…
- Live in a small apartment or condo
- Work from home or are home most of the day
- Are a senior or retiree looking for a low-energy companion
- Have allergies and need the most hypoallergenic option possible
- Want the smallest possible dog
- Live alone and want a dog that is intensely bonded with you
- Don’t have very young children at home (Maltipoos are delicate)
Choose a Cavapoo If You…
- Have a family with children over 6 years old
- Want a dog that handles alone time slightly better
- Own other pets and need a dog that socializes easily
- Are a first-time dog owner (Cavapoos are generally more forgiving to train)
- Want a calmer, less vocal dog for apartment or suburban living
- Want a dog with more coat color variety
- Are looking for a therapy or emotional support dog
Both Breeds Work Well For…
- Seniors who want a gentle, affectionate companion
- People with mild dog allergies (neither breed sheds much)
- Apartment living (both score 5/5 for apartment adaptability)
- Singles and couples looking for a lap dog
- Urban living in general
Cost of Ownership: The Real Numbers
This is an area where both breeds are fairly similar. Let’s be honest about what you’re getting into.
Purchase Price
Maltipoo: $1,000–$4,000 from a reputable breeder. Beware of prices under $500 — these almost certainly come from puppy mills.
Cavapoo: $1,500–$4,500 from a reputable breeder. The slightly higher price reflects the additional genetic health testing responsible breeders perform (especially cardiac testing for MVD).
Rescue is always an option for both breeds — organizations like Doodle Rescue Collective and IDOG Rescue often have Maltipoos and Cavapoos available for $200–$600.
Annual Ownership Costs
Once you bring your dog home, budget for:
- Food: $300–$500/year (high-quality small breed kibble)
- Grooming: $300–$700/year
- Routine Vet Care: $200–$500/year (vaccines, check-ups, preventives)
- Pet Insurance: $20–$60/month — strongly recommended for both breeds given their health predispositions
- Supplies, Toys, Treats: $150–$300/year
Total annual cost: roughly $1,200–$2,500/year, not counting emergencies. Over a 12–15 year lifespan, the total ownership cost for either breed runs well into the tens of thousands of dollars. Plan accordingly.
Maltipoo vs Cavapoo: Pros and Cons Side by Side
Maltipoo Pros
- Longer average lifespan (13–16 years)
- Smaller size — great for truly tiny spaces
- Very playful and entertaining personality
- Strong bond with primary owner
- Lower exercise requirements
Maltipoo Cons
- Higher tendency to bark
- More prone to separation anxiety
- Can be stubborn during housetraining
- Delicate — not ideal for rough-playing young children
- Needs daily eye area cleaning
Cavapoo Pros
- Gentler temperament — excellent with children and other pets
- Easier to train overall
- Less vocal/barky
- Handles alone time somewhat better
- Wider variety of coat colors
- Outstanding therapy and emotional support dogs
Cavapoo Cons
- Higher risk of mitral valve disease (must buy from health-tested lines)
- Slightly shorter average lifespan
- Needs more daily exercise
- Floppy ears need regular monitoring for infections
- Can be slightly more expensive from reputable breeders
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maltipoos or Cavapoos better for allergies?
Both are considered near-hypoallergenic because of their Poodle DNA. No dog is 100% allergen-free, but both breeds are among the best choices for mild-to-moderate allergy sufferers. The Maltipoo may have a very slight edge for severe allergy sufferers because of its finer, lower-dander coat.
Which is more kid-friendly — Cavapoo or Maltipoo?
The Cavapoo is generally better with young children because of its sturdier build and more patient temperament. Both breeds are loving with kids, but a Maltipoo’s small, delicate frame makes them better suited for families with children over 6 who understand how to handle small dogs gently.
Which is easier to train — Maltipoo or Cavapoo?
The Cavapoo is generally considered slightly easier to train, especially for first-time dog owners. Both breeds are intelligent thanks to their Poodle parentage, but the Cavapoo’s Spaniel heritage makes them naturally more attuned and responsive to human cues.
Do Cavapoos bark less than Maltipoos?
Yes, generally. Maltipoos tend to be more vocal, a trait inherited from the alert Maltese. Cavapoos tend to be quieter and more laid-back. Both can be managed with training, but if barking is a major concern, the Cavapoo is the safer choice.
Which breed lives longer — Maltipoo or Cavapoo?
On average, the Maltipoo has a slightly longer lifespan of 13–16 years compared to the Cavapoo’s 12–15 years.
Are Cavapoos or Maltipoos better for seniors?
Both are excellent for seniors. The Cavapoo is particularly popular with the elderly because of its gentle, calm temperament and lower likelihood of excessive barking. The Maltipoo works well for seniors who want a very small, intensely bonded companion and are home most of the day.
Can Maltipoos and Cavapoos be left alone?
Both breeds can struggle with separation anxiety, but Cavapoos tend to handle alone time slightly better. Neither breed should be left alone for more than 4–6 hours regularly. If you work long hours outside the home, consider doggy daycare, a dog walker, or another pet companion for either breed.
Conclusion
After all this research and comparison, here’s the honest truth: there is no objectively better breed between the Maltipoo and the Cavapoo. They are both wonderful dogs. But they are built for slightly different lives.
Choose the Maltipoo if you want the smaller, more intensely bonded, apartment-perfect companion who will follow you from room to room and keep you entertained with their big personality — and if you’re home enough to give them the constant companionship they crave.
Choose the Cavapoo if you want a gentle, versatile, family-friendly dog that handles life’s changes gracefully, gets along with everyone, and brings a quietly consistent warmth to your home every single day.
Either way, you’re not making a bad choice. You’re making the right choice for your life.
Looking for your perfect Maltipoo or Cavapoo puppy? Browse our available puppies at PuppyHeaven, learn more about Maltipoo puppies and Cavapoo puppies on our breed pages, or contact our team — we’re here to help you find the perfect match.
