Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle Best Breed Comparison [with photos]

Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are both Poodle mixes that are similar and very different at the same time.

These unique doodle dogs are both wonderful family members – but their quirks must be understood to make the right choice when adopting a new puppy.

They are Poodles mixed with Cavalier Saint Charles Spaniels and Golden Retrievers, respectively. When considering Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle, the first thing to know is what Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are. 

What is a Cavapoo?

A Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier Saint Charles Spaniel and a Poodle-usually a Mini or Toy Poodle. Two cute and cuddly breeds! 

The Cavapoo is a gentle, sweet, and energetic dog that is a descendant of two working dogs. It is the calmest small Poodle breed, but it can also be quite playful. 

Cavapoos are highly intelligent, and they obey basic commands and instructions from their owners. Cavapoos aren’t the best choice if you want a dog that can be left home alone or if you want a less intelligent dog.

Given the right exercise routine and enough attention, Cavapoos are the perfect breed for a loving family. They’re one of the smallest Doodle cross-breeds, which combines Poodle qualities and all the benefits of having a small dog. 

What is a Goldendoodle?

A Goldendoodle is a mix between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. They can be either regular-sized or Mini Goldendoodles. Mini Goldendoodles are gotten from a cross between a Mini Poodle and a Golden Retriever or a Goldendoodle. A standard Poodle and Golden Retriever mix will give you a tall and sweet Goldendoodle. 

Goldendoodles inherit all the good qualities from both their parent breeds. This leaves them as cuddly teddy bear-like dogs with hypoallergenic fur.

Goldendoodles have captured hearts for decades with their soft fur, sweet personality, and round-the-clock willingness to please. 

The Goldendoodle is perfect for every family or individual, even those allergic to fur!

Temperament of Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle

The Cavapoo vs. Goldendoodle comparison is an interesting one because they share a parent breed and have more similarities than differences. Most of their differences stem from their other parent breeds-Cavalier Saint Charles Spaniel for Cavapoos and Golden Retriever for Goldendoodles. Here are some differences between Cavapoos and Goldendoodles:

Cavapoo Temperament

Cavapoos-or cavoodles-are a little less energetic than Goldendoodles. As puppies, these sweet little dogs can be quite energetic, but they tend to mellow and calm down as they grow older. Cavapoos are the textbook couch potato dogs, and they prefer lounging to running around and exercising. 

Cavapoos are sociable dogs that get along with other dogs and pets. They tend to get attached and clingy with their owners and human family, showing affection with cuddles and following them around. When they’re well socialized, they get along with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. 

Goldendoodle Temperament

The Goldendoodle is the more energetic Poodle hybrid, which shows their enthusiasm for running around and going for walks. If you don’t allow your Goldendoodle to exercise properly, it can become destructive and wreak havoc in their immediate environment. Goldendoodles are sweet and pleasant dogs that enjoy exercising, but they can become difficult if you don’t walk them and play with them often. 

Apart from that, Goldendoodles are confident, friendly, and affectionate dogs that enjoy making new friends -both human and animal. They’re smart and intelligent dogs, so they tend to get needy if you don’t stimulate them mentally. 

Health of Cavapoo Vs Goldendoodle

Cavapoo Health and Vigor

Cavapoos have a range of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, brain diseases, and dislocation of joints. 

Cavoodles tend to develop Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), a heart disease caused when the mitral valve begins to wear out and leak. The mitral valve gets leaky due to the high pressure that’s created by the contraction of the left ventricle while pumping blood out of the heart. 

It’s also known as Mitral Regurgitation or Mitral Valve Insufficiency (MVI). The earliest sign of Mitral Valve Disease is a heart murmur, although it’s hard to tell if the dog is suffering from MVD. Your best bet is to get your Cavapoo tested if you suspect a heart murmur. 

Cavapoos can also suffer from cerebellar biotrophy and dislocation in the hips and kneecaps. 

Goldendoodle Health and Wellbeing

Goldendoodles are also susceptible to several diseases and illnesses. They can suffer from a cardiovascular disorder-Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis-which can cause complications in their old age. 

They can also suffer from cataracts which make their eyes become cloudy blue and cloud their vision. 

Goldendoodles are also susceptible to hip dysplasia which causes slipping joints to get worse as time goes on. Hip dysplasia is the medical terminology for describing a hip socket that doesn’t completely cover the ball part of the upper thigh bone. 

One advantage cross-breeds have is called hybrid vigor. It’s a genetic trait that means the result of a cross between two different breeds will be healthier than either of the parent breeds.  This is because purebred breeds pass down the same diseases through their bloodline. Still, hybrid dogs like the Cavapoo and the Goldendoodle have a lower probability of having these diseases unless both parent breeds are carriers. 

Size Difference – Goldendoodle Vs Cavapoo

Cavapoo Size Vs Goldendoodle

Cavapoo dogs are smaller than Goldendoodles; this is mostly due to their parent breeds being the Mini or Toy Poodle. Their height ranges from 9 to 15 inches, which means that they’re quite small. The relatively large range depends on which parent breed they inherit more characteristics from. 

Essentially, if they inherit more genetics from their Poodle parent, they will be taller instead of inheriting more traits from their Cavalier Spaniel parent.

Their weight also ranges from 8 to 24 pounds as adults. The weight range is also dependent on the side the dog inherits more qualities from. 

Goldendoodle Size Compared to Cavapoo

Goldendoodles-except for the Miniature Goldendoodle -are distinctly larger than Cavapoos. Their weight ranges from 30 to 45 pounds, much heavier than the Cavapoo at 8 to 24 pounds. 

They are much taller than the Cavapoos, with a height range of 20 to 27 inches instead of the 9 to 15 inches of the Cavapoo. They tend to appear bigger than they are because of their fluffy fur, which can be long, depending on the hairstyle. 

There are three common sizes for Goldendoodles:

• Mini Goldendoodle weighs between 15 and 30 pounds, and its height is between 15 and 19 inches.
• Medium Goldendoodle: It usually weighs 30 to 45 pounds, with its height ranging from 20 to 22 inches. 
• Standard Goldendoodle: It weighs 46 to 80 pounds, and its height ranges from 23 to 25 and above inches. 

Smaller Goldendoodles do exist but they are usually cross breeds. They are called Teacup or Toy. You can ask a Goldendoodle breeder if they have any ultra small dogs.

Generally, adult Cavapoos are close in size to Mini Goldendoodles, but Medium and Standard Goldendoodles will be distinctly bigger than Cavapoos. 

Lifespan of Cavapoo Vs Goldendoodle

The Cavapoo has a lifespan of 12 to at least 16 years on average. They tend to live longer than most Poodles and other hybrids due to the genetic longevity of both parent breeds. 

The Goldendoodle, on the other hand, has a wider range of 10 to about 15 years. These dogs usually live beyond 15 years, but the range of years is wider because of the Golden Retriever’s shorter expectancy of between 9 to 12 years. 

Most times, the Mini Goldendoodle will live significantly longer than the Medium and Standard Goldendoodles. 

Cost and Expenses [Breakdown Cavapoo Vs Goldendoodle]

Cavapoo Costs

The Cavapoo is not the most expensive dog to take care of. Its expenses are quite moderate. Although this breed tends to suffer from some diseases, it is unlikely that your dog will develop them. 

The most probable expenses for you to incur will be general grooming and routine veterinary services.

Goldendoodle Ongoing Costs

The Goldendoodle is slightly more expensive than the Cavapoo. It needs routine grooming to keep its fur coat healthy, silky, and fluffy. It also requires veterinary services that could be expensive since they are also susceptible to various diseases. They’re more expensive than Cavapoos because they are larger, and larger breeds tend to be more expensive than their smaller counterparts. 

The cost of a Goldendoodle or Cavapoo is between $2,500 and $4,000, with about $1500 per year spent on toys, veterinary services, food, and grooming. 

Choosing Between a Cavapoo and a Goldendoodle based on cost from breeder

Goldendoodles are more common – but their cost varies. An ethical breeder who has a track record of hypoallergenic non-shedding coats will charge significantly more for those dogs. You will pay $1500 to $3500 for a Goldendoodle.

Ultra small Goldendoodles are typically more expensive. F1b and F2 Goldendoodles with proven records of non-shedding (wavy or curly coats) will cost more. Red or Apricot coats will cost more. Black Goldendoodles will typically be cheaper despite their rarity.

Cavapoo costs are lower but still significant. Expect to pay $2000 USD plus depending on local demand.

Adopting is always a cheap option and helps save a life. Poodle breed rescues exist to provide rescued canines with a second chance. 

Training Differences Between The Two Breeds

Cavapoo Training

Cavapoos aren’t as intelligent as Goldendoodles, but they’re also smart. They require training, but not as much as the Goldendoodle. The Cavalier Saint Charles Spaniel-their parent breed-is moderately intelligent, so the Cavapoo is inherently moderately smart as well. It can learn basic commands such as sitting, lying down, and rolling as well as potty training. Teaching the Cavapoo more complex commands is a bit of a hassle, as they’re not the brightest. 

Goldendoodle Training

The Goldendoodle is an intelligent hybrid breed that’s also quite easy to train. See this Goldendoodle training timeline to see how advanced they can get even as puppies.

Both parent breeds are highly intelligent, so it’s no surprise that the Goldendoodle is also intelligent. They have no problems being potty trained, learning basic commands, and even more complex ones. It’s quite beneficial to have a well-trained Goldendoodle in case of emergencies. 

Grooming – Comparing Cavapoo and Goldendoodle

The Cavapoo needs to be groomed regularly to avoid looking dirty and unkempt. Usually, grooming Cavapoos involves a haircut every other month, brushing their fur to get rid of mats, cutting their nails, cleaning their ears, and brushing their teeth. 

The Goldendoodle also needs regular grooming to keep its coat looking silky and healthy. Their coat needs to be brushed, ears cleaned, nails clipped, and teeth brushed. 

Both the Cavapoo and the Goldendoodle are quite friendly, so the groomer won’t have a hard time grooming them, whether at home or in a grooming salon.

You can groom your dog at home if you have the right equipment and expertise to do it. Choosing the right brush and shampoo for Poodle mix dogs is fairly simple

Appearance Comparison of Cavapoo and Goldendoodle

Cavapoo Looks

Just like the Cavalier Saint Charles Spaniel, the Cavapoo has floppy ears. Thanks to their Poodle parent, they are much bigger and have curly or wavy fur. They come in golden, apricot, red with a white chest, or brown. They have the Cavalier Spaniels’ face, with the characteristic floppy ears and short coat. 

Goldendoodle Looks

As we’ve established, the Goldendoodle is much bigger than the Cavapoo. Apart from the Teacup Goldendoodle – almost every other size Goldendoodle doodle puppy will be larger than any Cavapoo.

It has long, strong legs for running and playing fetch. It also has a much shorter snout and shorter ears than the Cavapoo. Goldendoodles come in various colors, including cream, golden, red, chocolate, parti, and apricot. 

Adopting or Breeder Choice for Cavapoos and Goldendoodles

If you’re thinking about adopting either dog breed, it’s important to do your research and find an ethical breeder. 

• The breeder should have a website that lists prices and the parents’ pedigrees. They also need to provide an adoption contract listing health guarantees, return policy, etc.
• If you buy your puppy from someone who doesn’t give you any paperwork or information on where they got it (other than “the internet”), chances are it’s not coming from a good home. 
• Puppies should come with their shots records up to date as well as registration papers if possible. If there is no record of them at all, this could be a sign of abuse or neglect

Choose a puppy from a reputable breeder (or adopt) and your mixed breed hybrid dog will grow into an amazing family member!

One Last Tip: Be wary of online listings - look for brick and mortar breeder that you can visit in person. 

Does Local Weather Impact Adoption Choice Between the Cavapoo and the Goldendoodle?

If you live in a very cold climate , you might not want a Cavapoo. Smaller dogs are more susceptible to cold weather if they spend alot of time outside. In general though Cavapoo dogs are INDOOR dogs so it is not a huge issue. Goldendoodles LOVE snow.

If you live in an area that gets hot year round, then either Goldendoodles or Cavapoos are appropriate dog breeds. They both suffer in extreme heat – and you might consider a more regular shave or grooming cut for the summer months to keep them cool.

Both Goldendoodles and Cavapoos enjoy swimming, though the larger Goldendoodle is safer in the ocean or deeper water. Plus their non shedding wavy coats makes them look pretty adorable in any kind of T-shirt or life vest for summertime fun!

If you live in a climate that is unpredictable, then either of these breeds might work for you. You’ll need to make sure they have access to shade during hot days and plenty of water when it’s cold out. If you are prepared then you can overcome any local temperature issues.

Conclusion

Both the Cavapoo and Goldendoodle are good family dogs, but they also have many differences, the most obvious one being their sizes. Depending on your exact reason for getting a pet dog, you may lean towards the Goldendoodle or the Cavapoo.

Keep in mind that the Cavapoo tends to live longer than the Goldendoodle because it’s smaller, but the Goldendoodle is sometimes considered more trainable using traditional methods.

As a dog owner – there really is no bad choice here. If you want a sweet, loyal, and affectionate dog, either one is a good choice for you.