Breed Comparison
Maltipoo vs Cavapoo
Side-by-side breakdown of shedding, trainability, cost, temperament, and whether either breed suits your lifestyle, with honest UK context.
Maltipoo
A designer crossbreed built for flat life. Gentle, low-shedding, and completely …
Cavapoo
The UK's favourite small crossbreed. Combines the Cavalier's softness with the P…
Both are moderate-energy breeds. Puppy prices: Maltipoo £1 000–£2 500, Cavapoo £1 200–£3 000 from UK breeders.
Side-by-side comparison
| Maltipoo | Cavapoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Weight | 2–6 kg | 5–10 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–15 yrs | 13–15 yrs longer |
| Shedding | Minimal shedding | Minimal shedding |
| Barking | Moderate barker | Quiet quieter |
| Trainability | Easy to train | Easy to train |
| Good with kids | Yes | Yes |
| Good with cats | Yes | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | Yes |
| UK puppy price | £1 000–£2 500 cheaper | £1 200–£3 000 |
| Insurance/month | £20–£45/mo cheaper | £25–£55/mo |
Green highlight = advantage on that trait. Prices are UK averages from reputable KC-registered breeders (2024–25).
Quick verdict
Maltipoo
Cavapoo
Which should you choose?
Both the Maltipoo and Cavapoo have their merits, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and what matters most in a dog. Here is an honest breakdown of who each breed suits best.
Choose the Maltipoo if…
- Budget is a factor, Maltipoos typically cost less to buy
- Their temperament, gentle, playful, affectionate, matches what you are looking for
Choose the Cavapoo if…
- You live in a flat or terraced house where noise matters
- Longevity matters to you, Cavapoos tend to live longer
- Their temperament, gentle, playful, affectionate, matches what you are looking for
Energy and exercise requirements
Both the Maltipoo and Cavapoo are medium-energy breeds, so their daily exercise requirements are broadly similar. Expect 60–90 minutes of activity per day for either breed.
Cost comparison
Buying a Maltipoo costs £1 000–£2 500 from a reputable UK breeder, compared to £1 200–£3 000 for a Cavapoo. Insurance is another key variable: Maltipoos run £20–£45/mo monthly versus £25–£55/mo for Cavapoos. Over a dog's lifetime, insurance and food costs typically dwarf the initial purchase price, factor both into your budget.
Which is easier to live with day-to-day?
Both breeds have similar day-to-day demands, medium energy and easy trainability. The practical difference in daily life is minimal on these metrics. Where they diverge is in temperament details, size, and health considerations, factors that matter more over the long term than the headline stats.
The honest summary
These two breeds are closely matched, neither has a clear overall edge. The decision really comes down to which traits matter most in your household.
Both the Maltipoo and Cavapoo can be wonderful dogs in the right hands and the right home. The worst outcome is choosing based on looks or trend alone, make sure their energy level, grooming needs, and temperament fit your life before you commit.
Before you decide
Whatever breed you choose, buy from a reputable breeder who health-tests their breeding stock, not a puppy farm or pet shop. For the Maltipoo, check what health testing the relevant breed club recommends (KC Assured Breeders follow minimum health testing requirements). The same applies to the Cavapoo. A slightly higher purchase price from a responsible breeder is almost always cheaper than the veterinary bills from a poorly-bred dog.
If you're still undecided after reading this comparison, consider meeting dogs of both breeds in person, at a breed club event, through a local rescue, or by contacting a reputable breeder who allows you to meet the parents. Temperament on paper and temperament in the room are not always the same thing. Spend time with both breeds before committing: it's a 10–15 year relationship.