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Breed Comparison: Poodle Versus Cavapoo

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Poodle versus Cavapoo

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Poodle Versus Cavapoo: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Poodle and the Cavapoo? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Poodle and the Cavapoo better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Poodle and the Cavapoo.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Poodle and the Cavapoo is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Poodle and for the Cavapoo. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Poodle and the Cavapoo.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Poodle or the Cavapoo.

Note that there are 3 types of Poodles:

  • The Standard Poodle
  • The Miniature Poodle
  • The Toy Poodle


  • However, these 3 poodle `types` are basically the same. The only difference between them is size. Standard Poodles are big, toy poodles are small, and miniature poodles are medium-sized.

    Read more about the subtle differences between the standard poodle vs. miniature poodle here and the toy poodle versus miniature poodle here.

    In addition, we have articles on the detailed comparisons of the poodle to every other dog breed. Check out our articles on poodle versus other dog breeds here.

    Poodle versus Cavapoo

    Poodle versus Cavapoo: Overview

    A very important difference between the Poodle and the Cavapoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Poodle is a large-sized dog while the Cavapoo is a small-sized dog.

    Furthermore, the Poodle belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

    On the other hand, the Cavapoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

    Poodle versus Cavapoo: Comparison Table

    The table below compares the Poodle to the Cavapoo based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

    When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

    Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

    However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

    Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Poodle and the Cavapoo

    FactorPoodleCavapoo
    Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
    Does NOT Shed5/54/5
    Does NOT Drool5/55/5
    Easy To Groom1/53/5
    Life Span12 to 15 years12 to 15 years
    General Health2/53/5
    Low Prey Drive4/53/5
    Does NOT Bark or Howl4/54/5
    Tolerates Cold Weather3/54/5
    Tendency NOT to Wander3/53/5
    Calmness/ Low Vigor3/54/5
    Weight
  • Standard Poodle: 38 to 70 pounds
  • Miniature Poodle: 10 and 20 pounds
  • Toy Poodle: 4.8 to 11.6 pounds
  • 9 to 25 pounds
    Easygoing2/53/5
    Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
    Dog Friendly4/54/5
    Friendly Toward Strangers4/54/5
    Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/52/5
    Does NOT chew on things2/53/5
    NOT Rambunctious2/53/5
    Minimal Exercise Needs2/53/5
    Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/53/5
    Good For Novice Owners5/53/5
    Affectionate With Family5/55/5
    Kid-Friendly5/55/5
    Easy To Train5/54/5
    Intelligence5/54/5
    Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
    Height
  • Standard Poodle: 24 to 27 inches
  • Miniature Poodle: 10 to 15 inches
  • Toy Poodle: less than 10 inches
  • 9 to 14 inches
    Average Lifespan13.5 years13.5 years
    Average Price
  • Standard Poodle: $1980
  • Miniature Poodle: $2500
  • Toy Poodle: $2760
  • $2380
    Price Range
  • Standard Poodle: $1400 – $2500
  • Miniature Poodle: $1500 – $3000
  • Toy Poodle: $1894 – $3500
  • $1500 – $2895
    Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Poodle in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Cavapoo. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Poodle is 88 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Cavapoo is 89 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Cavapoo, we still believe that the Poodle is a better pet than the Cavapoo.

    This is because Poodles are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Poodle will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Poodle :-). We are for the Poodle. So get a Poodle!

    The Similarities Between the Poodle and the Cavapoo

    The Poodle and the Cavapoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Poodle and the Cavapoo are most similar:

  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo are very easy to train.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Poodle and the Cavapoo are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Poodle versus Cavapoo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Poodle and the Cavapoo.

    Poodles come in three main size categories. These three size categories are referred to as the three varieties of the poodle. Poodles of different varieties are basically the same except for their size differences. The poodle varieties based on size categorization are:

  • Standard Poodles: Standard Poodles are the biggest of the poodle varieties. Adult Standard Poodles are 24 inches to 27 inches tall and weigh between 38 pounds and 70 pounds. To learn more about Standard Poodle Growth, Weight, and Height, check out our article on Standard Poodle growth, weight and height.
  • Miniature Poodles: Miniature Poodles are mid-sized poodles. An adult miniature poodle grows to weigh between 10 and 20 pounds (4.5 kg to 9 kg) and stands between 10 to 15 inches tall (25.4 cm to 38.1 cm). To learn more about Miniature Poodle Growth, Weight and Height, check out our article on Miniature Poodle growth, weight and height.
  • Toy Poodles: The Toy Poodle is the smallest official member of the poodle club. Although there is a smaller poodle variety that is smaller than the toy poodle. This tiny poodle variety is called the micro/teacup poodle. However, this micro/teacup poodle size category is not recognized by the official poodle association, The Poodle Club of America. Adult toy poodles are no more than ten inches tall withers. In weight, a toy poodle will grow to be about 4.8 to 11.6 pounds in weight. To learn more about Toy Poodle Growth, Weight and Height, check out our article on Toy Poodle growth, weight and height.
  • There is another variety of poodle that is not recognized in the USA but is recognized in Europe. This poodle size variety is called the Moyen Poodle. In size, the Moyen Poodle is smaller than the Standard poodle but bigger than the miniature poodle.

    See below the figure that compares the different poodle sizes:

    Poodle Sizes

    On the other hand, Cavapoos weigh 9 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Cavapoos are 9 to 14 inches when fully grown.

    Price of Poodle versus Price of Cavapoo

    The average price of the Standard Poodle puppy is $1980. The price of the Standard Poodle typically ranges from $1400 – $2500. However, the price of a Standard Poodle can be as low as $200 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2524 Standard Poodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.
    The average price of the Miniature Poodle puppy is $2500. The price of the Miniature Poodle typically ranges from $1500 – $3000. However, the price of a Miniature Poodle can be as low as $350 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1190 Miniature Poodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.
    The average price of the Toy Poodle puppy is $2760. The price of the Toy Poodle typically ranges from $1894 – $3500. However, the price of a Toy Poodle can be as low as $450 and as high as $9835. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 872 Toy Poodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    To know about standard poodle prices and standard poodle buying advice, check out our article on standard poodle cost.

    To know about miniature poodle prices, check out this article on miniature poodle price.

    To learn more about toy poodle price and for toy poodle buying advice, check out this article on toy poodle price.

    The average price of the Cavapoo puppy is $2380. The price of the Cavapoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2895. However, the price of a Cavapoo can be as low as $180 and as high as $8775. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1589 Cavapoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Poodle is more expensive than the Cavapoo.

    Poodle Cavapoo
    Average Price $2260 $2380
    Price Range $1500 to $2800 $1500 to $2895

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Poodle and Cavapoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Poodle puppies or how many Cavapoo puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Poodles. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Poodles. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavapoos

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavapoos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Poodle puppy or the Cavapoo puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the Poodle versus Adopting the Cavapoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Poodles and many Cavapoos are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Poodle named Dudley that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Poodles like Dudley on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Poodles, Cavapoos are also available for adoption. For example, Cavy is a Male Cavapoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Cavapoos like Cavy that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Poodle and the Cavapoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Java is the name of another Poodle (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Butters is an adorable Male Cavapoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Poodles and Cavapoos are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more Poodles and Cavapoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Poodle versus Cavapoo

    Poodles do not like to be left alone.

    Poodles, by nature, are companion dogs. They like and thrive on human companionship more than most dog breeds. Poodles do not like to be left alone. Leaving a poodle alone for more than 4 hours day after day will cause separation anxiety and isolation distress in a poodle. If you plan to get a poodle, make sure you can be around your poodle most of the time, or arrange for a dog walker.

    See our article on how long you can leave a poodle alone.

    Cavapoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Poodles shed more than Cavapoos?

    Poodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Although all dogs shed, and poodles are no different in this regard. But poodles shed less than many other breeds of dogs. However, if you own a poodle, you will not have the problem of having balls of dog hair on your couch and over your house. This is because the curly coat of the poodle traps the hair and other things that the poodle sheds. Therefore, people that are allergic to dogs tend to tolerate poodles better.

    Check out our articles to learn more on why poodles do not shed, and on standard poodle shedding, and on shedding in toy poodles

    Cavapoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Poodle or the Cavapoo?

    Poodles require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a poodle, check out our article on how to groom a poodle.

    Learn more on how to take care of a poodle here.

    Cavapoos are moderately easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Poodle or the Cavapoo?

    Poodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Poodles get along very well with other dogs. Poodles are very friendly. However, it is up to the other dog to reciprocate the friendliness. Some dog breeds are just unfriendly and aggressive.

    Read this article to learn about the dog breeds that get along well with poodle and the dog breeds that do not along with poodles.

    Cavapoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Poodles good family dogs? What about Cavapoos?

    Poodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Poodles make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about standard poodles as family dogs here, and about how family-friendly are toy poodles here..

    Cavapoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Poodle Easier to Train than the Cavapoo?

    Poodles are very easy to train.

    Poodles are easy to train because they are intelligent and eager to please their owners. However, it is important that you begin training a poodle to make the most out of their natural intelligence. Moreover, training your Poodle should be based on positive reinforcement and repetition. Be sure to give your Poodle praise when he obeys a command and ignores your poodle`s bad behavior.

    To learn more, check out our article on how to train a poodle.

    Cavapoos are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Poodle or the Cavapoo

    Poodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Cavapoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Poodles and Cavapoos?

    Poodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Cavapoos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Poodle Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cavapoo?

    Poodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Cavapoos have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Poodles Bark and Howl? What about Cavapoos?

    Poodles are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Cavapoos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Poodles Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cavapoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Poodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Cavapoos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Poodle vs. Cavapoo

    Poodles have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Cavapoos have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Poodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cavapoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Poodles can tolerate hot weather.

    Cavapoos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Poodle Better for Apartment Owners than the Cavapoo?

    Poodles adapt very well to apartment living.

    Cavapoos adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Poodle or the Cavapoo?

    Poodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Cavapoos are OK for new dog owners.

    Poodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the poodle compares to other breeds aside from the Cavapoo. So, see below the links to the comparison of the poodle to other breeds:

    poodle versus Pomsky     poodle versus Lhasa Apso     poodle versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     poodle versus Dalmatian     poodle versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     poodle versus Estrela Mountain Dog     poodle versus Border Collie     poodle versus Bordoodle     poodle versus American Water Spaniel     poodle versus Akbash     

    Conclusion: Poodle versus Cavapoo. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Poodle and the Cavapoo better suits you and your family.