Cavapoo vs Maltipoo vs Cockapoo: Which Doodle is Best for You?
Last week, a friend of mine was torn between three adorable doodle breeds: Cavapoo vs Maltipoo vs Cockapoo. She wanted a small, affectionate, low-shedding dog that would fit perfectly into her life.
Her biggest question? “Which one is best?”
Honestly, I get it. These three breeds are all ridiculously cute, intelligent, and loving, but they each bring something unique to the table. Whether you’re looking for a therapy dog, a snuggly lap companion, or an energetic best friend, there’s a doodle out there for you.
So, let’s dive in—Cavapoo vs Maltipoo vs Cockapoo—Which one is right for you?
Cavapoo vs Maltipoo vs Cockapoo: What’s the Difference?
Even though all three breeds are poodle mixes, their second parent breed makes a huge impact on their personality, energy levels, and maintenance needs.
| Trait | Cavapoo | Maltipoo | Cockapoo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Breeds | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle | Maltese x Poodle | Cocker Spaniel x Poodle |
| Size | 10-20 lbs | 5-20 lbs | 15-30 lbs |
| Coat | Wavy or curly, soft | Wavy or curly, soft | Wavy, curly, or loose ringlets |
| Shedding | Low to none | Very low to none | Low to moderate |
| Trainability | Smart and eager to please | Intelligent and affectionate | Highly trainable, energetic |
| Energy Level | Moderate | Low to moderate | High |
| Temperament | Affectionate, gentle, social | Sweet, loving, cuddly | Playful, fun-loving, friendly |
| Best For | Families, therapy work, emotional support | Apartment living, lap dog lovers | Active families, people who want a running buddy |
Right away, you can see that Cockapoos have the most energy, while Maltipoos are the best cuddle companions. Cavapoos fall right in the middle, making them one of the most adaptable doodles.
Cavapoo vs Maltipoo vs Cockapoo: Which Doodle is the Most Affectionate?
Cavapoos: The Social Butterfly
Cavapoos are one of the most affectionate dog breeds out there. They’re deeply attached to their people and thrive on companionship.
Gentle and loving – They form strong emotional bonds. Great for therapy work – Their intuitive nature makes them perfect for emotional support. Adaptable – They’re happy in small apartments or big houses.
Cavapoos are great for people who want a snuggly dog, but also one that enjoys some playtime and training.
Fun Fact: Cavapoos are often used as therapy dogs because they’re naturally affectionate and sensitive to emotions!
Maltipoos: The Ultimate Lap Dog
Maltipoos are all about cuddles. If you’re looking for a dog that loves to be held, sit on your lap, and follow you everywhere, a Maltipoo is a perfect choice.
Super affectionate – They crave human attention. Great for emotional support – They love snuggling up when you need comfort. Perfect for apartment living – They don’t need tons of space.
Fun Fact: Maltipoos are a top choice for therapy and emotional support roles because of their small size and loving nature!
Cockapoos: The Fun-Loving Friend
Cockapoos are affectionate too, but they show it differently. Instead of snuggling all day, they prefer to be playing, running, and being goofy.
Loving, but energetic – They bond deeply but love activity. Great for active families – They need a good amount of exercise. Very social – They love being around people and other dogs.
If you want a dog that’s affectionate but also fun and playful, the Cockapoo is a fantastic choice.
Cavapoo vs Maltipoo vs Cockapoo: Which Doodle is the Best for Training?
All three doodles are highly intelligent and trainable, but they learn in different ways.
For easy training: Maltipoos and Cavapoos are the best—they love to please and learn fast. For the most advanced tricks & agility: Cockapoos are the way to go—they’re smart and have tons of energy!
Pro Tip: Start training early! Poodle mixes are brilliant, but without structure, they can develop bad habits.
Which Doodle is the Best for Autism Support?
Cavapoos & Autism: The Gentle Comforter
Great at deep pressure therapy – They love to cuddle. Calm and intuitive – They sense when their owner needs comfort. Eager to please – They’re easy to train for therapy work.
Maltipoos & Autism: The Snuggle Buddy
Loves constant closeness – They provide nonstop companionship. Small and easy to manage – Perfect for lap therapy. Great for emotional support – They bond deeply with their person.
Cockapoos & Autism: The Engaging Companion
Encourages activity and socialization – They love playtime and movement. Highly intelligent – Great for interactive training. Loyal but independent – They offer affection without being overly clingy.
Verdict: If you want a gentle, calming support dog, Cavapoos and Maltipoos are the best. If you want an active dog that keeps you engaged, a Cockapoo is a great fit.
Finding an Ethical Cavapoo, Maltipoo, or Cockapoo Breeder
If you’re looking for a well-socialized, ethically bred Cavapoo or Maltipoo, you’ll want a breeder that prioritizes temperament, health, and early socialization.
At Storytail Dogs, we focus on:
Matching puppies to families based on temperament.
Raising puppies in a home environment with socialization training. Early confidence-building – Our puppies get exposure to children, household noises, and different environments.
Health testing & ethical breeding – We prioritize happy, healthy puppies.
Want to see our available puppies? Check out Storytail Dogs’ Available Puppies!
Final Thoughts: Cavapoo vs Maltipoo vs Cockapoo – Which One is Right for You?
Pick a Cavapoo if you want:
A gentle, social, affectionate dog. A dog that’s easy to train and eager to please. A dog that’s great for therapy or emotional support work.
Pick a Maltipoo if you want:
A tiny, super-affectionate lap dog. A dog that’s low-energy and great for apartments. A loving emotional support companion.
Pick a Cockapoo if you want:
A fun, energetic, playful dog. A dog that’s smart, loves games, and enjoys activity. A dog that’s great for active families.
Want to Learn More About Cavapoos, Maltipoos, and Cockapoos?
If you’re still deciding between a Cavapoo, Maltipoo, or Cockapoo, learning about each breed’s history, temperament, and care needs can help. The American Kennel Club (AKC) provides an in-depth look at the Poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic coat, which influences all three doodle breeds.
For more information on their parent breeds, check out:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Learn more about the gentle, affectionate nature that Cavapoos inherit.
- Maltese – Understand why Maltipoos are so loving and great for emotional support.
- Cocker Spaniel – Discover why Cockapoos are so playful and energetic.
If you’re considering a therapy or emotional support dog, Therapy Dogs International explains how dogs are trained and certified for therapy work. Since Cavapoos and Maltipoos are often chosen as therapy dogs, this resource can help determine if one of them is right for you.
Still deciding? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear which one sounds like the best fit for you! 
