Even though these designer breeds are still relatively new, Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are increasingly popular pups.
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles respond well to training and need plenty of attention from the owner. Goldendoodles are larger, calmer, and usually brighter than Cavapoos. They are a better match for hikers and outdoorsy people in general. Cavapoos are gentle indoor dogs, although are energetic and curious too.
Any given Cavapoo or Goldendoodle can resemble either parent more than the other or resemble both parents about equally. So, as designer breeds, they are a little more unpredictable in terms of their personalities and looks.
Overview of the Two Breeds
| Breed | Goldendoodle | Cavapoo |
| Size | 17–24 in (43–60 cm) | 10-14 in (25-36 cm) |
| Weight | 40-50 lbs (18-23 kg) | 10-25 lbs (5.5 -11 kg) |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat colors | Apricot, blue, silver, grey, brown, cream, and cafe-au-lait | Cream, fawn, brown, gold, white; can come in solid or two and tri-color |
| Exercise needs | Moderate to high | Moderate |
| Good with kids? | Yes, including young kids | Yes, especially school-age kids |
| Hypoallergenic? | Low potential to trigger allergies in comparison to other breeds | Low potential to trigger allergies in comparison to other breeds |
The Origins of Cavapoos And Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles and Cavapoos are designer-breed dogs, and they generally fulfill their purpose, so to speak. In other words, although all dogs are individuals, these pups usually have the characteristics that were chosen for them.
Cavapoos became a distinct new breed in the late 1990s in Australia as a cross between Cavalier King Charles spaniels and poodles, usually miniature ones.
- One of the reasons poodles were one of the breeds selected to create the new designer breed is their famous intelligence. As a result, the Cavapoos are bright and responsive to training.
- Cavapoos are also sweet and sociable because they have a Cavalier King Charles spaniel as one of their halves.
- Being half-Cavaliers, these pups are calmer and less vigilant than most poodles.
- Cavapoos are less likely to trigger allergies than most dog breeds.
Goldendoodles also became a popular designer breed in the 1990s but they had already been known as a breed in the 1960s-70s when these pups were used as guide dogs.
- The calm and friendly disposition inherited from Golden Retrievers is one of the traits that make these dogs excellent guides and therapy animals, and popular dogs in general.
- Goldendoodles are highly intelligent because their parent breeds are both among the smartest dogs.
- Their coats are low-shedding, which makes Goldendoodles less likely to trigger allergies, just like Cavapoos.
Training Capacity And Intelligence
In general, Goldendoodles are smarter than Cavapoos, and they achieve high results in training quickly.
Poodles are highly intelligent and Cavaliers are of high average intelligence. Their product – the Cavapoo – is a bright, curious, and highly trainable dog.
Goldendoodles are among the most intelligent dogs because they inherit their wits from the best – Golden Retrievers and poodles are both in the top five brightest breeds.
Goldendoodles learn new commands and skills extremely quickly, and they do not need a skillful, professional trainer. Goldendoodles are also likely to retain new skills with few repetitions.
In comparison, Cavapoos are easily distractible and sometimes do not respond to commands as well outside or in a noisy or overstimulating environment. Cavapoos are also easy to train and can memorize complex commands and skills but they often need to learn in a quiet and familiar environment.
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are people-oriented pups, which helps in the training process of both breeds. Positive reinforcement produces wonderful outcomes with these dogs.
Temperament, Energy Levels, And Exercise Needs
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are dynamic, curious, and enthusiastic about games, hikes, and other activities. Both breeds are also active and smart enough to require mental and physical exercise just to stay happy and healthy.
Goldendoodles in general have a calmer disposition, thanks to their Golden Retriever half but there is plenty of individual variation within the breed.
A bored Cavapoo is more likely to become restless, hyperactive, and even destructive at home. Goldendoodles often express their need for mental stimulation or a walk by becoming very clingy. Both breeds need interaction and are prone to separation anxiety.
You should dedicate at least an hour daily to a walk or a hike with your Cavapoo or Goldendoodle pet.
Potential Challenges
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are highly prone to separation anxiety if you regularly spend long hours away from home. These dogs are bonded with the owner and the family and are very intelligent and energetic, which is why separation anxiety is so common.
Although neither breed is hardy in weather extremes, Goldendoodles are more tolerant of hot and cold weather. Cavapoos are heat-sensitive, in part because they have mildly brachycephalic features inherited from Cavalier King Charles spaniels.
Cavapoos are more prone to barking, although, frankly, many Goldendoodles also have the desire to vocalize. Thankfully, consistent training and positive reinforcement lead to excellent results with both breeds.
Grooming Needs
There is some variation in the coat characteristics in both Cavapoos and Goldendoodles.
Poodles are, of course, one of the parent breeds of both Cavapoo and Goldendoodle dogs, so some puppies are born with very curly single-layer coats, similar to poodles.
Cavapoos’ fur could be long and quite straight or short and wavy. Most owners take their pups to professional groomers for trimming every 6-12 weeks. Daily brushing is a good way to prevent matting, especially if the coat is curly. Cavapoos shed very little hair but they still do shed some dander.
Goldendoodles’ coats are quite similar. The coats can be longer and straighter or shorter and curlier, depending on which parent the puppy resembles more. Most dogs have wavy or curly coats that need to be trimmed every 10-12 weeks. It is important to brush the dog a few times a week. Like Cavapoos, Goldendoodles do not shed much.
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles shed dander, like most animals. Both Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are sometimes called hypoallergenic. In reality, any dog can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive people but Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are far less likely to cause allergies than other breeds of dogs.
Health Issues
Cavapoos are prone to several health conditions:
- Breathing difficulties related to their mildly brachycephalic features
- Seizure disorder
- Cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a common condition, which begins as night blindness and eventually progresses to total blindness.
Goldendoodles are also prone to a few health problems:
- Hip dysplasia and knee problems are more likely to affect larger dogs of this breed
- Cataracts
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis and other heart problems
- Addison’s Disease
The Dog And Children
Goldendoodles and Cavapoos are increasingly popular, and they are suitable for families with kids for several reasons.
Responsive to training, affectionate, playful, and generally well-behaved, Cavapoo and Goldendoodle dogs are amazing pets for households with children. A dog of either breed is likely to do extremely well in a home with children, especially older, school-age kids.
Goldendoodles might be a better match for families with infants and toddlers. Goldendoodles are more patient and they are calmer pets. They are less reactive and vocal and are easier to train. Cavapoos can be more hyperactive and easily overstimulated.
It is important to note that any dog, no matter how well-behaved and trustworthy, should always be closely supervised around very young children. Kids are unpredictable and not always respectful of the animal’s space, so the dynamics and interactions with the dog could change quickly.
To Conclude
Dogs of any breed can be different from what the breed suggests, as every dog is an individual. The case is especially complex with designer-breed pups because they can resemble either parent breed more or they might resemble both equally.
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles make wonderful companions, therapy dogs, and family pets. Athletic outdoorsy people might do better with a Goldendoodle, and those who are interested in a cuddly lap pet might be a better match for a Cavapoo.
Whichever breed you choose, either a Cavapoo or a Goldendoodle is likely to bring much joy to your home. Intelligent, trainable, and friendly, these dogs are amazing additions to any household.
