Cavapoos and Golden Retrievers are very popular, charismatic breeds of dogs. They share many similarities but have quite a few differences too.
Golden Retrievers are hardy, athletic dogs that need plenty of exercise. Cavapoos, in general, do not need as much exercise, although they are also enthusiastic about games and walks. Cavapoos are intolerant of temperature extremes and could have a lower activity tolerance. Golden Retrievers shed a lot and are more likely to cause allergies than Cavapoos. Most Goldens have more patient, calmer personalities than Cavapoos, so they do better with young kids.
Breed Comparison: Basics
| Breed | Cavapoo | Golden Retriever |
| Size | 10-14 in (25-36 cm) | up to 24 in (61 cm) |
| Weight | 10-25 lbs (5.5 -11 kg) | 60-75 lbs (28-34 kg) |
| Life Span | 12-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Coat/Fur Colors | cream, fawn, brown, gold, white; solid or two and tri-color | golden, cream, reddish gold |
| Excercise Needs | moderate | high |
| Good with Kids? | yes | yes |
| Hypoallergenic? | no, but less likely to cause allergies than other breeds | no |
Intelligence And Response To Training
Golden Retrievers are exceptionally bright and trainable but Cavapoos also have a very high working intelligence.
Golden Retrievers are in the top 5 easiest-to-train dog breeds:
- They retain new skills and commands, including pretty complex ones, with few repetitions
- They respond to commands outside, in unfamiliar, noisy, and overstimulating environments, and when you talk to them from a distance.
- Golden Retrievers do well with being trained by novice teachers, so there is no need for a professional trainer
- Your Golden will probably retain a skill or command even if it is not practiced on a regular basis
Cavapoos are also among the most intelligent dogs, thanks to their poodle heritage.
As dogs of a designer breed, Cavapoos are not ranked by trainers and dog psychologists but these dogs are known to respond well to training. They can be easier to manage for some families because they are less likely to get bored and restless. Goldens are so bright that need plenty of cognitive stimulation.
Being owner-oriented further helps Cavapoos and Goldens achieve high results with their training.
Always use positive reinforcement and never punish your pet in order to promote learning that is productive and fun for the dog and you.
Personality and Temperament
Both breeds are dynamic, curious, and eager to participate in any activities with the owner. Both Cavapoos and Goldens also require mental stimulation and physical exercise to prevent boredom and misbehavior that stems from boredom.
Cavapoos can, in general, be more hyper and restless than Golden Retrievers known for their their pleasant and calm personalities. However, any differences between the two breeds in this respect are quite insignificant and upbringing is the factor that could change these dogs’ friendly natures, regardless of the breed.
The Dog’s Excercise Needs
In general, Golden Retrievers are a better match for people who go hiking and running a lot. Goldens are athletic and quite hardy when it comes to tolerance of cold and warm weather and strenuous exercise.
Cavapoos are more likely to have some challenges with strenuous physical exercise, especially if the dog has an issue with the airway. It is more likely to be the case if the Cavapoo resembles his or her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent more than the poodle. Cavapoos have a poor tolerance for hot and cold weather.
You should dedicate at least an hour daily to taking your dog of either breed on a good walk or an occasional hike of moderate intensity. Both breeds are usually very active and energetic dogs – Goldens just happen to be more athletic.
It is always good to read your pet’s cues and evaluate your pet’s tolerance of physical activity. Most dogs benefit from more than a daily walk, at least on occasion, especially since both Cavapoos and Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs and appreciate a variety of activities.
Shedding and Grooming Needs
Golden Retrievers shed moderately or heavily, depending on the season.
A Golden Retriever’s fur does not have to be trimmed but needs to be brushed a few times a week. Many owners do trim their pets’ fur in the summer but brushing could be a more effective way to make the fur more breathable.
Like most dogs, Goldens need baths every few weeks or as needed.
There is great variation in the quality and length of a Cavapoo’s coat. Since they are dogs of a designer breed, a Cavapoos’ fur could be long and quite straight or short and wavy. It depends on which parent breed they resemble more. They typically shed very little but they still shed some dander, like any other dog.
Most owners get their dogs’ coats trimmed by a groomer about every 6-12 weeks. Daily brushing is a good way to prevent matting, especially if the coat is curly.
The Dog And People with Allergies
Both Cavapoos and Golden Retrievers shed dander and potentially allergenic proteins in the dander. Cavapoos and Golden Retrievers can trigger allergies in sensitive people.
Cavapoos are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction due to their poodle heritage. However, even poodles can cause allergies, so it is always important to spend some time with the dog/puppy to assess your response if you are prone to allergies.
If You Have Kids in the Household
Both Golden Retrievers and Cavapoos are excellent family pets, especially for school-age children. Both breeds are enthusiastic, fabulous activity companions and fun, interactive pets that bring much joy to the entire family. Dogs of both breeds are easy to train, which is important since kids can be overstimulating and may not always respect the dog’s space.
If you have very young children, Golden Retrievers as a breed could be a better choice, due to their patience and generally mellow and loving natures. They are the quintessential family dog and are very popular family pets. Cavapoos can be slightly more reactive, and less patient, although it is a generalization.
It is important to note that any dog, even a very well-behaved and trustworthy one, needs supervision around very young kids. Kids are unpredictable and noisy, so the dynamics and interactions with the dog could change very quickly.
As long as the child is mature enough to understand and follow some rules of behavior, he or she should also be taught to behave respectfully with their pet.
If You Have Other Pets
Although both breeds are entirely capable of living with other pets peacefully and happily, Golden Retrievers usually need less time and effort to accept a new pet in the household. They are also more friendly with other dogs they meet outside.
Cavapoos can be more territorial around a new animal brought into the house, or more vigilant and vocal, especially if your Cavapoo is more poodle-like rather than Cavalier-like. Cavapoos usually adapt and coexist peacefully with other pets, but the initial introductions could be bumpy.
To Conclude
Golden Retrievers and Cavapoos are amazing family pets, which is why both breeds are so popular with active individuals, families with kids, and first-time dog owners. Both breeds are great for most types of households.
There is more variability with Cavapoos. As designer breed pups, they can resemble either their poodle half or the Cavalier half, and the two halves are both lovely but so different.
Overall, Golden Retrievers are healthier, calmer, and more hardy when it comes to different types of activities and temperature extremes.
Capapoos live longer, and they do not need as much exercise as Goldens. They shed less and they are also less likely to cause allergies. Many families prefer them if they find a smaller dog easier to manage.
As always, any individual dog might have a personality that is different from what the breed suggests. It is, however, probably safe to generalize that dogs of both breeds become very sweet, friendly, and people-oriented family pets in any loving household.
