Cavapoo vs Maltipoo: Which Is Right for You?
Quick answer: In Cavapoo vs Maltipoo, a Cavapoo is a Cavalier and Poodle cross that is usually slightly larger, calmer and sturdier, while a Maltipoo is a Maltese and Poodle cross that is smaller, livelier and more likely to bark. Both are low-shedding but not hypoallergenic, both need heavy grooming, and both can struggle when left alone. Choose by temperament, size and the health tests of the parents, not by the name.
If you are torn between two small, fluffy Poodle mixes, this guide to Cavapoo vs Maltipoo gives you the honest comparison. It covers size, coat and grooming, temperament and barking, health, lifespan and cost, plus who should choose which. To keep it fair, we compare both breeds using vet-reviewed PetMD data, and we say clearly where published sources disagree. We also test the popular claim that crossbreeds are healthier than purebreds.
Cavapoo vs Maltipoo: Which Should You Choose?
In the Cavapoo vs Maltipoo choice, pick a Cavapoo if you want a calmer, slightly larger and sturdier cuddle companion, and a Maltipoo if you want a smaller, livelier dog and can live with more barking. Both are friendly, low-shedding Poodle mixes that need heavy grooming, regular company and a vet budget, and neither is guaranteed hypoallergenic. The second parent breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or the Maltese, shapes most of the differences.
A Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, and a Maltipoo is a cross between a Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Because both are crossbreeds with no breed standard, individual puppies vary, so treat every point below as a tendency. For the Cavapoo side, see our Cavapoo breed guide.
Cavapoo vs Maltipoo Side-by-Side Comparison
| Trait | Cavapoo | Maltipoo |
|---|---|---|
| Parent breeds | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle | Maltese + Toy or Miniature Poodle |
| Height | 9 to 14 in (PetMD) | 8 to 14 in (PetMD) |
| Weight | 8 to 25 lb (PetMD) | 5 to 20 lb (PetMD) |
| Lifespan | About 12 to 15 years (PetMD) | About 12 to 16 years (PetMD) |
| Coat | Wavy to curly; may shed little | Curly, or straight and silky; low shedding |
| Grooming | Extensive: regular brushing, groom about every 6 weeks | High: daily brushing, groom every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Energy and barking | Light to moderate exercise; moderate barking | Playful; PetMD says often barky and watchdog-like |
| Separation anxiety | A key consideration (PetMD) | A key consideration (PetMD) |
| Main health concerns | Heart, eyes, kneecaps, spine, dental | Dental disease, kneecaps, eyes, Legg-Calve-Perthes, epilepsy |
| Typical price (reputable breeder) | About $2,000 to $4,000 (PetMD) | About $1,000 to $4,000 (PetMD) |
Both columns come from PetMD’s vet-reviewed breed guides so that the comparison is like for like. Other websites give different numbers, especially for Maltipoo weight, which is why you will see conflicting charts online.
Size: Which Is Bigger?
In Cavapoo vs Maltipoo size, the Cavapoo is usually the bigger dog, but the ranges overlap. PetMD lists adult Cavapoos at roughly 8 to 25 pounds and Maltipoos at 5 to 20 pounds, with both standing about 8 to 14 inches tall. A Maltese parent is very small, while a Cavalier is larger, so the Cavapoo’s upper range reaches higher. Published guides disagree on exact weights, with Maltipoo ranges from 5 to 12 pounds in one source to 5 to 20 pounds in another, so do not trust a single chart.
Because the Poodle parent can be Toy or Miniature in both crosses, size depends heavily on that parent and on the puppy’s parents’ actual weights. See our toy vs mini Cavapoo guide and Cavapoo growth chart for estimating adult size.
Coat and Grooming Compared
On grooming, Cavapoo vs Maltipoo is nearly a tie: both crosses are low-shedding but high-maintenance. PetMD’s groomer says a Maltipoo needs brushing every day with a slicker brush, because a matted coat becomes tight and painful, and professional grooming every four to six weeks. A Maltipoo’s coat can be curly like a Poodle’s or straight and silky like a Maltese’s, and most are white. A Cavapoo’s coat ranges from straight to curly, and PetMD describes the breed’s grooming needs as extensive, with brushing several times a week and a groom about every six weeks.
- Shedding: straight-coated Cavapoos can inherit the Cavalier’s shedding undercoat, according to Doodle Doods, while Maltipoos are described as single-coated. See do Cavapoos shed.
- Allergies: neither is truly hypoallergenic, as PetMD stresses for the Maltipoo. See our hypoallergenic guide.
- Face and eyes: Maltipoos commonly develop tear stains, and Cavapoos can too. See our Cavapoo tear stains guide.
- Ears: both can get ear infections. See Cavapoo ear infections.
- Cuts: a short ‘puppy cut’ makes both easier. See our grooming schedule and teddy bear cut guide.
Temperament, Energy and Barking
In Cavapoo vs Maltipoo temperament, both are friendly and people-focused, but the Cavapoo is usually the calmer one. The Cavalier parent gives the Cavapoo a gentle, sociable nature, and our Cavapoo temperament guide covers it in depth. A Maltipoo is described by PetMD as friendly and outgoing, gentle with kids, adults, seniors and other pets when socialised, but without an always-on-the-go mentality.
Barking is the real Cavapoo vs Maltipoo difference. PetMD says Maltipoos often try to act like watchdogs and can be particularly barky, letting you know about anything outside from the mail carrier to a squirrel, which neighbours in an apartment may not enjoy. Cavapoo barking is usually moderate and depends on training and routine, as explained in our Cavapoo barking guide.
Both can develop separation anxiety, because both bond closely and prefer not to be left alone for long. If you work away from home, see our separation anxiety guide and Cavapoo crate training guide, which apply to both breeds.
Health: Cavapoo vs Maltipoo
| Health area | Cavapoo | Maltipoo |
|---|---|---|
| Heart | Mitral valve disease risk from the Cavalier side | Heart issues possible; PetMD lists other priorities first |
| Kneecaps | Patellar luxation possible | Patellar luxation is a common issue (PetMD) |
| Teeth | Dental disease possible | Prone to periodontal disease; PetMD vet urges daily brushing |
| Eyes | Eye conditions possible | Eye issues and frequent tear staining |
| Spine and nerves | Syringomyelia risk from the Cavalier side | Epilepsy can occur |
| Hips | Hip dysplasia listed by PetMD | Legg-Calve-Perthes disease can occur |
In Cavapoo vs Maltipoo health terms, neither cross is automatically healthier than a purebred. A UC Davis study of 27,254 dogs found no difference between purebred and mixed-breed dogs for 13 inherited disorders, and each cross can still inherit problems from both parents. For the full explanation, see our Cavapoo vs Cavalier vs Poodle guide. Ask breeders for health test results for both parents, as covered in our health tests guide, and consider pet insurance early.
Cost and Ongoing Expenses
In Cavapoo vs Maltipoo cost, PetMD gives a reputable Cavapoo breeder price of about $2,000 to $4,000 and a Maltipoo price of $1,000 to $4,000. Our Cavapoo price guide gives a wider US range of about $1,500 to $4,000 with most families paying $2,000 to $2,500. Both need ongoing grooming every four to six weeks, which is a big yearly cost, plus vet care and insurance. Very low prices for either breed are a warning sign.
Which Is Better for Families, Apartments and First-Time Owners?
| Your situation | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Young children | Usually the Cavapoo | Slightly sturdier on average; PetMD warns small Maltipoos can be injured by young children |
| Apartment with thin walls | Usually the Cavapoo | Maltipoos are often barky; Cavapoo barking is usually moderate |
| You want the smallest lap dog | Maltipoo | Smaller on average; easier to carry |
| Calm, cuddly companion | Cavapoo | Gentler, calmer Cavalier influence |
| Lively, playful companion | Maltipoo | Often more alert and energetic |
| Allergies | Neither guaranteed | Spend time with the dog and parents first |
| Often away from home | Neither | Both are prone to separation anxiety |
For beginners, Cavapoo vs Maltipoo comes down to company: both can work if someone is home most of the day. Our Is a Cavapoo a good first dog? guide lists the honest pros and cons, and our Cavapoos and kids guide covers children.
How to Choose Between a Cavapoo and a Maltipoo
Use this checklist to settle Cavapoo vs Maltipoo for your home.
- Decide how much barking you can tolerate. A Maltipoo is more likely to be vocal.
- Pick your size. Compare the parents’ actual weights, not a website chart.
- Be honest about grooming. Both need daily to frequent brushing and regular professional grooming.
- Plan for company. Both struggle when alone for long.
- Check health testing. Ask for results for both parents, including heart, eyes and kneecaps, plus dental history.
- Meet the puppy and parents. Temperament varies, so spend time with the litter and the mother.
Our breeder guide explains what to look for in a breeder for either cross.
Cavapoo vs Maltipoo: The Bottom Line
In Cavapoo vs Maltipoo, the Cavapoo is usually the calmer, slightly larger and sturdier companion, and the Maltipoo is the smaller, livelier and barkier one. Both are low-shedding but not hypoallergenic, both need heavy grooming and company, and neither is automatically healthier than a purebred. Choose by temperament, size, grooming time and the health tests of the parents.
Weighing up more breeds?
See how a Cavapoo compares with its Cavalier and Poodle parents, including a look at crossbreed health claims.
Read Cavapoo vs Cavalier vs PoodleFrequently Asked Questions About Whether a Cavapoo Is a Good First Dog
What is the difference between a Cavapoo and a Maltipoo?
A Cavapoo is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle cross, while a Maltipoo is a Maltese and Poodle cross. In Cavapoo vs Maltipoo terms, Cavapoos are usually larger and calmer, and Maltipoos are smaller and more alert.
Which is smaller, a Cavapoo or a Maltipoo?
In Cavapoo vs Maltipoo size, usually the Maltipoo is smaller. PetMD lists Maltipoos at 5 to 20 pounds and Cavapoos at 8 to 25 pounds, but ranges overlap and depend on the Poodle parent.
Is a Cavapoo calmer than a Maltipoo?
Usually. The Cavalier parent gives Cavapoos a gentle, sociable nature, while Maltipoos are often more alert and vocal. Individual dogs vary.
Which barks more, a Cavapoo or a Maltipoo?
Maltipoos usually do. PetMD says they often act like watchdogs and can be particularly barky, while Cavapoo barking is typically moderate.
Is a Cavapoo or a Maltipoo better for allergies?
Neither is guaranteed hypoallergenic. Both are low-shedding, but PetMD says no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Spend time with the dog first.
Which is easier to groom?
Neither is easy. Maltipoos need daily brushing and grooming every four to six weeks, and Cavapoos need regular brushing and grooming about every six weeks.
Which is healthier, a Cavapoo or a Maltipoo?
In Cavapoo vs Maltipoo health, neither is clearly healthier. Cavapoos have heart and spine risks from the Cavalier side, and Maltipoos are prone to dental disease and kneecap problems. A UC Davis study found no overall hybrid health advantage.
Which lives longer?
Similar lifespans. PetMD gives about 12 to 15 years for a Cavapoo and about 12 to 16 years for a Maltipoo.
Is a Cavapoo or a Maltipoo better with children?
Cavapoos are a little sturdier on average, while PetMD warns Maltipoos can be inadvertently injured by young children. Supervise closely with either.
Which is cheaper, a Cavapoo or a Maltipoo?
Maltipoos can start cheaper, with PetMD giving $1,000 to $4,000 versus $2,000 to $4,000 for Cavapoos, but price depends on the breeder and health testing. Grooming costs are similar.
Affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. We only link products we would recommend to a friend with a Cavapoo.
Sources and Further Reading
- PetMD, Maltipoo Dog Breed Health and Care (reviewed by Jennifer Coates, DVM, July 2026), petmd.com (Maltipoo size, lifespan, grooming, barking, health and price)
- PetMD, Cavapoo Dog Breed Health and Care, petmd.com (Cavapoo size, lifespan, grooming, health and price)
- PetMD, Maltese Dog Breed Health and Care, petmd.com (Maltese lifespan and separation anxiety)
- Doodle Doods, Cavapoo vs Maltipoo, doodledoods.com (coat and undercoat differences)
- Honest Pet, Maltipoo vs Cavapoo, honestpet.com (size and sturdiness comparison)
- Jones Farm Puppies, Cavapoo vs Maltipoo, jonesfarmpuppies.com (example of conflicting published size ranges)
- A-Z Animals, Cavapoo vs Maltipoo, a-z-animals.com (example of conflicting published size ranges)
- Bellumori et al. (2013), JAVMA, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (inherited disorders in mixed-breed vs purebred dogs)
This guide is general information and not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer. Cost figures are planning estimates and vary by region.
Written by Rachel DoyleFounder of The Cavapoo Guide and owner of Winnie and Ziggy. About Rachel →
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amanda Ferris, DVMLicensed veterinarian specializing in small companion breed health. About Dr. Ferris →
This article is part of our Complete Cavapoo Breed Guide →
