Cockapoo vs Maltipoo: The Differences (With Pictures)

Cockapoos and Maltipoos are both small breed dogs that are a mix between a poodle and either a cocker spaniel or a Maltese. If you're struggling to choose between a Cockapoo and a Maltipoo, this article is for you.

We'll compare the two breeds in terms of size, energy level, lifespan, and more. By the end, you'll know which dog is the better fit for you.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Cockapoo Overview

The Cockapoo is a cross between a poodle and an American or English cocker spaniel. They were first bred in the United States in the 1950s, making them one of the older designer breeds.

The Cockapoo was bred to be the perfect companion dog. The aim of breeding them was to create a dog that would inherit the best traits of both parent breeds, including their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature. Cockapoos are now one of the most popular dogs in the United States.

They are also popular in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with popularity slowly rising all over the world.

Personality/Character

Cockapoos are happy-go-lucky dogs that love being around people. They make great family pets and are good with children of all ages. They're also intelligent and easy to train, making them ideal for first-time dog owners.

Size

Cockapoos come in two size varieties: standard and miniature. Standard Cockapoos weigh between 55 and 80 pounds. Miniature Cockapoos weigh between 15 and 30 pounds

Grooming Needs

Cockapoos have moderate grooming needs. They should be brushed two to three times a week and given a bath once every six weeks. Their ears should be checked and cleaned regularly. Their nails also need regular trimming.

Training 🎾

Due to the intelligence of both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, Cockapoos are very easy to train. Starting training as a puppy can help your Cockapoo grow up to be well-rounded. These dogs love socialization as well, and training is a good way to help with that.

But they are prone to separation anxiety, so it’s important to train them to be left alone and find ways to keep them entertained while they are by themselves.

Health

Overall, Cockapoos are very healthy dogs. But because they are a mixed breed, Cockapoos are susceptible to conditions that affect both the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle.

Regular vet checkups can get ahead of and treat any potential conditions and health problems in your Cockapoo.

Suitable For:

Cockapoos are great family pets due to their intelligence and being easy to train. They are a better choice if you're looking for a larger dog with a bit more energy. Smaller Cockapoos can be good apartment dogs, but larger ones may need more room to roam and exercise. They’re a great choice with children of all ages.

Maltipoo Overview

The Maltipoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Maltese. They were first bred in Australia in the 1980s, making them one of the newer designer breeds. The aim of breeding them was to create a dog that would inherit the best traits of both parent breeds, including their small size, intelligence, and affectionate nature.

Maltipoos are now one of the most popular dogs in Australia. They are also popular in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with popularity rising quickly in Asian countries.

Personality/Character

Maltipoos are happy-go-lucky dogs that love being around people. They make great family pets and are good with children of all ages. But since they are on the smaller side, it’s important to supervise children around Maltipoos because they can get hurt easily. They are also very active and feisty for their small size.

Size

Maltipoos come in one size variety: miniature. Miniature Maltipoos weigh between 4 and 6 pounds. They can grow up to 14 inches.

Grooming Needs

Like the Cockapoo, Maltipoos have moderate grooming needs. They should be brushed two to three times a week and given a bath once every 6 weeks or as necessary. You should also check and clean their ears and teeth regularly as well as trim their nails.

Training 🎾

Maltipoos are also easy to train due to the Poodle in them. They learn very quickly, but they don’t need a lot of exercise. A few short walks a day is good enough to meet their exercise needs. However, small dogs, including the Maltipoo, are notoriously hard to potty train due to having a smaller bladder.

They are also prone to separation anxiety, so make sure to have a way to keep them busy and don’t stay away from them for too long.

Health

Maltipoos are susceptible to health conditions that affect both the Maltese and the Poodle.

Again, regular vet checkups with your Maltipoo can help you get on top of any potential health conditions.

Suitable For:

Maltipoos make great family pets. They're intelligent, easy to train, and good with children of all ages. Maltipoos are also a good choice for the elderly because of their small size and low exercise needs. They’re the better choice if you're looking for a smaller dog, as they only come in one size variety (miniature). They’re also great for apartment living.

Pros & Cons of Cockapoos and Maltipoos

Cockapoos

Maltipoos

Tips for Choosing a New Puppy

If you're going to get a new puppy, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, make sure you're prepared to handle the responsibility of owning a dog. This includes having enough time for walks, playtime, and training. You'll also need to be able to afford the cost of food, vet care, and other expenses.

Second, do your research to find the right breed for you. Consider things like energy level, size, and medical needs. Once you've narrowed down your list of potential breeds, take the time to meet some dogs of that breed before making a decision.

Finally, Cockapoos and Maltipoos are considered to be “designer dogs.” You may only be able to find one from a breeder. Make sure you buy your puppy from a responsible breeder.

Tips for Choosing an Ethical Dog Breeder

If you've decided that a Cockapoo or Maltipoo is the right breed for you, it's important to find an ethical breeder. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores, which mass-produce dogs in inhumane conditions where their health and social needs are ignored in the name of profit. Instead, look for a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs and provides them with proper care.

When meeting a breeder, ask to see the dog's parents and their health clearances. Be sure to visit the breeding facility to make sure that the dogs are being kept in clean, spacious conditions. Never take a puppy before it's 12 weeks old, as the puppy will have missed out on the crucial life skills it learns from its mom and littermates. And finally, don't hesitate to walk away if you have any doubts about the breeder's ethics.

Why You Shouldn't Buy a Puppy Mill Dog

Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding facilities that mass-produce puppies for the pet trade. Puppies bred in puppy mills are typically sick, neglected, and poorly socialized. They're also more likely to inherit genetic health problems from their parents.

Buying a puppy mill dog doesn't help the dogs in the mill. It simply supports the mill's cruel business model. If you want to help dogs and aren’t particular about what type of dog you get, the best thing you can do is adopt from a shelter or rescue organization. There are millions of homeless dogs already in need of homes.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a furry friend, there are so many things to consider. But one of the most important factors is finding a breed that fits well with your lifestyle. Do you want a low-maintenance pup who doesn't require a lot of exercise? Or are you looking for an energetic dog who loves to play fetch?

Cockapoos and Maltipoos are both great family pets. They're affectionate, easy to train, and good with children. Maltipoos are the better choice if you're looking for a smaller dog. Cockapoos are a better choice if you're looking for a dog with more energy. Both breeds have moderate grooming needs.

See also:

• Maltipoo vs Goldendoodle

• Cocker Spaniel vs Cockapoo

Featured Image Credit: Top - Lee Ph, Shutterstock | Bottom - dezy, Shutterstock