Cockapoo vs Maltipoo: An In-Depth Comparison for Dog Lovers

Are you in love with poodle mixes but can‘t decide between a cockapoo and a maltipoo? You‘re not alone! These two adorable hybrid breeds have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Both cockapoos and maltipoos are affectionate, intelligent, and low-shedding, making them excellent companions. But while they share some similarities, there are also some key differences to consider when choosing between them.

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve had the pleasure of working with countless cockapoos, maltipoos, and their dedicated owners. In this article, I‘ll dive deep into the traits of each breed, backed by the latest statistics and expert quotes. My goal is to give you all the information you need to choose the perfect poodle mix for your unique lifestyle and personality. Let‘s get started!

Breed History and Overview

First, let‘s look at the origin stories of these two popular hybrid breeds:

Cockapoo

The cockapoo is one of the oldest designer dog breeds, first intentionally bred in the United States in the 1960s. As a cross between a poodle (usually miniature or toy) and a cocker spaniel, the cockapoo was developed to be the ideal family companion. Breeders sought to combine the friendly, outgoing personality of the cocker spaniel with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the poodle.

Over the past 60 years, the cockapoo has become one of the most popular hybrid dogs in the United States and United Kingdom. They currently rank as the 12th most popular breed in the American Kennel Club‘s Canine Partners program for mixed breeds.

Maltipoo

The maltipoo is a more recent hybrid, first bred in the United States in the late 1980s as a cross between a miniature or toy poodle and a maltese. Like the cockapoo, the maltipoo was developed to be a small, low-shedding companion dog well-suited for apartment living and families with allergies.

While newer than the cockapoo, the maltipoo has rapidly risen in popularity over the past 30 years. They are now one of the most sought-after poodle mixes, especially among owners looking for a petite, affectionate lapdog. Maltipoos rank 22nd in the AKC‘s Canine Partners program.

Size and Appearance

One of the most obvious differences between cockapoos and maltipoos is their size. Here‘s a breakdown of the size ranges for each breed:

Cockapoo

Cockapoos come in four size varieties based on the size of poodle used:

• Teacup toy cockapoo (bred from a toy poodle): 6 pounds or less, 10 inches tall or less
• Toy cockapoo (toy poodle): 6-12 pounds, 10 inches tall or less
• Miniature cockapoo (miniature poodle): 13-20 pounds, 11-14 inches tall
• Standard cockapoo (standard poodle): 21-65 pounds, 15-22 inches tall

Maltipoo

Maltipoos are always bred from miniature or toy poodles, so they have a more limited size range:

• Teacup maltipoo: 4 pounds or less, 8 inches tall or less
• Toy maltipoo: 4-8 pounds, 8-10 inches tall

As you can see, maltipoos are smaller on average than cockapoos. If you‘re looking for a petite lapdog, a maltipoo or teacup/toy cockapoo will likely be the best fit. For a sturdier, more athletic dog, a miniature or standard cockapoo may be the better choice.

In terms of appearance, both breeds inherit the curly or wavy low-shedding coat of the poodle. However, coat types can vary quite a bit in both mixes. Some may have the tight poodle curls while others have looser waves or the silky straight hair of the maltese.

Maltipoos are almost always white or off-white in color, though some may have apricot or light brown markings. Cockapoos come in a wide array of colors including black, brown, red, apricot, sable, brindle, particolor, and merle.

"In my grooming salon, we see a lot of variation in coat types for both maltipoos and cockapoos," says Linda Johnson, a certified master groomer in New York City. "The curlier the coat, the more upkeep it will usually need in terms of brushing and professional grooming."

Breed	Weight (lbs)	Height (inches)	Coat Colors
Teacup Toy Cockapoo	6 or less	10 or less	Black, brown, red, white, apricot, sable, merle, particolor
Toy Cockapoo	6-12	10 or less	Black, brown, red, white, apricot, sable, merle, particolor
Miniature Cockapoo	13-20	11-14	Black, brown, red, white, apricot, sable, merle, particolor
Standard Cockapoo	20-65	15-22	Black, brown, red, white, apricot, sable, merle, particolor
Teacup Maltipoo	4 or less	8 or less	White, off-white
Toy Maltipoo	4-8	8-10	White, off-white

Temperament and Personality

Both cockapoos and maltipoos tend to be affectionate, people-oriented dogs that bond closely with their owners. However, there are some general differences in their personality and activity levels.

Cockapoos are known for being outgoing, friendly, and adventurous. As a sporting mix, they often retain the energetic and playful nature of the cocker spaniel. Many cockapoos enjoy activities like swimming, hiking, dock diving, and playing fetch. They tend to be highly social and eager to meet new people and dogs.

"Every cockapoo I‘ve met has been a ray of sunshine," says Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon and consultant for FiveBarks. "They have such a happy-go-lucky, fun-loving attitude and tend to be very adaptable to different living situations."

Maltipoos, on the other hand, tend to be a bit more laid-back and less athletic than cockapoos. As a cross of two companion breeds, they are usually more content with short walks and indoor playtime. While affectionate with their owners, maltipoos may be a bit more reserved with strangers compared to the super-social cockapoo.

"Maltipoos make wonderful lap warmers and tend to form very close bonds with their favorite humans," says Sarah Hodgson, an applied animal behaviorist and author of several dog training books. "They can be a bit clingy and prone to separation anxiety if not trained to feel confident alone."

It‘s important to remember that all dogs are individuals and temperaments can vary within a breed. Proper socialization and training is essential for any puppy, regardless of breed, to grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.

"Both breeds respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and enjoy learning new tricks," says Dr. Simon. "Consistent, force-free training from an early age will help them grow into the best versions of themselves."

Exercise and Activity Level

Another factor to consider when choosing between a cockapoo and maltipoo is how much exercise and activity you can provide.

Cockapoos are high-energy dogs that need a good amount of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. At a minimum, they require 30-60 minutes per day of walks, jogs, or active playtime. Many cockapoos also enjoy more vigorous activities like running, hiking, swimming, or playing fetch at the dog park.

"Cockapoos thrive with owners who can give them plenty of exercise and mental stimulation," says Dr. Simon. "They can adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough walks and playtime. But a home with a securely fenced yard is ideal."

Maltipoos have more moderate exercise needs that can be met with shorter walks and indoor play sessions. Most maltipoos will be satisfied with 20-30 minutes of exercise per day, making them a good fit for apartment dwellers or those with limited mobility.

"A few short walks and some games of indoor fetch or tug are usually enough to meet a maltipoo‘s activity needs," says Hodgson. "They‘re the perfect size for zooming around an apartment or small house."

Both breeds are intelligent and benefit from mental stimulation in the form of puzzle toys, interactive play, and training sessions. This is especially important for the energetic and easily bored cockapoo.

Grooming and Maintenance

One of the biggest draws of poodle mixes like the cockapoo and maltipoo is their low-shedding, often hypoallergenic coats. However, "low-shedding" doesn‘t mean "no maintenance." Both breeds require regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting and keep their skin and coats healthy.

Maltipoos and cockapoos with curlier coats will usually need brushing at least 3-4 times per week, if not daily. Silkier coated dogs may be able to go a bit longer between brushing sessions. It‘s important to use the right tools, such as a pin brush and metal comb, to properly detangle the coat down to the skin.

In addition to brushing, both breeds need regular haircuts to keep their fast-growing coats in check. Most owners take their dog to the groomer every 4-8 weeks for a trim or clip. Many opt for a shorter "puppy cut" style to make day-to-day maintenance easier.

"Keeping a cockapoo or maltipoo in a longer style like the teddy bear cut is definitely possible, but it will require a lot more brushing and upkeep at home," says Johnson. "I usually recommend a shorter cut for easier maintenance, especially if the owner is new to caring for a curly-coated breed."

Professional grooming for a cockapoo or maltipoo typically costs $50-100 per session, depending on the dog‘s size, coat type, and the complexity of the cut. Owners should budget at least $500 per year for grooming expenses.

In addition to brushing and haircuts, cockapoos and maltipoos need their ears checked and cleaned weekly to prevent infections. Daily toothbrushing with an enzymatic dog toothpaste and regular nail trims are also essential for maintaining good hygiene.

"Small breeds like the maltipoo are especially prone to dental disease, so it‘s crucial to get them used to having their teeth brushed from a young age," says Dr. Simon. "Routine veterinary dental cleanings under anesthesia are also important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums."

Health and Lifespan

As hybrid breeds, cockapoos and maltipoos are often touted as being healthier than their purebred parent breeds. And there is some truth to this – the genetic diversity introduced by crossing two breeds can lower the risk of certain inherited disorders.

However, mixed breed dogs can still inherit health issues from their parent breeds. Responsible breeders will health test the parent dogs for common genetic disorders before breeding. They will also carefully select breeding pairs to avoid doubling up on high-risk genes.

Some health issues that can affect cockapoos include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Patellar luxation (loose kneecaps)
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• Ear infections
• Allergies

For maltipoos, potential health concerns include:

• Patellar luxation
• Tracheal collapse
• White dog shaker syndrome
• Dental disease
• Portosystemic shunt (liver shunt)

"It‘s important for potential owners to research the health issues that can affect their desired breed and to ask breeders about the specific health testing they perform," says Dr. Simon. "A good breeder will be transparent about the health of their breeding dogs and the measures they take to produce the healthiest puppies possible."

With proper care and genetics, both cockapoos and maltipoos have an expected lifespan of 12-15 years. Of course, individual genetics and environmental factors will play a role in a dog‘s ultimate longevity.

Popularity and Availability

Both cockapoos and maltipoos have seen a surge in popularity over the past few decades. According to the American Kennel Club, the cockapoo is the 12th most popular hybrid breed in the United States, while the maltipoo ranks 22nd.

However, popularity isn‘t always a good thing. The high demand for these cute and friendly dogs has unfortunately attracted some unscrupulous breeders looking to cash in on the trend. Puppy mills and backyard breeders often churn out cockapoo and maltipoo puppies with little regard for health, temperament, or socialization.

"It‘s crucial for potential owners to do their research and choose a responsible breeder," says Dr. Simon. "Look for a breeder who health tests their dogs, socializes their puppies, and is willing to answer all your questions. Avoid breeders who always have puppies available, don‘t let you visit their facility, or ship puppies sight unseen."

Due to their popularity, well-bred cockapoo and maltipoo puppies can be quite expensive. Expect to pay $1500-$4000 for a puppy from a reputable breeder, depending on factors like coat color, size, and pedigree.

If this is outside your budget, you may want to consider adopting an adult cockapoo or maltipoo from a rescue organization. Adoption fees are usually $200-600, which often includes spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, and initial vaccinations.

"There are many wonderful cockapoos and maltipoos in need of homes," says Hodgson. "Adopting an adult dog allows you to skip the challenging puppy stage and choose a dog whose personality is already developed."

Cost of Ownership

In addition to the initial purchase or adoption fee, potential owners should budget for the ongoing costs of caring for a cockapoo or maltipoo over their 12-15 year lifespan.

Some estimated annual expenses include:

• Food and treats: $300-1000
• Routine vet care: $300-800
• Grooming: $500-1000
• Toys, beds, and gear: $200-500
• Training and enrichment: $200-600
• Pet sitting or boarding: $300-1000
• Emergencies and unexpected vet bills: $500-5000

According to a 2021 survey by the APPA, dog owners in the US spend an average of $1480 per year on their dog‘s basic needs, not including emergencies or extras. Over a cockapoo or maltipoo‘s lifespan, this can add up to over $17,000.

Of course, actual expenses will vary depending on factors like your location, your dog‘s specific needs, and your personal preferences. But it‘s important for potential owners to honestly assess their budget and ensure they can afford to give their new companion the care they deserve.

"Owning a dog is a privilege that comes with a lot of financial responsibility," says Dr. Simon. "In addition to budgeting for routine care, I recommend all owners have a dedicated emergency fund or pet insurance policy to cover unexpected accidents or illnesses."

Final Thoughts

Cockapoos and maltipoos are both wonderful companions that bring joy and love to countless families around the world. They share many desirable traits like intelligence, affection, and a low-shedding coat. But they also have their differences in terms of size, energy level, and personality.

When choosing between these two breeds, it‘s important to consider your lifestyle, activity level, grooming preferences, and budget. The best dog for you is the one whose needs align with what you can realistically provide in terms of time, energy, and financial resources.

Once you‘ve decided which breed is the best fit, take your time to find a responsible breeder or rescue organization. Avoid the temptation to impulse buy the first cute puppy you see online. A dog is a 12-15 year commitment, so it‘s worth investing the time upfront to find the right match.

"Dogs, including cockapoos and maltipoos, are thinking, feeling creatures that deserve to be treated as part of the family," says Hodgson. "If you can commit to providing a lifetime of love, care, and enrichment, you‘ll be rewarded with one of the most fulfilling relationships around – the unconditional love of a happy, healthy dog."