Cavapoo vs. Toy Poodle: Which One Should I Choose?

The Toy Poodle is the smallest of the Poodle breeds. They’re known to be intelligent and loyal, but while the Standard was bred as a hunting companion and water dog, the Toy was bred for their smaller size and was used in circuses and as a companion dog. They retain the low-shedding coat, intelligence, and loyalty of the Poodle, but they are smaller and more suitable for apartment living.

The Poodle has been used widely in breeding to create desirable hybrid breeds. The Cavapoo combines the intelligence of the Poodle with the laid-back but less-nervous attitude of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The cross also reduces the shedding that is often associated with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Although the Toy Poodle and the Cavapoo naturally share a lot of traits, some key differences may make one breed more suitable than the other for your family. Read on to find out more.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Cavapoo Dog Breed Overview

The Cavapoo is a cross between the Poodle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They were first bred in Australia as companion dogs. Their small size makes them a good choice for apartments, their friendly nature is a great fit for families, and their intelligence and eagerness to please make them a trainable companion.

Character

The Cavapoo is a companion dog that prefers being around their family. In fact, the breed can suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They usually get along well with all family members, including children, whom they will happily play with, and with calm introductions, the Cavapoo should get along with other animal family members, including other dogs and cats.

The Cavapoo is considered a calm, level-headed dog, although they can be a little excitable on walks and during daily exercise.

Exercise

Although bred as a companion dog, the Cavapoo combines the traits of a Poodle with those of a Spaniel. Therefore, they need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Expect to provide at least 45 minutes of exercise per day, including regular walks and potentially some agility classes and training.

Training

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle are intelligent and responsive to training, and their Cavapoo offspring are relatively easy to train. They typically respond well to positive reinforcement, rather than corrective training. They can perform very well in obedience classes, and because they are energetic and intelligent, the Cavapoo is a good candidate for agility and canine sports.

Health & Care

Although they are healthy, the Cavapoo is prone to some of the diseases affecting both parent breeds. Heart defects, eye conditions, and skin and teeth complaints are among some of the more common problems. However, a reputable breeder should have screened potential parents to ensure that they did not carry these conditions. While this doesn’t eliminate the possibility of your Cavapoo developing any particular condition, it reduces the chances.

Suitable for:

Cavapoos make great companion pets for all age groups and family units, but they require the companionship of their owner. If you work long hours or aren’t home very often, a Cavapoo may not be a suitable breed. Similarly, the Cavapoo needs regular, daily exercise, so if you are unable to get out and walk a dog regularly, look for another canine with lower exercise needs.

Toy Poodle Dog Breed Overview

The Poodle breeds are well known for their intelligence and loyalty. The Toy Poodle, as a former circus performer, exhibits these traits and can also participate in canine sports and agility trials. They get along with most people and animals, but they’re more likely to misbehave when they’re left alone for long periods.

Character

The Toy Poodle is another small dog that loves the companionship of their owner. They develop strong bonds with all family members but can be aloof with strangers. The Toy Poodle is considered a good dog for families that already have pets, but you should ensure a relaxed and calm settling-in period for good integration.

Exercise

The Toy Poodle has slightly higher exercise requirements compared to the Cavapoo, and you will need to provide at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. Poodles take especially well to agility classes, and they can benefit from canine sports sessions. They will also appreciate time playing, so any opportunity to get in the yard and throw a ball around will benefit your new pup.

Training

The Poodle is a popular breed for hybridization because they are highly intelligent and easy to train. The Toy Poodle is no exception and usually takes quickly to training and can learn to perform advanced tricks. Enroll in agility classes and you can expect your Toy to perform near the top of the class. Again, positive reinforcement training methods are considered best.

Health & Care

Although a generally healthy breed, the Toy Poodle is prone to Addison’s Disease, Hypothyroidism, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. If you see signs of any of these conditions, you should consult a vet as soon as possible.

Suitable for:

One of the reasons for the Poodle’s popularity is because they are described as being hypoallergenic. Although no breed is truly hypoallergenic, the Poodle is as close as you can get. They rarely shed, so they are an ideal choice for owners who suffer from dog allergies. However, the Toy Poodle needs regular companionship so, although suitable for families and people of all ages that can provide regular exercise, the Toy Poodle is not suitable for those that are at work or school all day.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

The Cavapoo and the Toy Poodle are similarly sized dogs that also have similar exercise and training requirements. Both breeds are considered good family pets but can both suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Generally, the Cavapoo is friendlier with strangers, but with early socialization, the Toy Poodle can also be stranger-friendly.

As a hybrid breed, the Cavapoo may cost less to buy than the purebred Toy Poodle, and Cavapoos are more often available for adoption at shelters and rescues. Both breeds have similar requirements so it may come down to a question of availability as to which breed is better for you.

Related Reads:

• Cavapoo vs Mini Goldendoodle: The Differences (With Pictures)
• Cavapoo vs Goldendoodle: The Differences (with Pictures)

Featured Image Credit to: (L) Steven B Gold, Shutterstock | (R) Tra Tran, Unsplash