Cockapoo vs Maltipoo

Choosing between two poodle mixes equally as gorgeous as each other is incredibly difficult. If this is a decision you’re trying to make between the Cockapoo and Maltipoo, we are here to make your life a little easier. A dog’s personality, family, and way of life all play a role in your decision.

Learn about the Cockapoo and Maltipoo in this detailed side-by-side comparison of these cross breeds.

Cockapoo Or Maltipoo? Which Is The Best Dog For You?

Cockapoos and Maltipoos are both crossbreeds of purebred dogs. A crossbreed, hybrid or designer dog are all terms used to describe the dogs; however, it simply means that each parent dog in the cross has a different purebred ancestry.

The Cocker Spaniel and Poodle are the parents of a Cockapoo puppy. The Maltese and the Poodle are the parents of a Maltipoo puppy.

None of the major kennel clubs, including the UK Kennel Club, allow registrations for hybrid dogs such as the Cockapoo and the Maltipoo.

Despite this, breeders of hybrids are forming their own organisations to promote sound breeding practices and the development of lifelong bonds between puppies and their human families.

What Are The Differences Between The Cockapoo And The Maltipoo?

The difference between a Cockapoo and a Maltipoo will come down to how much the puppies take after the Cocker Spaniel or Maltese parent. 

Puppies born to hybrid parents have characteristics that are a random mix of their parents.

One or two Cockapoos in a litter may have many Poodle characteristics inside their Cocker Spaniel bodies. However, it’s just as likely that puppies get their physical characteristics and personality traits equally from both parents. A single litter can contain a wide variation of puppies.

Cockapoos and Maltipoos, which bear a striking resemblance to their Poodle parent, may share many characteristics and look very similar.

Or they could take after their Maltese and Cocker Spaniel parents, making them look very different, almost as though they are two different dog breeds. 

What’s The Difference Between Cocker Spaniels And Maltese?

When considering a hybrid like the Cockapoo and Maltipoo, it’s essential to take a close look at the parent breeds. The mixed-breed dog you choose will inherit all of its characteristics from the parents, and when their personalities can be diverse, it throws up some attractive character traits with the puppies. 

Happily, Cocker Spaniels and Maltese are both easygoing and amiable dogs. Their playful, affectionate natures make them a natural fit for families.

Cocker Spaniels initially were bred as working dogs, producing them to work closely with humans on the hunt. They are incredibly human-oriented dogs, easy to train and people pleasers thanks to their breeding.

Even though very few Cockers are still working in the traditional sense, these dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and end up with behavioural issues.

Maltese dogs are the epitome of lapdogs, and it’s been their primary function for hundreds of years. Maltese require more time and effort to train than Cocker Spaniels because obedience was never a criterion when the dogs were initially bred.

Because Maltese are much smaller than Cockers, they don’t require as much exercise as their larger Cocker counterparts, but they still require enough to satisfy their needs.

Difference In Size: Cockapoo Vs Maltipoo

The height of a Cocker Spaniel is typically 15 inches, while that of a Maltese is only 7 inches.

In addition, a 7-pound Maltese weighs less than a third of a Cocker Spaniel’s total adult weight.

Therefore you would expect the Maltipoo always to be smaller than the Cockapoo; however, it doesn’t always work out that way.

Poodles come in three sizes: the Standard, Miniature poodle and Toy.

If their Poodle parent is large enough, the Maltipoo can grow bigger than a Cockapoo, primarily if a Cocker Spaniel is bred with a toy Poodle.

To be clear, Maltipoo dogs are typically bred from miniature or toy Poodles and rarely, if ever, from a Standard Poodle.

As a general rule of thumb, an adult Maltipoo can weigh 5 pounds up to 20 pounds. There is some variation in size, with the average Maltipoo weighing between 6 and 8 pounds.

The average Cockapoo is over 15 inches tall and weighs over 20 pounds.

A miniature Cockapoo weighs between 12 and 20 pounds and stands between 11 and 14 inches tall. 

Toy Cockapoos will be no more than 10 inches tall and weigh less than 12 pounds at their heaviest. 

Make sure you meet both parents of your Cockapoo or Maltipoo puppy before you commit; because that’s when you will get a much better idea of the size of the puppies.

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo Shedding and Grooming

One of the most searched terms when looking for a puppy is “hypoallergenic”. It seems more and more people suffer from allergens and feel to get a dog; it must be hypoallergenic. 

A big part of the Poodle’s popularity as a crossbreeding component stems from the common misconception that its non-shedding coat makes it hypoallergenic.

There’s been tons of research on this topic, and the consensus is there are no genuinely hypoallergenic dogs. People don’t realise that the allergens are in the animal’s saliva and urine, not the coat. Which means even hairless dogs carry allergens.

However, dogs with the Poodle coat characteristics are still easier to clean up after. 

There’s no guarantee your Cockapoo’s coat will not shed, and it’s something you’ll find out down the road. It’s safe to assume that your Maltipoo’s coat will require regular clipping and maintenance, just like the coats of Poodles and Maltese dogs.

Cockapoo Vs Maltipoo Temperament

Maltipoos and Cockapoos are excellent options if you’re looking for a family-friendly dog. They are friendly, amiable and people-pleasing dogs who get along well with people and other pets.

It’s common for Maltipoos to be outgoing and energetic companions who enjoy various activities both indoors and out. 

Socialising your puppy is essential with these two breeds because it helps keep the pups from becoming aggressive and anxious around other animals or people. 

Smaller in stature than Cockapoos, Maltipoos will not need as much exercise as the pretty high energy Cockapoo. In addition, families with older children or those who spend a lot of time indoors may be better suited to the Maltipoo.

Cockapoos are also highly affectionate and friendly dogs that love to spend time with their owners. When you breed a Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle, you’re going to get a pretty intelligent cross. 

Cockapoos are highly trainable dogs and enjoy learning new things and using their brains to puzzle solve. These dogs will appreciate a more active family that enjoys the outside, and of course, they adore kids because kids offer so much attention and allow a Cockapoo to burn all the energy they must.

Neither the Cockapoo nor Maltipoo does well when they are left alone for long periods. They both suffer from separation anxiety and can have behavioural problems if this issue gets worse. I wouldn’t recommend either breed if you have to be out of the house every day, for instance, if you work all day.

Cockapoo Vs Maltipoo Life Expectancy

Maltipoos and Cockapoos have similar life expectancies; Cockapoos live between 14 to 20 years, while the Maltipoo has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. 

Naturally, if they’re in good health and happiness, either breed could live well into the upper age range.

Cockapoo Vs Maltipoo Health Conditions

The Maltipoo and Cockapoo, like all dog breeds, can have health issues that should be taken into consideration when deciding to get a pet dog. But because they are hybrids, these two dog breeds are less likely to develop health problems common in their parents, primarily hereditary diseases. 

The term “Hybrid Vigor” refers to the fact that hybrid offspring will be healthier than purebred offspring because of this genetic trait. 

Breeders continually breed purebreds within the same bloodlines, which results in the more common transmission of hereditary diseases.

To get off to a good start with your new puppy, ensure you choose only reputable breeders—request sight of the relevant health certificates for both parents, not just the female. I would also advise you to meet both parents even if the male is a stud. If this is impracticable, I would move on to another breeder.

Like their parent breeds, the Maltipoo and Cockapoo may have health issues. Eye, liver, luxating patella and tracheal problems may be more noticeable in Maltipoos. For Cockapoos, renal disease, eye problems, von Willebrands disease, and low blood sugar can be a problem, especially for small Cockapoos.

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo Intelligence

Cockapoos and Maltipoos are intelligent breeds that can learn quickly and respond well to training. However, Cockapoos tend to be slightly more intelligent than Maltipoos due to their Cocker Spaniel parentage, although both hybrids have the potential for being highly trainable and loyal dogs. This means that a Cockapoo may excel faster in agility or obedience events, whereas a Maltipoo may take a bit longer to learn new commands. Both breeds should respond well with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement

Cockapoo or Maltipoo, which is best for a family?

Cockapoos and Maltipoos are friendly, loyal dogs that can make great family pets. They both get along well with children and thrive in a home environment. However, Cockapoos may be the better option for families with younger children due to their intelligence and trainability – they respond well to positive reinforcement training, which can help keep them on their best behaviour.

Meanwhile, Maltipoos may be better suited for families with older children as they tend to form stronger bonds with one or two family members and need more socialization when young to be comfortable around unfamiliar people.

Which Is The Best Choice Cockapoo or Maltipoo

You don’t have to choose between a Cockapoo or Maltipoo based on which one is “better,” but instead on which one is best for you!

Despite their diminutive stature, both of these pups exude warmth and gentleness.

A Cockerpoo is a better choice for young families because it is easier to train and has high energy.

If you spend a lot of time indoors, have older children, and want more of a lapdog, a Maltipoo might be a better fit for your family.

You’ll get an excellent furry companion if you choose the Cockapoo or Maltipoo.

If you are still unsure which one is for you, then why not have a read about the Pomeranian Cockapoo Mix?