Maltipoo vs Cockapoo
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Maltipoo | Cockapoo | |
|---|---|---|
| A cross of | Maltese and Poodle | Cocker Spaniel and Poodle |
| Size class | Small | Small |
| Adult weight | 2.3 to 9.1 kg | 6.8 to 10 kg |
| In pounds | 5 to 20 lb | 15 to 22 lb |
| Adult height | 20 to 36 cm | 25 to 46 cm |
| Energy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Coat | Long silky to curly | Medium wavy to curly |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good with children | Fine with supervision | Reliably good |
| Good with other dogs | Usually good | Usually good |
| Country of origin | Not published | United States |
The main differences
- The Cockapoo is the bigger dog: 6.8 to 10 kg against 2.3 to 9.1 kg for the Maltipoo.
- Both have moderate energy in their published profiles.
- Grooming is high for both.
- Life expectancy is similar: 12 to 16 years for the Maltipoo and 12 to 15 years for the Cockapoo.
- With children, the Cockapoo is rated reliably good and the Maltipoo fine with supervision.
Temperament
Maltipoo: The Maltipoo is friendly, outgoing and gentle with children and other pets when socialised early. They are sensitive and eager to please, and are prone to nuisance barking and to separation anxiety.
Cockapoo: The Cockapoo is curious, outgoing and eager to please, generally quiet and calm indoors once their exercise needs are met. A couple of walks a day plus games and enrichment suit them, and some individuals develop separation anxiety.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Maltipoo
- Patellar luxation, graded on orthopaedic examination
- Legg Calve Perthes disease, diagnosed by hip radiographs in a young lame dog
- Periodontal disease, found at annual dental examination
- Progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, detectable by DNA test and eye examination
- Idiopathic epilepsy, diagnosed from witnessed seizures with other causes excluded on blood work and imaging
- Portosystemic liver shunt from the Maltese side, screened with a serum bile acids test
Cockapoo
- Progressive retinal atrophy, detectable by DNA test in both parent breeds
- Hereditary cataracts and glaucoma, found on an eye examination and intraocular pressure testing
- Hip dysplasia, screened by hip scoring radiographs
- Chronic ear infections in the pendulous, hairy ear canal, found on otoscopic examination
- Von Willebrand disease from the Cocker Spaniel side, detectable by DNA test and a clotting factor assay
- Obesity, monitored by regular weighing and body condition scoring
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Maltipoo or the Cockapoo?
The Cockapoo. Adults weigh 6.8 to 10 kg, against 2.3 to 9.1 kg for the Maltipoo, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Maltipoo or the Cockapoo?
The published life expectancy is 12 to 16 years for the Maltipoo and 12 to 15 years for the Cockapoo. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Maltipoo or the Cockapoo better with children?
The Cockapoo scores higher for children (3 against 5 out of 5). Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite: