Cavapoo vs Maltese
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Cavapoo
The Cavapoo, also known as Cavoodle, combines the gentle, loving nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle. This designer breed has gained massive popularity due to its sweet temperament, adaptable size, and suitability for families and individuals alike. Cavapoos are known for forming strong bonds with their owners and thrive on companionship.
Medium
Medium
10-12 yrs
N/A
Maltese
Also known as: Maltese Lion Dog, Melita, Roman Ladies' Dog, Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta
The Maltese is an ancient companion breed with a long, silky white coat. Known for its affectionate, devoted nature and low-shedding coat, this toy breed requires dedicated grooming but rewards owners with unwavering devotion. Originally bred for over 2,000 years solely for companionship, the Maltese thrives on human contact and struggles when left alone.
Extra Small
Medium
12-15+ yrs
21-25 cm
1.8-3.2 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Easy | Moderate |
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Shedding Level | Low | Low |
| Housing | Apartment | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Beginner (with grooming commitment) |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Cavapoo. | Retirees, empty nesters, or remote workers who enjoy constant physical contact. Someone who wants a 'baby' rather than just a dog and has time for dedicated grooming. |
Cavapoo Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 45-60 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Maltese Dealbreakers
- Work away from home 8+ hours
- Have toddlers (fragile breed - falling on Maltese can break bones)
- Cannot commit to daily grooming and dental care
- Noise-sensitive living situation
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | Moving/housing changes, Lack of time for grooming and companionship, Behavioral issues (barking, housebreaking failures) |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | High |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Moderate |
Cavapoo Social Traits
Low
Generally friendly
Maltese Social Traits
Moderate
Often doesn't realize small size - may challenge large dogs (Napoleon Complex)
Training
Cavapoo
- ** Positive reinforcement is mandatory. They are sensitive souls (Spaniel trait) and will shut down or become fearful with harsh corrections.
Maltese
- Use treats and praise exclusively - harsh methods backfire
- Don't laugh when puppy growls at slippers - set boundaries early
- Consistency is key with housebreaking - frequent outings, crate training
Cavapoo Considerations
This is the single most common behavioral failure mode for the breed. Cavapoos are a mix of two "velcro" breeds: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (bred to warm laps) and the Poodle (bred to work closely with handlers). The result is a dog that often tolerate being alone. Owners frequently report panic barking, destructive chewing, and house soiling when left for even short periods (1-2 hours). If you work away from home 8 hours a day, this breed is likely incompatible with your lifestyle without expensive daycare.
The "low maintenance" promise is a myth. The mix of Poodle curls and Cavalier silk often creates a coat that mats near the skin if not brushed thoroughly (line-brushed) 3-4 times a week. Many owners underestimate this, leading to "shave-downs" at the groomer due to painful matting.
Small bladders combined with a sensitive nature can make house training take longer than average. They do not respond well to harsh correction and may "regress" during adolescence.
Maltese Considerations
Bred for millennia solely for companionship, Maltese often panic when left alone. This manifests as destructive chewing, self-mutilation (licking paws raw), and relentless vocalization. Not suitable for 8-hour workdays without intervention.
Despite their size, Maltese are vigilant watchdogs. They will announce every delivery truck, neighbor, and leaf. In apartments, this high-pitched, persistent barking can lead to noise complaints and eviction notices.
The single most common frustration. Small bladders require frequent outings, and they can be sneaky about indoor accidents. Even adult Maltese may not be 100% reliable outside a crate or pen.
Because they are fragile, owners often tolerate behaviors (growling, snapping, resource guarding) that would be unacceptable in larger dogs. This can create a dog that rules the household.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Generally safe with proper introduction | Generally excellent - one of the most cat-compatible breeds |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Generally safe with supervision - not a terrier, low prey drive |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Use caution - fluttering birds may trigger chase instinct |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Arrested/None |
| Biddability | High | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | N/A |
Maltese: Kill instinct largely bred out - may chase but rarely grab or kill. Cooperative partners who want to please, but also prioritize comfort. Leash reactivity stems from feeling vulnerable at small size.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-12 | 4-10 |
| House Training | Moderate | Hard |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Cavapoo: Cavapoo puppies require consistent training and patience.
Maltese: Hypoglycemia risk in young puppies - monitor food intake vigilantly. Small bladder makes housebreaking a 4-6 month challenge minimum. Crate training essential but must be introduced gently.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 10 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-10 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 1-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-4 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A | 21-25 cm |
| Weight | N/A | 1.8-3.2 kg |
| Size Category | Medium | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years | 12-15+ years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 2-4 |
Cavapoo Coat
Maltese Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | * Poodle: Originally a German water retriever | Companionship for Roman matrons and royalty |
| Origin | N/A | Mediterranean (Malta), referenced by Aristotle 384-322 BC |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | 20-30% |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Moderate |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 0.6m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Cavapoo Health Issues
Maltese Health Issues
Cavapoo Suggested Tests
- OFA Heart evaluation (parents annually)
- MRI screening (parents)
- DNA testing for PRA (parents)
- Regular dental check-ups
Maltese Suggested Tests
- OFA Patella clearance
- OFA Cardiac clearance
- Serum Bile Acid test (liver shunt screening)
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | High |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Medium |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Food Allergies | Chicken, Grains |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Cavapoo Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Maltese Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Dental disease escalation
- Heart murmurs (MVD onset)
- Cataracts/vision loss
- Arthritis requiring furniture stairs
Significant dental intervention often needed by age 9+. Heart murmurs common - regular cardiac monitoring essential.
Grooming & Care
Cavapoo
high maintenanceMaltese
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Cavapoo Daily Life
Maltese Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | High | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Low | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | $2,000-4,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $450–$900 | $100–$180 |
| Yearly Range | $5,400–$10,800 | $2,000–$2,500 |
| Food / Month | N/A | $25-40 |
| Insurance / Month | $400-800 | $40-70 |
| Grooming / Session | $50-100 | $50-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | N/A | $400-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Cavapoo Lifetime Cost
N/A
Maltese Lifetime Cost
$25,000-40,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Cavapoo | Maltese |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Low | None |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Weekly |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | None |
Maltese Quirks
Reverse Sneezing
A common, alarming honking gasp sound caused by excitement or allergies. Usually harmless but terrifying for new owners.
Tear Staining
Rusty streaks under eyes caused by porphyrins in tears. Requires constant cosmetic management with daily wiping and filtered water.
Picky Eating
Master manipulators who may refuse food to hold out for something better. Don't give in or you'll create a monster.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Compare with Other Breeds
Based on comprehensive breed research data.