Two hugely popular doodle dogs – which one is best?
Designer dogs like Cavapoos and Goldendoodles have become increasingly popular among dog lovers, and for good reason. These breeds are known for their affectionate nature, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coats.
History
In the late 1990s, breeders in Australia and the United States began experimenting with breeding Golden Retrievers and Poodles to create a new designer dog breed. The result was the Goldendoodle, a lovable and intelligent hybrid that quickly won the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.
The breed’s name is a combination of “Golden,” derived from the Golden Retriever, and “Labradoodle,” a crossbreed of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. However, the breeding of Poodles with Golden Retrievers began long before the creation of the Goldendoodle in the 1990s.
Originally, breeders aimed to offer an alternative to the wildly popular Labradoodle, and their efforts paid off. At first, Goldendoodles were only bred from standard-sized Poodles. Still, as the breed’s popularity grew, breeders began using smaller varieties of Poodles to create smaller-sized Goldendoodles.
As the breed continued to develop, breeders successfully bred two Goldendoodles, leading to the creation of multigenerational or multigen Goldendoodles, which are available today. These newer generations of Goldendoodles are known for their unique characteristics and desirable traits, making them even more popular among dog enthusiasts.
Description
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are both small to medium-sized dogs. Cavapoos typically weigh between 12 to 25 pounds and stand at 9 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder, while Goldendoodles can range from 45 to 90 pounds and stand at 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder. Both breeds come in a variety of colors, including white, black, gold, and red.
Characteristics and Appearance
Both breeds have a wavy, curly, or straight coat that is hypoallergenic, making them great for people with allergies. Cavapoos have a soft and silky coat, while Goldendoodles have a slightly coarser coat. Both breeds are known for their adorable teddy bear-like appearance, which makes them irresistible to many people.
Temperament
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are both known for their friendly, loving, and sociable nature. They make great family pets and get along well with children and other animals. They are both affectionate and love to be around their owners, making them great lap dogs. Cavapoos are more laid back and have a calmer demeanor, while Goldendoodles are more energetic and require more exercise.
Intelligence level
Both breeds are intelligent and easy to train, making them ideal for first-time dog owners. Cavapoos are intelligent and obedient, while Goldendoodles are highly trainable and love to learn new tricks.
Coat and color
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles both have a coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Cavapoos require grooming every six to eight weeks, while Goldendoodles require grooming every eight to ten weeks. Both breeds come in a variety of colors, including white, black, gold, and red.
Clips and grooming
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles require regular grooming to maintain their hypoallergenic coat. Cavapoos require grooming every six to eight weeks, while Goldendoodles require grooming every eight to ten weeks. Regular brushing and bathing are necessary to prevent matting and tangling of their coat. Both breeds may require professional grooming to keep their coat looking its best.
Abilities and Use
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are both intelligent and trainable, making them great for a variety of tasks. Cavapoos are often used as therapy dogs, while Goldendoodles excel in agility and obedience competitions. Both breeds make great family pets and are known for their loving nature. However, due to their smaller size, Cavapoos are better suited for apartment living and may not require as much exercise as Goldendoodles.
Training
Both Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are highly trainable and eager to please their owners. Positive reinforcement training methods are recommended for both breeds. Early socialization and training are essential to ensure that they become well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs.
Health and physiology
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are generally healthy breeds with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. However, like all dogs, they are prone to certain health conditions. Cavapoos may be susceptible to eye problems, ear infections, and heart conditions, while Goldendoodles may be prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular veterinary checkups and a healthy diet can help prevent health issues.
Common health problems that Goldendoodles may face:
Hip and elbow dysplasia: This condition is a result of abnormal development of the hip or elbow joints, leading to joint instability and pain. It can cause arthritis and mobility issues.
Ear infections: Goldendoodles have floppy ears that can trap moisture, wax, and dirt, making them more prone to ear infections. Symptoms may include redness, odor, discharge, and discomfort.
Allergies: Goldendoodles can be prone to allergies, including food allergies, skin allergies, and respiratory allergies. Allergic reactions can cause symptoms such as itching, scratching, sneezing, and skin rashes.
Eye problems: Goldendoodles can inherit eye problems such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and glaucoma. These conditions can cause vision impairment and blindness.
Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones. Symptoms may include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin problems.
Seizures: Some Goldendoodles may experience seizures, which can be caused by various underlying health issues.
Cancer: Like most breeds, Goldendoodles can be prone to cancer. Some types of cancer that Goldendoodles may be at risk for include lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma.
Not all Goldendoodles will get these health problems, and many of them can be managed or treated with proper care and treatment. It’s essential to choose a reputable breeder who performs health screenings on their breeding dogs and to provide your Goldendoodle with regular veterinary care, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise.
| Characteristic | Cavapoo | Goldendoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small to medium, 9-14 inches (23-35 cm) | Medium to large, 20-24 inches (51-61 cm) |
| Weight | 11-22 pounds (5-10 kg) | 50-90 pounds (23-41 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 10-15 years |
| Appearance | Round face, floppy ears, curly or wavy coat (various colors), hypoallergenic | Long face, soft, curly or wavy coat in various colors |
| Temperament | Affectionate, friendly, playful | Intelligent, friendly, gentle, and social |
| Health | Generally healthy but may be prone to mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, and luxating patellas. Hip dysplasia, ear infections, and dental problems. | Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye issues and allergies. |
| Exercise | Moderate, daily walks and playtime | Moderate to high, daily walks and playtime |
| Grooming | Regular grooming including brushing and trimming to keep their curly or wavy coats looking neat and healthy | Moderate to high, regular brushing and grooming |
Controversies and legal status
Designer dog breeds like Cavapoos and Goldendoodles have become increasingly popular in recent years, but there is some controversy surrounding their breeding. Some people believe that breeding two purebred dogs to create a hybrid can lead to health problems and genetic issues. However, responsible breeding practices can minimize these risks.
Cultural significance
Designer dog breeds have become popular among celebrities and social media influencers. Many celebrities own Cavapoos and Goldendoodles, and their popularity has led to an increase in demand for these breeds.
Famous Pets
Many celebrities own Cavapoos and Goldendoodles. For example, actress Selena Gomez has a Cavapoo named Winnie, while actress Jennifer Aniston has a Goldendoodle named Lord Chesterfield.
One of the unique features of Cavapoos and Goldendoodles is their hypoallergenic coat, which makes them great for people with allergies. They are also both affectionate and loving breeds that make great family pets.
Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are both wonderful designer dog breeds that make great family pets. They are both intelligent, affectionate, and hypoallergenic, making them ideal for people with allergies. However, they have some differences in terms of size, energy level, and grooming needs. By understanding their characteristics, temperament, grooming needs, and health issues, you can make an informed decision about which breed is best for you. Remember to always research the breeder and ensure that they have performed health checks on both parents before purchasing a puppy.
Additional Resources
American Kennel Club (AKC)
Designer Breed Registry (DBR)
Cavapoo Club of America
