Cockapoo vs Maltipoo: 5 Key Differences

Written by August Croft
Updated: November 7, 2023
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When it comes to comparing all of the poodle cross breeds available today, what are the key differences between the Cockapoo vs Maltipoo? While these two dogs share poodle DNA, there are a great many things that separate them from one another. But what might some of these traits be, and what do these dogs have in common?

In this article, we will compare and contrast everything you need to know about the Cockapoo and the Maltipoo so that you can have a full understanding of both breeds. Additionally, we will go over the temperaments and ancestries of both of these breeds in case you are interested in adopting one of the other. Let’s get started now!

Comparing Cockapoo vs Maltipoo

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo
The Cockapoo is an American cocker spaniel cross, while the Maltipoo is a maltese cross.
CockapooMaltipoo
Size10-16 inches tall; 20-60 pounds8-14 inches tall; 5-20 pounds
AppearanceSmall and slender, found in black, cream, brown, apricot, and red colors. Often has additional markings as well. Ears look similar to cocker spaniel ears, and the coat is silky, curly, and texturedComes in a variety of colors including white, gray, brown, red, and black; fur is curly and often coarse. Floppy ears that rest at the chin line, and snout is elongated. Delicate and adorable features
AncestryOriginally bred in the 1960s as a family dog and companion animal, but with a healthy hunting background. Cross between a poodle and an American cocker spanielOriginally bred in the 1990s as a designer dog breed. Small companion animal for households with allergies. Cross between a maltese and a poodle
BehaviorVery playful and loves to swim given its ancestry; may be prone to separation anxiety and stubbornness due to their high intelligenceIntelligent and social, so long as they are trained properly; prone to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors when left alone, so be sure to exercise frequently
Lifespan12-16 years10-15 years

Key Differences Between Cockapoo vs Maltipoo

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo

The Cockapoo grows far larger than the Maltipoo, in both height and weight.

©Rob Hainer/Shutterstock.com

There are many key differences between the Cockapoo and the Maltipoo. The breeding of both of these dogs differs, even though they are both crossed with poodles. The Cockapoo is an American cocker spaniel cross, while the Maltipoo is a Maltese cross. In addition, the Cockapoo grows far larger than the Maltipoo, in both height and weight. Finally, the Cockapoo loves to swim more than the Maltipoo does.

Let’s take a closer look at a few more possible differences now.

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo: Size

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo

While they are both crossbred with poodles, the Cockapoo is bred with standard poodles as well as miniature poodles, and the Maltipoo is only bred with miniature poodles.

©mountaintreks/Shutterstock.com

One of the primary differences between the Maltipoo and the Cockapoo is their size. While they are both crossbred with poodles, the Cockapoo is bred with standard poodles as well as miniature poodles, and the Maltipoo is only bred with miniature poodles. This leads to a potentially large size difference between them.

For example, the Cockapoo reaches anywhere from 10-16 inches tall, while the Maltipoo reaches 8-14 inches tall. In addition, the Cockapoo weighs 20-60 pounds and the Maltipoo weighs 5-20 pounds. As you can see, the chances of the Cockapoo growing larger than the average Maltipoo are quite high.

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo: Appearance

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo

Overall, the Maltipoo has a more delicate appearance compared to the athletic Cockapoo.

©OlgaOvcharenko/Shutterstock.com

It can be extremely difficult to tell the difference between a Maltipoo and a Cockapoo just by looking at them. They both have curly or wavy hair found in a variety of colors, though the Cockapoo has more possible colors compared to the Maltipoo. Overall, the Maltipoo has a more delicate appearance compared to the athletic Cockapoo.

In addition, the ears of the Cockapoo are frequently longer and more impressive compared to the Maltipoo ears, though it all depends on DNA! Both of these dogs are elegant and adorable, beloved by many.

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo: Ancestry and Breeding

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo

The Cockapoo is an older breed compared to the Maltipoo, as Cockapoos originated in the 1960s and Maltipoos originated in the 1990s.

©Kimberley Rennie/Shutterstock.com

One of the primary differences between the Maltipoo and the Cockapoo is their ancestry as well as their breeding. While both of these dogs are poodle cross breeds, the Maltipoo also has Maltese DNA, while the Cockapoo has cocker spaniel DNA. In addition, both of these breeds are relatively new designer breeds, created for homes that suffer from a range of allergies.

However, the Cockapoo is an older breed compared to the Maltipoo, as Cockapoos originated in the 1960s and Maltipoos originated in the 1990s. While both breeds were bred for companionship, the Cockapoo is a more sporty breed compared to the affectionate, lap dog nature of the Maltipoo.

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo: Behavior

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo

The Cockapoo enjoys outdoor activity a bit more than the Maltipoo, given its impressive hunting dog background.

©Rita Petcu/Shutterstock.com

There are a few behavioral differences between the Maltipoo and the Cockapoo, though it all depends on the specific dog you have. The DNA and breeding of both of these breeds are key to their personalities, as they may have more poodle qualities compared to their other DNA!

However, the Cockapoo enjoys outdoor activity a bit more than the Maltipoo, given their impressive hunting dog background. In addition, while both of these dogs suffer from a certain level of separation anxiety when left alone, the Maltipoo struggles more when separated from their family compared to the even-tempered Cockapoo.

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo: Lifespan

Cockapoo vs Maltipoo

The average Cockapoo lives slightly longer than the average Maltipoo, and this is likely due to their breeding.

©Maria Bell/Shutterstock.com

A final difference between the Maltipoo and the Cockapoo is their lifespans. The average Cockapoo lives slightly longer than the average Maltipoo, and this is likely due to their breeding. The Cockapoo was bred to create a healthier companion animal, though both breeds live long and healthy lives when properly cared for!

Looking at the figures in more detail, the Maltipoo lives an average of 10-15 years, while the Cockapoo lives an average of 12-16 years. Again, this number is completely subject to the health of the individual dog, especially if you own a larger Cockapoo. However, they are both healthy dogs who are ideal for a variety of homes and families!

Is a Maltipoo a Low-Maintenance Dog?

Cute puppies of the Maltipoo breed are resting in the arms of a girl in a modern interior. Beloved pet in the natural atmosphere of a beautiful home.

Maltipoos are rather high-maintenance and need plenty of attention from their family.

©KDdesignphoto/Shutterstock.com

Both of the parent breeds of the Maltipoo have hair rather than fur and are low-shedding dogs, which has created a mixed breed that is also a minimal shedder. Many people think that since Maltipoos have a low-shedding coat, they are a low-maintenance dog but this is not the case. These dogs are actually rather high maintenance, not only in grooming but in temperament as well.

Maltipoos require constant brushing to make sure their medium-long curly hair doesn’t get matted and so that their skin stays clean and healthy. Without this, they run the risk of developing tangles in their hair or sores or their skin that can be painful. They also tend to be very clingy and require a lot of time and affection from their family. These little dogs love to cuddle and snuggle, along with getting plenty of belly rubs and ear scratches. If you aren’t able to devote a significant amount of your time to them, this isn’t the breed for you.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Lee Ph/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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