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 | Maltipoo | |
---|---|---|
Size | 10-16 inches tall; 20-60 pounds | 8-14 inches tall; 5-20 pounds |
Appearance | Small 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 textured | Comes 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 |
Ancestry | Originally 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 spaniel | Originally bred in the 1990s as a designer dog breed. Small companion animal for households with allergies. Cross between a maltese and a poodle |
Behavior | Very playful and loves to swim given its ancestry; may be prone to separation anxiety and stubbornness due to their high intelligence | Intelligent 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 |
Lifespan | 12-16 years | 10-15 years |
Key Differences Between 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

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

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

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

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

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!
Ready to discover the top 10 cutest dog breeds in the entire world?
How about the fastest dogs, the largest dogs and those that are -- quite frankly -- just the kindest dogs on the planet? Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. And the best part? It's FREE. Join today by entering your email below.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the AZ Animals editorial team
Thank you for your feedback!
We appreciate your help in improving our content.
Our editorial team will review your suggestions and make any necessary updates.
There was an error submitting your feedback. Please try again.