Cavapoo vs. Maltipoo vs. Cockapoo: Which Designer Breed Is Best for Your Dubai Home?

Poodle-mix types now dominate a large portion of the puppy chat in Dubai, and for good reason: most shed little, get on fine in apartments and are devoted without requiring a lot of outdoor room. However, 'Poodle mix' is not one thing. Each of the Cavapoo, Maltipoo and Cockapoo brings their own character, coat requirements and activity level, and choosing on appearance alone is how many new owners have a mismatch a few months down the line. Here's how the three stack up once you look beyond the puppy photos.

Size and Space Requirements

All three of these breeds tend to be fairly small, though, especially the Maltipoos, which are usually around four to nine kilograms full-grown, making them ideal if you happen to live in a very small apartment without any easy access to the outdoors. While the Cavapoo is a little larger than the Maltipoo, weighing a little more at five to eleven kilograms, it is unlikely to be too big for a small house, provided you do not have lots of excess room to walk around in! However, the Cockapoo tends to be significantly larger, with a huge variation in size, ranging from five to twelve kilograms or more, depending on whether you happen to be breeding from a Miniature or Toy Poodle.

If you're in a small Dubai apartment with limited floor space, a Maltipoo or a smaller Cockapoo is the easier choice. For a villa or home with a garden, all three cope well, but a Cavapoo's marginally higher energy level means that it uses the extra space more effectively.

Temperament and Family Fit

This is where the three breeds differ the most. Being partly bred from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Cavapoos are by far the most laid-back and friendly of the three. They tend to click with all of the family, are very good with children and don't often display the territorially aggressive tendencies that can be found in other breeds. For a dog that will be happy for miles or happy on the sofa, you are unlikely to go far wrong with a Cavapoo.

The Maltipoo does seem to be a little more of a one-person or one-family dog, often getting extremely attached to the person that spends the most time with him. The Maltipoo can be a little more sensitive to changes in routine, and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time-as a dog who will be left alone during the day, this is something to be aware of.

Grooming and Coat Care in Dubai's Climate

All three breeds have grooming needs that need regular attention, but the details differ. Both the Maltipoo and the Cavapoo tend toward softer, wavier coats which mat fairly easily and should be brushed several times a week with a trim every six to eight weeks to make sure it isn't too much for a heat-sensitive breed to handle. The Cockapoo is likely to have a looser wave or a curl more like a Poodle if it is the dominant coat type in the mix.

Any dog-because of Dubai's climate-a shorter, more manageable clip is definitely something to talk to your groomer about, no matter the breed. Longer coats hold in the heat and are more likely to become matted after even brief periods outside during the warmer months, so grooming is just as important as the breed you choose.

Exercise Needs

Cockapoos require the most exercise out of the three; it is generally recommended that they have at least one good walk a day, combined with play or activities to prevent issues such as destructive chewing or excessive barking. Cavapoos require a moderate amount of exercise, enough to keep them healthy, but they are happy with a shorter walk and relaxing around the house, other than that. Maltipoos require the least exercise of the three and are therefore a good option for those owners with less free time to spend outdoors, but they still require a short walk and play inside the house.

Trainability

All three are intelligent and have the motivation of food, which helps with training in the early days. Cavapoos are most eager to please, which can often mean they get trained in basics quickly. Maltipoos sometimes require a little more patience when house training due to a possible slightly more independent nature. Cockapoos are generally well trainable but, due to a slightly more stubborn nature from the Spaniel side, require regular, fun training sessions.

Making the Right Choice for Your Household

None of the three options are "best" - it all depends on your available space, schedule, and how much time you realistically have to spend on exercising and grooming. A quieter, more confined apartment lifestyle with a little free time to dedicate towards training and exercising may be just the right fit for a Maltipoo or Cavapoo puppy in Dubai. Conversely, a family with a larger villa who may have a little more time for walks and training throughout the day could be better suited to a Cockapoo.

Whatever you decide, be sure to meet the puppy's parents, go over health screening paperwork and be honest with yourself about your weekly schedule before making your decision.

Petholicks works with breeders who produce all three of these popular crosses and will help pair the right home to the right temperament and energy level.