Mini Goldendoodle Vs Cavapoo: What’s The Difference?

Kieran Beckles
By Kieran Beckles
Updated on 20 September 2022

Do you know the difference between a Mini Goldendoodle and a Cavapoo?

If you’re a dog lover but unfamiliar with some of the cross breeds and designer dogs that have sprung up over the past couple of decades, it can be tough keeping up with the new names.

However, the Goldendoodle is perhaps one of the best-known cross breed as a popular member of the Doodle family that has become a much loved family pet across hundreds of thousands of homes worldwide.

Goldendoodles can come in three different sizes and for the purposes of this article, we’ll be contrasting the Mini Goldendoodle with the Cavapoo.

While the Cavapoo isn’t quite as popular as the Goldendoodle, they’re still an extremely common example of a designer dog breed that can become dedicated companion pets.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at the similarities and the differences between a Mini Goldendoodle and a Cavapoo.

So with the introduction over, let’s get started on our Mini Goldendoodle vs Cavapoo feature.

What Is A Mini Goldendoodle?

Brown Goldendoodle (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Brown Goldendoodle (Photo: Adobe Stock)

A Mini Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle. While they’ll usually go by the name Mini Goldendoodle, they can also be called Mini Goldenpoo or Miniature Goldenoodle. While they’re not recognised by the American Kennel Club or the Kennel Club in the UK, they’ve been granted status by Dog Registry of America, Goldendoodle Association of North America and Goldendoodle Registry.

What Is A Cavapoo?

Cavapoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Cavapoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)

A Cavapoo is a mix between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle. They can also go by the name Cavoodles or Cavadoodles. Like Mini Goldendoodles, they’re not recognised by the AKC or the KC but they are recognised by American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America and International Designer Canine Registry.

Where Do Mini Goldendoodle Come From?

Black Goldendoodle (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Black Goldendoodle (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Mini Goldendoodles are thought to have originated in the early 1990s. The idea behind the Goldendoodle was to create a loving, eager to please and intelligent dog with hypoallergenic qualities. By combining the qualities of the Golden Retriever and the Miniature Poodle, the Goldendoodle can serve as an excellent guide or service dog to people with allergies. Mini Goldendoodles became increasingly common in the 2000s as demand increased for low-shedding dogs that are relatively small in size but can thrive in cities.

Where Do Cavapoo Come From?

Cavapoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Cavapoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)

The Cavapoo’s history is somewhat controversial. Some sources suggest that this popular mix breed originated from the United States at some point in the 1950s. However, there is also a belief that the cross breed first appeared in Australia in the 1990s. Whatever the case may be, there’s little doubt that the Cavapoo is now a popular example of a hybrid dog thanks to their affectionate, charming, playful and smart personalities.

Mini Goldendoodle Vs Cavapoo: Size

Apricot Goldendoodle (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Apricot Goldendoodle (Photo: Adobe Stock)

The Mini Goldendoodle is a smaller version of the Goldendoodle. They’ve got an average height range of between 13 to 17 inches and they can weigh from 15 to 35 pounds. The Cavapoo, on the other hand, will usually grow to be between 9 and 14 inches and weigh between 8 and 20 pounds.

Mini Goldendoodle Vs Cavapoo: Appearance

Cavapoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Cavapoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)

As a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Miniature Poodle, the Mini Goldendoodle will encompass traits from both parent breeds. They’ll tend to have a teddy-bear like appearance with brown eyes and a black nose. When you think of a Mini Goldendoodle, you’ll probably picture a dog with an apricot or cream coat. However, they can also have a brown, black, chocolate, red or white coat. Their coat texture can be curly or wavy.

Cavapoo are the offspring of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles. They’ll have floppy ears with big eye brows. Their nose tends to be black and they’ve got enticing brown eyes. Usually, Cavapoos will have a black, white or brown coat but they less common shades include chestnut, tri-color, apricot, cream, phantom, red sable and sable. They can have a wiry, tough coat, a loose, wavy coat or a tightly-curled coat.

Mini Goldendoodle Vs Cavapoo: Temperament

Goldendoodle sniffing in the grass (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Goldendoodle sniffing in the grass (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Mini Goldendoodles have a dependable, reliable temperament which is important seeing as some members of this cross breed can serve an important purpose in the lives of people with disabilities. They tend to be affectionate, friendly, eager to please, smart and energetic. Mini Goldendoodles will love to interact with family members, complete tasks for their owners and are patient with children.

Cavapoos aren’t too dissimilar in temperament to the Mini Goldendoodle. They’re often billed as family-friendly dogs, especially when you consider the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is often considered one of the best companion pets. They’re social dogs that like to be around family members, meet new dogs and new people. Cavapoos tend to be quite patient dogs but they’ll have high energy levels due to the influence of the Poodle genes.

Mini Goldendoodle Vs Cavapoo: Exercise

Cavapoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Cavapoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Mini Goldendoodles are an active dog breed seeing as both of their parents are considered dogs with modest-to-high energy requirements. Mini Goldendoodles will need around an hour of exercise a day. They’ll require regular walks, but they could enjoy a jog or a hike with their owner. These dogs like to have a task so they’ll enjoy mentally-stimulating games. As both Golden Retrievers and Poodles like water, Mini Goldendoodles will probably like making a splash.

Cavapoo have similar exercise needs to the Mini Goldendoodle. They’ll need a couple of walks a day totalling around 60 minutes of exercise time. As a social mix breed, they could enjoy a trip to the dog park so they can interact with other canines. They’ll enjoy playtime in the garden or training sessions where they can learn new commands and tricks.

Mini Goldendoodle Vs Cavapoo: Hypoallergenic

Goldendoodle playing with a tennis ball (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Goldendoodle playing with a tennis ball (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Perhaps the most appealing trait of the both the Mini Goldendoodle and the Cavapoo are their hypoallergenic coats. The influence of the Poodle genes in both cross breeds means that these dogs will likely have a low-shedding coat that doesn’t produce a lot of dander.

However, each dog is different so there’s no guarantee that they won’t shed to some degree. Furthermore, their salvia or urine could still trigger an allergic response, while they could bring in allergens such as pollen on their coat.

Mini Goldendoodle Vs Cavapoo: Shedding

Cavapoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Cavapoo (Photo: Adobe Stock)

As we touched upon in the previous point, the Mini Goldendoodle and the Cavapoo tend to be minimal shedders – if shedders at all. So you won’t have the hassle of vacuuming hair off the floor, on furniture, on the stairs and lint-rolling your clothes.

While their lack of shedding is a big positive, both cross breeds will need to be groomed regularly. It’s important to brush your Mini Goldendoodle or Cavapoo regularly to remove debris and dirt from their curls. They’ll need a haircut every couple of months. So you’ll need to factor in a trip to a professional groomer in your monthly budget alongside the costs of their food, toys, accessories and pet insurance.

Mini Goldendoodle Vs Cavapoo: Price

Goldendoodle puppy (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Goldendoodle puppy (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Mini Goldendoodles have an average price range of $1,000 to $5,000 (£870 to £4300). However, it can vary depending on each individual breeder who may charge more for coat color or based upon the lineage of the parents.

Cavapoo, meanwhile, can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 (£870 to £1700) but some Cavapoo may be more expensive if they’ve got a less common coat color.

Mini Goldendoodle Vs Cavapoo: Life Expectancy

Mini Goldendoodles have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, while Cavapool can live between 12 and 16 years.

The Difference Between Mini Goldendoodle And Cavapoo

Black Mini Goldendoodle Willow (Photo: @willows_world15 / Instagram)

Black Mini Goldendoodle Willow (Photo: @willows_world15 / Instagram)

While Mini Goldendoodles and Cavapoo have a Poodle parent in common, they’re slightly different seeing as the Mini Goldendoodle has Golden Retriever genes and Cavapoo have Cavalier King Charles Spaniel genes. The Mini Goldendoodle could be slightly more energetic than a Cavapoo seeing as both of their parents are active breeds that enjoy being outdoors. The Cavapoo could be more cuddly seeing as the Cavalier is considered a quintessential lapdog.

The Similarities Between Mini Goldendoodle And Cavapoo

Cavapoochon (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Cavapoochon (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Mini Goldendoodles and Cavapoo have some characteristics in common. They’re a similar size. They’re friendly and outgoing, while both mix breeds can excel in a family setting. Mini Goldendoodle and Cavapoo are hypoallergenic cross breeds with a low-shedding coat.

It’s worth noting that both the Mini Goldendoodle and Cavapoo can be fussy eaters so you may need to carefully consider the options that you feed your designer dog.

Mini Goldendoodle Vs Cavapoo – In Conclusion

Cream Goldendoodle (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Cream Goldendoodle (Photo: Adobe Stock)

We’ve reached the end of our Mini Goldendoodle Vs Cavapoo feature.

They’re two examples of cross breeds that are bred using Poodles as well as the Golden Retriever for the Mini Goldendoodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for the Cavapoo.

Perhaps the most appealing feature of both the Mini Goldendoodle and the Cavapoo is their low-shedding coat. However, it’s worth remembering that they may shed to some degree.

When considering any cross breed, it’s also important to keep in mind that each member could differ slightly depending on what parent breed they take after.

Mini Bernedoodle Bernie (Photo: bernie_dood / Instagram)
Mini Bernedoodle Pros And Cons
Bengal cat looking at camera (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Bengal Cat Pros And Cons
Black Goldendoodle (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Mini Goldendoodle Pros And Cons
Life with Malamutes (Photo: @lifewithmalamutes / Instagram)
Alaskan Malamutes Pros And Cons
Mini Bernedoodle Bernie (Photo: bernie_dood / Instagram)
Mini Bernedoodle