Small Poodle Mixes Compared: Maltipoo, Cavapoo, Cockapoo & More
By The Poodle Guide editorial team · Updated on July 20, 2026
Maltipoo, cavapoo, cockapoo, yorkiepoo: small poodle mixes are wildly popular, and it's easy to see why. Each one promises the same thing: the smart, affectionate temperament and non-shedding coat of the Poodle, in a cuddly size. But what do you actually get with each mix, and when are you better off with a purebred Toy Poodle? Our editorial team lays them out honestly, side by side.
First, the honest part: a mix is not a breed
Every dog in this article has one thing in common: they're crosses, not recognized breeds. There's no breed standard, no pedigree registry, and no mandatory health test. That doesn't make them bad dogs, far from it, but it does mean every puppy is a genetic roll of the dice. Within one litter, one puppy can inherit the Poodle's non-shedding curl while a littermate inherits the shedding coat of the other parent breed; one might mature at 3 kg, another at 7 kg.
The Toy Poodle is different: a recognized breed with a fixed standard (the FCI defines the Toy at 24-28 cm at the shoulder, 2-4.5 kg; AKC standards and the UK Kennel Club's three-size system differ slightly but the breed itself is fixed either way), where responsible breeders are expected to test for patellar luxation, hereditary eye disease (ECVO/CERF eye exams), and prcd-PRA. That predictability is exactly what you trade away with a mix.
The comparison at a glance
| Dog | Cross of | Adult weight (typical) | Coat | Temperament in short |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toy Poodle (breed) | — | 2-4.5 kg / 4.4-10 lb | Curly, non-shedding | Smart, athletic, people-focused |
| Maltipoo | Maltese x Poodle | 3-6 kg / 6.6-13 lb | Variable: curly to silky | Affectionate, gentle, sometimes stubborn |
| Cavapoo | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle | 5-10 kg / 11-22 lb | Variable: wavy to curly | Gentle, family-friendly |
| Cockapoo | Cocker Spaniel x Poodle | 6-12 kg / 13-26 lb | Variable, often wavy | Cheerful, energetic, possible retrieving drive |
| Yorkiepoo | Yorkshire Terrier x Poodle | 2-6 kg / 4.4-13 lb | Variable: curly to smooth terrier coat | Feisty, alert, watchful |
| Pomapoo | Pomeranian x Poodle | 2-5 kg / 4.4-11 lb | Variable, sometimes double coat | Lively, confident |
These weights are deliberately labeled "typical": because no standard exists, the exact mix and size vary by litter and by breeder.
Maltipoo: the cuddler
The Maltipoo is the best-known of the bunch and closest to the Toy Poodle in size. It often inherits the Maltese's softness and the Poodle's intelligence. The trade-off: the Maltese influence makes the coat extra unpredictable, and training can be a touch more stubborn. See the full breakdown in Toy Poodle pros and cons for how a purebred compares.
Cavapoo: the family dog
The Cavapoo pairs the Poodle with one of the gentlest breeds around, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The result is often a patient, easygoing family dog. Important caveat: the Cavalier as a breed struggles with serious hereditary heart disease (mitral valve disease) and syringomyelia. Always ask a Cavapoo breeder about the Cavalier parent's health testing, precisely because nothing is mandatory here.
Cockapoo: the athlete
The Cockapoo is the oldest of the poodle mixes and remains one of the most popular dogs in the UK. With a Cocker Spaniel parent you get an energetic, cheerful dog that typically needs more exercise than a Toy Poodle and can carry a retrieving/hunting drive. At 6-12 kg it's also noticeably larger than the other mixes on this list.
Yorkiepoo and Pomapoo: small dogs with big personality
The Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire Terrier x Poodle) and Pomapoo (Pomeranian x Poodle) sit closest in size to the Toy Poodle, but inherit a good dose of spirit from their other parent: terrier stubbornness and spitz-type wariness, respectively. Expect more alert barking than with a Poodle, and take training seriously no matter how small they are.
The coat: the biggest misconception
"Hypoallergenic and non-shedding" is the sales pitch for every poodle mix, and that's exactly where things go wrong most often. The Poodle's distinctive non-shedding curl is a certainty in a purebred Poodle, but a coin flip in a mix. If a puppy inherits more from the other breed, it will simply shed, and a blended coat (soft undercoat plus curl) tends to mat faster and need more upkeep than a straight Poodle coat. If allergies are a real concern, choose certainty: a purebred Poodle.
A word of caution: backyard-breeder territory
This is where the honest warning needs to be loudest. The combination of high demand, high prices (often $1,500-$3,000 / £1,200-£2,500, comparable to a Toy Poodle from a reputable breeder) and zero mandatory testing makes designer mixes a favorite business model for backyard breeders and puppy mills. A listing for "Cavapoo puppies" at a bargain price almost never comes from a carefully planned litter.
If you do go for a mix, apply the same standards as for a purebred: meet the litter with the mother present, ask for health clearances on both parent breeds, and walk away from any breeder who can deliver immediately. Everything you need to vet a breeder properly is in our guide on finding a responsible breeder.
Conclusion: which one fits you?
Want maximum predictability in coat, size, health, and temperament? The purebred Toy Poodle is the logical choice. Fine with a genetic surprise, and drawn to the temperament of the Maltese, Cavalier, or Cocker Spaniel? A mix from a careful breeder can make a wonderful dog. But never buy a mix because it's "guaranteed hypoallergenic" or "easier": that guarantee doesn't exist, and anyone promising it is selling you something.
