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.
