Cavoodle Alternatives: Similar Breeds with Shorter Wait Times
The Cavoodle is one of the most requested puppies in Australia - which also means waitlists for this breed can be long. If you love the idea of a Cavoodle but don't want to wait, there are several other poodle-cross breeds that offer a similar experience, often with much shorter wait times. Here's a closer look at what makes the Cavoodle so popular, and three great alternatives worth considering.
Why is the Cavoodle so popular?
The Cavoodle (a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle) is loved for its small size, affectionate nature, and low-shedding coat - making it a popular choice for families, apartment living, and allergy sufferers alike. Its gentle, people-oriented temperament also makes it a great fit for first-time dog owners.
What makes a great cavoodle alternative?
If you're drawn to the Cavoodle for its temperament, coat, or size, the good news is those same qualities show up across several other Poodle-cross breeds. When comparing alternatives, it's worth looking at:
Cavoodle Vs Japoodle
The Japoodle is a cross between a Japanese Spitz and a Toy Poodle. Like the Cavoodle, Japoodles are small, low-to-non-shedding, and known for being friendly, intelligent, and people-oriented - making them a great fit for apartments and families alike. Japoodles tend to carry a little more of the Spitz's alert, playful energy, while still being an affectionate companion breed.
Cavoodle Vs Groodle
The Groodle (Golden Retriever x Poodle) shares the Cavoodle's friendly, gentle temperament, but typically grows into a larger dog - mini Groodles can suit smaller homes, while standard Groodles are better suited to families with more space. Groodles are highly trainable, social, and known for being especially good with children, making them a wonderful option for families who don't mind a bigger dog.
Cavoodle Vs Spoodle
The Spoodle (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle) is close in size to the Cavoodle and shares a similarly affectionate, easy-going temperament. Coat type can vary a little more in Spoodles depending on which parent's genetics come through more strongly, but many Spoodles carry the same soft, low-shedding coat families love in a Cavoodle.
Cavoodle Vs Schnoodle
The Schnoodle (Schnauzer x Poodle) is similar in size to the Cavoodle and can share the same affectionate, intelligent and playful nature. Schnoodles can have a slightly more spirited and independent temperament thanks to their Schnauzer heritage, while coat type can vary from soft and wavy to curlier depending on which parent's genetics are stronger. Like Cavoodles, many Schnoodles have low-shedding coats that can suit families looking for a companion dog.
Cavoodle Vs Westipoo
The Westipoo (West Highland White Terrier x Poodle) is generally similar in size to the Cavoodle, although Westipoos can have a slightly more sturdy, terrier-like build. They are often affectionate, playful and intelligent, but their Westie heritage can give them a more confident and independent personality than the typically gentle Cavoodle. Coat type can vary, with many Westipoos having a soft, wavy or curly low-shedding coat.
Which breed is right for you?
If you love the Cavoodle for its small size and affectionate, lap-dog nature, a Japoodle, Spoodle, Schnoodle or Westiepoo may also be worth considering. Each can offer a similar combination of companionship, intelligence and a low-shedding coat, although their size, coat type and personality can vary depending on their parent breeds. If you don't mind a larger dog and want that same friendly, family-focused temperament, a Groodle could be a wonderful fit. Every puppy is an individual, so it's worth chatting with your breeder about the specific parents and litter to get a feel for temperament, size and coat before deciding.
The right breed is less about which is "better" and more about which fits your home, lifestyle and what you're looking for in a companion.
Getting Ready for a Puppies Australia Puppy?
We do not just help you find the perfect puppy - we support you through every stage of the journey. From pickup day prep to the first night home, our team is here to answer your questions and make sure both you and your puppy have the best possible start. We are a Victoria Government Approved Breeder with over 20 years of experience - and we are here for the lifetime of your dog.
Join our waiting list today and we will guide you every step of the way.
The Cavoodle (a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle) is loved for its small size, affectionate nature, and low-shedding coat - making it a popular choice for families, apartment living, and allergy sufferers alike. Its gentle, people-oriented temperament also makes it a great fit for first-time dog owners.
What makes a great cavoodle alternative?
If you're drawn to the Cavoodle for its temperament, coat, or size, the good news is those same qualities show up across several other Poodle-cross breeds. When comparing alternatives, it's worth looking at:
- Coat type - low-shedding, Poodle-influenced coats suit allergy-conscious families
- Temperament - affectionate, people-focused breeds that suit family life
- Size - whether you want a small lap dog or a slightly larger, more active companion
Cavoodle Vs Japoodle
The Japoodle is a cross between a Japanese Spitz and a Toy Poodle. Like the Cavoodle, Japoodles are small, low-to-non-shedding, and known for being friendly, intelligent, and people-oriented - making them a great fit for apartments and families alike. Japoodles tend to carry a little more of the Spitz's alert, playful energy, while still being an affectionate companion breed.
Cavoodle Vs Groodle
The Groodle (Golden Retriever x Poodle) shares the Cavoodle's friendly, gentle temperament, but typically grows into a larger dog - mini Groodles can suit smaller homes, while standard Groodles are better suited to families with more space. Groodles are highly trainable, social, and known for being especially good with children, making them a wonderful option for families who don't mind a bigger dog.
Cavoodle Vs Spoodle
The Spoodle (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle) is close in size to the Cavoodle and shares a similarly affectionate, easy-going temperament. Coat type can vary a little more in Spoodles depending on which parent's genetics come through more strongly, but many Spoodles carry the same soft, low-shedding coat families love in a Cavoodle.
Cavoodle Vs Schnoodle
The Schnoodle (Schnauzer x Poodle) is similar in size to the Cavoodle and can share the same affectionate, intelligent and playful nature. Schnoodles can have a slightly more spirited and independent temperament thanks to their Schnauzer heritage, while coat type can vary from soft and wavy to curlier depending on which parent's genetics are stronger. Like Cavoodles, many Schnoodles have low-shedding coats that can suit families looking for a companion dog.
Cavoodle Vs Westipoo
The Westipoo (West Highland White Terrier x Poodle) is generally similar in size to the Cavoodle, although Westipoos can have a slightly more sturdy, terrier-like build. They are often affectionate, playful and intelligent, but their Westie heritage can give them a more confident and independent personality than the typically gentle Cavoodle. Coat type can vary, with many Westipoos having a soft, wavy or curly low-shedding coat.
Which breed is right for you?
If you love the Cavoodle for its small size and affectionate, lap-dog nature, a Japoodle, Spoodle, Schnoodle or Westiepoo may also be worth considering. Each can offer a similar combination of companionship, intelligence and a low-shedding coat, although their size, coat type and personality can vary depending on their parent breeds. If you don't mind a larger dog and want that same friendly, family-focused temperament, a Groodle could be a wonderful fit. Every puppy is an individual, so it's worth chatting with your breeder about the specific parents and litter to get a feel for temperament, size and coat before deciding.
The right breed is less about which is "better" and more about which fits your home, lifestyle and what you're looking for in a companion.
Getting Ready for a Puppies Australia Puppy?
We do not just help you find the perfect puppy - we support you through every stage of the journey. From pickup day prep to the first night home, our team is here to answer your questions and make sure both you and your puppy have the best possible start. We are a Victoria Government Approved Breeder with over 20 years of experience - and we are here for the lifetime of your dog.
Join our waiting list today and we will guide you every step of the way.
