Breed Comparison: Cavapoo Versus Labrador Retriever

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Cavapoo Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Cavapoo and for the Labrador Retriever. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cavapoo or the Labrador Retriever.

Cavapoo versus Labrador Retriever

Cavapoo versus Labrador Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cavapoo is a small-sized dog while the Labrador Retriever is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cavapoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

On the other hand, the Labrador Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Cavapoo versus Labrador Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cavapoo to the Labrador Retriever based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever

Factor Cavapoo Labrador Retriever
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Height 9 to 14 inches 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight 9 to 25 pounds 55 to 80 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2430 $1290
Price Range $1500 – $2925 $850 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cavapoo in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Labrador Retriever. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Cavapoo is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cavapoo is a better pet than the Labrador Retriever. So, you should get the Cavapoo!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever

    Below is a list of where the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever are most different:

  • Cavapoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Cavapoos do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Labrador Retrievers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever

    The Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever are most similar:

  • Both the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cavapoo versus Labrador Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever.

    Cavapoos weigh 9 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Cavapoos are 9 to 14 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cavapoo versus Labrador Retriever

    The lifespan of Cavapoos is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cavapoos is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is 11.0 years.

    Cavapoos live longer than Labrador Retrievers.

    Price of Cavapoo versus Price of Labrador Retriever

    The average price of the Cavapoo puppy is $2430. The price of the Cavapoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2925. However, the price of a Cavapoo can be as low as $180 and as high as $23000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1593 Cavapoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. However, the price of the Labrador Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cavapoo is more expensive than the Labrador Retriever.

    Cavapoo Labrador Retriever
    Average Price $2430 $1290
    Price Range $1500 to $2925 $850 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cavapoo and Labrador Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Cavapoo puppies or how many Labrador Retriever puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavapoos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavapoos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cavapoo puppy or the Labrador Retriever puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Adopting the Cavapoo versus Adopting the Labrador Retriever

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cavapoos and many Labrador Retrievers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Cavapoo named Cavapoo that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cavapoos like Cavapoo on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Cavapoos, Labrador Retrievers are also available for adoption. For example, Gucci is a Male Labrador Retriever that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Labrador Retrievers like Gucci that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Kristoff is an adorable Male Labrador Retriever on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Cavapoos and Labrador Retrievers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cavapoo versus Labrador Retriever

    Cavapoos do not like to be left alone.

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cavapoos shed more than Labrador Retrievers?

    Cavapoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Cavapoo or the Labrador Retriever

    Cavapoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cavapoo or the Labrador Retriever?

    Cavapoos are moderately easy to groom.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Cavapoo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labrador Retriever?

    Cavapoos have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Labrador Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Cavapoos Bark and Howl? What about Labrador Retrievers?

    Cavapoos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Labrador Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Cavapoos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cavapoos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cavapoo vs. Labrador Retriever

    Cavapoos have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Labrador Retrievers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Cavapoos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cavapoos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Labrador Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cavapoo or the Labrador Retriever?

    Cavapoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cavapoos good family dogs? What about Labrador Retrievers?

    Cavapoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Cavapoos and Labrador Retrievers?

    Cavapoos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Cavapoo Easier to Train than the Labrador Retriever?

    Cavapoos are very easy to train.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Cavapoo Better for Apartment Owners than the Labrador Retriever?

    Cavapoos adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cavapoo or the Labrador Retriever?

    Cavapoos are OK for new dog owners.

    Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cavapoo

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cavapoo that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cavapoo:

  • Bernedoodle (82 percent match with Cavapoo). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Bernedoodle.
  • Cockapoo (81 percent match with Cavapoo). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Cockapoo.
  • Cockalier (80 percent match with Cavapoo). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Cockalier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador Retriever that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Labrador Retriever:

  • Golden Retriever (75 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cavapoo vs Golden Retriever.
  • Aussiedoodle (73 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cavapoo vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (77 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cavapoo vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (79 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cavapoo vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cavapoo and how the Labrador Retriever compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cavapoo and of the Labrador Retriever to other breeds:

    Cavapoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cavapoo versus Westiepoo     Cavapoo versus Labradoodle     Cavapoo versus Mountain Cur     Cavapoo versus Lancashire Heeler     Cavapoo versus Australian Terrier     Cavapoo versus Chihuahua     Cavapoo versus Cairn Terrier     Cavapoo versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Cavapoo versus Cockapoo     Cavapoo versus Lhasa Apso     Cavapoo versus Brittany     Cavapoo versus Akita Chow     Cavapoo versus Airedale Terrier     Cavapoo versus Whippet     Cavapoo versus Doberman Pinscher     Cavapoo versus Toy Poodle     Cavapoo versus Puggle     Cavapoo versus Affenpinscher     Cavapoo versus Azawakh     Cavapoo versus English Toy Spaniel     Cavapoo versus Norfolk Terrier     Cavapoo versus Lakeland Terrier     Cavapoo versus Canaan Dog     Cavapoo versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Cavapoo versus Akita Chow     

    Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labrador Retriever versus Goldador     Labrador Retriever versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus American Eskimo Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Bulldog     Labrador Retriever versus Kuvasz     Labrador Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer     Labrador Retriever versus Stabyhoun     Labrador Retriever versus Korean Jindo Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Karelian Bear Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Cane Corso     Labrador Retriever versus Belgian Sheepdog     Labrador Retriever versus Lhasapoo     Labrador Retriever versus Shih Tzu     Labrador Retriever versus Tibetan Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Samoyed     Labrador Retriever versus Norwegian Buhund     Labrador Retriever versus Beaglier     Labrador Retriever versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Airedale Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Labrador Retriever versus Samoyed     Labrador Retriever versus Lakeland Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel     Labrador Retriever versus Lakeland Terrier     

    Conclusion: Cavapoo versus Labrador Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Cavapoo and the Labrador Retriever better suits you and your family.