Cavachon vs Mini Goldendoodle: Differences Explored

At the proverbial crossroads and unable to decide between owning a Cavachon or Mini Goldendoodle? Just what differences do the two breeds have and are there any similarities along the way? In this article, we set out to explore the differences between the two breeds. Some of our findings may very well surprise you. Stick with us as we explore just how different the two are.

There are many similarities between Cavachons and Mini Goldendoodles including floppy ears, calm temperaments, intelligence, and being great family dogs. Differences include their coat colors, exercise needs, health issues, size, and cost. You can expect to pay more for a Mini Goldendoodle.

You might be sitting here wondering which makes the better family dog or which has a more loving nature? Perhaps you just want to understand a little more about each breed? Keep reading as we talk you through all there is to know about these wonderful dogs.

What Is a Cavachon?

A Cavachon is a cross between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. This is not to be confused with a Cavapoochon, which is triple bred using the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Bichon Frise, and the Poodle. If you wish to learn more about the Cavapoochon you can read our article The Cavapoochon: The Ultimate Guide.

What Is A Mini Goldendoodle?

A Miniature or Toy Poodle crossed with a Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle brings us the Mini Goldendoodle. Small in height but big in personality is an appropriate way of describing this cute breed.

The Mini Goldendoodle, much like the Cavachon, is a popular breed among families.

Size Comparison: Which Is Bigger?

Mini Goldendoodles typically stand somewhere between 14” and 17” tall and weigh between 26lbs and 36lbs. The Cavachon, on average, is between 12” and 13” tall, weighing in the region of 15lbs to 35lbs.

BreedHeightWeight
Mini Goldendoodle14” – 17”26lbs – 36lbs
Cavachon12” – 13”15lbs – 35lbs

Answer: You can expect the Cavachon to be the smaller of the two breeds.

Coat Type and Color Comparison

Mini Goldendoodles have coats that can vary from straight to curly – the curlier the coat the less potential of shedding. Colors can vary and include black, brown, blue, silver, white, cream, tan, apricot, sable, merle, and a combination of these colors.

Cavachons almost always have more than one color to their coats and these colors can be sable and white, apricot and white, black and white, tricolor, and black and tan. Their coats can also be straight, wavy, or curly.

Grooming requirements for both these breeds will come down to which parent they more closely resemble. If the Mini Goldendoodle inherits the Poodle coat then daily brushing will be a must, with regular trips to the groomers too.

Likewise, for Cavachons, if they have the typical Bichon Frise coat then brushing needs to be frequent. Wavy coats need a little less brushing but will shed more so not so good for allergy sufferers. Bathing should take place around every 6 weeks to keep their coats healthy and shiny.

Appearance Comparison

Cavachon FeaturesMini Goldendoodle Features
Small breedSmall to medium breed
Broad back and chestTeddy Bear appearance
Black button noseBlack nose
Floppy earsFloppy ears
Dark brown eyesBrown or amber eyes
Curly and bushy tailLong fluffy tail

Temperament Comparison: Which Is Calmer?

Cavachons were built the perfect size for those laps, and love nothing more than some close human contact. Loving, friendly, intelligent, moderately active, and loyal are all words used to describe this breed. They will be a perfectly content breed with the right amount of attention lavished on them.

Mini Goldendoodles are smart, sociable, easy-going, confident, and quite active. They are hugely popular among families with young children.

Answer: They are actually both a pretty calm breed as long as they get the right amount of exercise and fuss.

Exercise Regime Comparison: Who Needs the Most?

One of the biggest considerations when looking to get a dog is just how much exercise they will need daily. This exercise will become a lifelong commitment that you need to be willing to make as a dog owner.

Cavachons are happy with a fairly low amount of exercise and will enjoy a minimum of 30 minutes per day. Mini Goldendoodles will prefer a walk of around 60 minutes per day. Both breeds enjoy garden playtimes too.

Answer: You can get away with walking a Cavachon less per day, but both will thrive from daily exercise.

Health Comparison and Average Lifespan: Who Will Live Longer?

Cavachon Health IssuesMini Goldendoodle Health Issues
Hip DysplasiaBloat  
Heart MurmursVon Willebrands
Liver IssuesPatellar Luxation 
Heart FailureHypothyroidism
Ear InfectionsEar Infections
Eye ProblemsJoint Dysplasia
 Allergies

Mixed breeds are said to be somewhat healthier and less prone to illnesses than purebred dogs. This is because the gene pool of a mixed breed is much larger. It’s not possible to predict what health issues (if any) your dog will inherit or develop.

Generally speaking, Cavachons  and Mini Goldendoodle both live on average between 10 and 15 years.

Answer:  Both breeds have the same expected lifespan so you can expect many happy years with your pooch.

Training Comparison: Which Is Easiest to Train and Why?

We all know that the key to a successful dog / owner relationship is achieved through training. So, which dog is the most straightforward to train?

The truth is they are on par with each other intellectually so training either breed should be a resounding success. Both breeds have a natural desire to please so if training earns them brownie points, they’ll happily oblige. Lots of praise and positive training will result in a dog who is keen to learn.

Answer: Both are equally as smart and therefore easy to train.

Cavachon vs Mini Goldendoodle: Best Family Dog?

Cavachons thrive being in a family-centered environment and don’t even mind a bit of noise and commotion along the way. They enjoy the company of children and will happily join in with their games or sit with them on the couch. They can adapt to smaller apartments as well as larger homes.

Loyal to the very end makes a Mini Goldendoodle a very popular family dog. They will enjoy being around busy homes and joining in wherever possible. Again, happy to live in smaller environments with the adequate exercise and playtimes.

Answer: Both make excellent family dogs due to their non-aggressive and loveable natures.

Quick Comparison

 CavachonMini Goldendoodle
Tendency to barkModerateModerate
Good with childrenYesYes
Good with other petsYesYes
Good watchdogNoNo
Suffers from separation anxietyYesYes
Prey driveModerate to HighLow
Amount of sheddingLow to ModerateLow to Moderate
Coat maintenanceLow to ModerateModerate to High
Energy levelsLow to ModerateModerate to High
SizeSmallSmall to Medium
TrainabilityEasyEasy
Good for new ownersYesRelatively good

Price Comparison: Which is the Most Expensive?

The average cost of both a Cavachon and a Mini Goldendoodle will vary. Factors will include breeder experience, supply and demand, and location.

You can pay more, and should be willing to if you are looking for reputable breeders. You then need to factor in the other costs involved in owning a puppy such as food, toys, vet bills, and insurance.

Answer: Mini Goldendoodles are typically more expensive to purchase.

A Quick Summary

Now we have established that the key differences between these two breeds include coat type and color, appearance, size, cost, health history, and obviously the dogs used in the breeding process.

They are pretty similar dogs in many ways – especially temperament-wise. They are both great around children and other animals, both live to a good age, they are of equal intelligence, and they both aim to please their owners.

At the end of the day, it comes down to your own set of circumstances and which you think will be the best fit for your home. Both dogs are set to live many years so whichever you choose as “the one” will give you plenty of happy memories along the way.