Australian Terrier
A sturdy, low-set working terrier developed in Australia for pest control and companionship. Aussie Terriers are spirited, affectionate, and surprisingly courageous for their small size.
VS
Cavapoo
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-Poodle cross that combines the Cavalier's gentle, loving nature with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat. An ideal apartment companion for families and seniors.
Quick Answer
Choose Australian Terrier if you want a great companion. Choose Cavapoo if you want better with kids and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Australian Terrier
Attribute
Cavapoo
small
Size
small
6–7 kg (13–15 lbs)
Weight
5–12 kg (11–26 lbs)
23–28 cm (9–11 in)
Height
25–38 cm (10–15 in)
11–15 yrs
Lifespan
12–16 yrsBetter
4/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Energy
3/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better2/5
Grooming
3/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
4/5
Health
4/5
Better$1,000–$2,000
Price
$1,500–$4,000
Attribute Comparison
Family & Social Life
Cavapoo is better suited for families with children.
Australian Terrier
Cavapoo
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
3/5
vs5/5Better
The Cavapoo has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Cavapoo's gentle temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Cost of Ownership
Australian Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Australian Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,500
Annual Food$300
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$850 ✓
Cavapoo
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,220
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Cavapoo costs $1,500–$4,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Australian Terrier's $1,000–$2,000. That's a $1,250 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Temperament & Personality
Cavapoo is calmer; Australian Terrier is more energetic.
Australian Terrier
Cavapoo
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
4/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
4/5
vs3/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Australian Terrier greets the world with a spirited attitude, whereas a Cavapoo leans more toward a gentle approach.
Grooming & Shedding
Australian Terrier sheds more; Cavapoo is easier to maintain.
Australian Terrier
Cavapoo
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs3/5
The Australian Terrier sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Cavapoo (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Cavapoo has a slight edge.
Exercise & Activity
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Australian Terrier
Cavapoo
Energy Level
4/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Australian Terrier and Cavapoo need moderate daily activity (3/5). Neither breed will overwhelm you with exercise demands.
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Australian Terrier
Cavapoo
Lifespan (years)
11–15
vs12–16Better
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 11–15 years for the Australian Terrier and 12–16 years for the Cavapoo. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Size & Appearance
Both breeds are similar in size.
Australian Terrier
Cavapoo
Weight (kg)
6–7
vs5–12
Height (cm)
23–28
vs25–38
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Australian Terrier weighs 6–7 kg (13–15 lbs) and the Cavapoo weighs 5–12 kg (11–26 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Training & Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Australian Terrier
Cavapoo
Trainability
4/5
vs4/5
Intelligence
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 4/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
On balance, the Cavapoo has the edge — it's better with children (5/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Cavapoo is the more practical choice, particularly if you value a kid-friendly dog.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Australian Terrier if...
- • You want it matches your lifestyle
Choose Cavapoo if...
- • You want better with kids
- • You want less shedding
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Australian Terrier or Cavapoo?
The Cavapoo is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Australian Terrier's 4/5. The Cavapoo is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Australian Terrier or Cavapoo easier to train?
The Australian Terrier is equally easy to train with a score of 4/5, matching the Cavapoo. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Australian Terrier or Cavapoo?
A Australian Terrier puppy costs $1,000–$2,000 while a Cavapoo costs $1,500–$4,000. Annual maintenance runs about $850 for the Australian Terrier and $1,220 for the Cavapoo. The Cavapoo costs more to maintain annually.
Do Australian Terriers or Cavapoos live longer?
The Australian Terrier lives 11–15 years on average, while the Cavapoo lives 12–16 years. The Cavapoo tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Australian Terrier or Cavapoo live in an apartment?
The Australian Terrier is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Cavapoo (5/5). The Australian Terrier is one of our top picks for apartment living.