Border Terrier
A plucky, good-natured terrier bred to keep up with foxhounds on the English-Scottish border. Border Terriers are affectionate, easy-going family dogs with a wiry, low-maintenance coat.
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 Border Terrier if you want a great companion. Choose Cavapoo if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Border Terrier
Attribute
Cavapoo
small
Size
small
5–7 kg (11–15 lbs)
Weight
5–12 kg (11–26 lbs)
28–40 cm (11–16 in)
Height
25–38 cm (10–15 in)
12–15 yrs
Lifespan
12–16 yrs
4/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Energy
3/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
2/5
Shedding
1/5Better
3/5
Grooming
3/5
4/5
Apartment
5/5Better
4/5
Health
4/5
Better$800–$1,800
Price
$1,500–$4,000
Attribute Comparison
Cost of Ownership
Border Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Border Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$360
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$960 ✓
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 Border Terrier's $800–$1,800. That's a $1,450 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Exercise & Activity
Border Terrier needs more exercise; Cavapoo is lower-maintenance.
Border Terrier
Cavapoo
Energy Level
4/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Border Terrier needs slightly more exercise (4/5) than the Cavapoo (3/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Border Terrier.
Temperament & Personality
Cavapoo is calmer; Border Terrier is more energetic.
Border Terrier
Cavapoo
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
4/5
vs3/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Border Terrier greets the world with a affectionate attitude, whereas a Cavapoo leans more toward a gentle approach.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Border Terrier
Cavapoo
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Grooming & Shedding
Border Terrier sheds more; Cavapoo is easier to maintain.
Border Terrier
Cavapoo
Shedding
2/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
3/5
vs3/5
The Border 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.
Size & Appearance
Both breeds are similar in size.
Border Terrier
Cavapoo
Weight (kg)
5–7
vs5–12
Height (cm)
28–40
vs25–38
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Border Terrier weighs 5–7 kg (11–15 lbs) and the Cavapoo weighs 5–12 kg (11–26 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Health & Lifespan
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Border Terrier
Cavapoo
Lifespan (years)
12–15
vs12–16
Health Robustness
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–15 years for the Border Terrier and 12–16 years for the Cavapoo. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Training & Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Border 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 more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (3/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Cavapoo is the more practical choice, particularly if you value low-maintenance ownership.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Border Terrier if...
- • You want it matches your lifestyle
Choose Cavapoo if...
- • You want more apartment-friendly
- • You want less shedding
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Border Terrier or Cavapoo?
The Border Terrier scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Cavapoo at 5/5. The Border Terrier is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Border Terrier or Cavapoo easier to train?
The Border Terrier is equally easy to train with a score of 4/5, matching the Cavapoo. The Border Terrier is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Border Terrier or Cavapoo?
A Border Terrier puppy costs $800–$1,800 while a Cavapoo costs $1,500–$4,000. Annual maintenance runs about $960 for the Border Terrier and $1,220 for the Cavapoo. The Cavapoo costs more to maintain annually.
Do Border Terriers or Cavapoos live longer?
The Border Terrier lives 12–15 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 Border Terrier or Cavapoo live in an apartment?
The Cavapoo adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Border Terrier (4/5). The Cavapoo ranks among our best apartment breeds.