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.
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Cavapoo if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train.
Cavapoo
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Cavapoo is lower-maintenance.
Cavapoo
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
If your daily schedule is packed, pay close attention here. The Labrador Retriever demands serious physical activity — we're talking 60-90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily (5/5).
Cavapoo tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Cavapoo
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
The lifespan difference is significant. Cavapoos live 12–16 years on average, while Labrador Retrievers live 10–13 years.
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Cavapoo is more compact.
Cavapoo
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Labrador Retriever tips the scales at 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs), dwarfing the Cavapoo's 5–12 kg (11–26 lbs).
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Cavapoo is easier to maintain.
Cavapoo
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Labrador Retriever is a prolific shedder (4/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Cavapoo is less expensive to own annually.
Cavapoo
Labrador Retriever
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Cavapoo costs $1,500–$4,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Labrador Retriever's $800–$2,000. That's a $1,350 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Cavapoo is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Cavapoo
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Cavapoo greets the world with a gentle attitude, whereas a Labrador Retriever leans more toward a friendly approach.
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Cavapoo
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
Intelligence
The Labrador Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Labrador Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Cavapoo
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
The Cavapoo comes out ahead in most categories — it's more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (3/5), less shedding (1/5). If you can meet its moderate exercise needs and don't mind its quirks, the Cavapoo is the more versatile choice for most households.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Cavapoo if...
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
Looking for more options?
The Cavapoo scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labrador Retriever at 5/5. The Cavapoo is specifically recommended for families.
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Cavapoo's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
A Cavapoo puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,220 for the Cavapoo and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
The Cavapoo lives 12–16 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Cavapoo generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Cavapoo is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Labrador Retriever (2/5). The Cavapoo is one of our top picks for apartment living.