Which is Better between the Border Collie and the Cavapoo?

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Border Collie Versus Cavapoo: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Border Collie and the Cavapoo? 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 Border Collie and the Cavapoo 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 Border Collie and the Cavapoo.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Collie and the Cavapoo 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 Border Collie and for the Cavapoo. 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 Border Collie and the Cavapoo.

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

Note that the border collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth-coat border collie and the rough-coat border collie. Read our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

Finally, just like the border collie, the collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough collie and the smooth collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Border Collie versus Cavapoo

Border Collie versus Cavapoo: Overview

A very important difference between the Border Collie and the Cavapoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog while the Cavapoo is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Border Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Cavapoo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Border Collie versus Cavapoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Collie to the Cavapoo 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 Border Collie and the Cavapoo

FactorBorder CollieCavapoo
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Life Span12 to 15 years12 to 15 years
Height18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder9 to 14 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living2/53/5
Good For Novice Owners2/53/5
General Health2/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl4/54/5
Dog Friendly3/54/5
Does NOT Shed3/54/5
Easy To Groom3/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Low Prey Drive3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/54/5
Weight30 to 45 pounds9 to 25 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Kid-Friendly4/55/5
Easygoing1/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/54/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/53/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years13.5 years
Average Price$1000$2380
Price Range$600 – $1250$1500 – $2895
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Congenital Deafness
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination, recommended annually until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
  • Shoulders
  • TNS Info
  • Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border Collie 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 Cavapoo. 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 Border Collie is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Cavapoo is 89 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Cavapoo, we still believe that the Border Collie is a better pet than the Cavapoo.

    This is because Border Collies are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Border Collie will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Border Collie :-). We are for the Border Collie. So get a Border Collie!

    Border Collie versus Cavapoo

    The Similarities Between the Border Collie and the Cavapoo

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

  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo are very easy to train.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Border Collie and the Cavapoo are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Border Collie versus Cavapoo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Border Collie and the Cavapoo.

    The Border Collie weighs 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. The Border Collie is 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Cavapoo weighs 9 to 25 pounds when fully grown. The Cavapoo is 9 to 14 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Border Collie versus Size of Cavapoo

    Here is our article on Border Collie size, Border Collie growth, and Border Collie weight.

    Lifespan of Border Collie versus Cavapoo

    The lifespan of the Border Collie is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Border Collie is 13.5 years.

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

    The Cavapoo lives as long as the Border Collie.

    Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie lifespan and how long Border Collie live.

    Border Collie versus Cavapoo

    Price of Border Collie versus Price of Cavapoo

    The average price of the Border Collie puppy is $1000. The price of the Border Collie typically ranges from $600 – $1250. However, the price of a Border Collie can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1009 Border Collie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Cavapoo puppy is $2380. The price of the Cavapoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2895. However, the price of the Cavapoo can be as low as $180 and as high as $8775. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1589 Cavapoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cavapoo is more expensive than the Border Collie.

    Border Collie Cavapoo
    Average Price $1000 $2380
    Price Range $600 to $1250 $1500 to $2895

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavapoos

    A breakdown of the prices of Cavapoos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Border Collie puppy or the Cavapoo 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.

    Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Border Collie breeders here

    Border Collie versus Cavapoo

    Adopting the Border Collie versus Adopting the Cavapoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Border Collies and many Cavapoos 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 Border Collie named Rocky that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Border Collies like Rocky on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Border Collies, Cavapoos are also available for adoption. For example, Butters is a Male Cavapoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Cavapoos like Butters that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Border Collie and the Cavapoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Sammy is the name of another Border Collie (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Cavy is an adorable Male Cavapoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Border Collies and Cavapoos are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more Border Collies and Cavapoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Border Collie versus Cavapoo

    Border Collies do not like to be left alone.

    Cavapoos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Border Collies shed more than Cavapoos?

    Border Collies shed moderately.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Border Collies, and on how to groom a Border Collie

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Collie or the Cavapoo?

    Border Collies are moderately easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Border Collie, check out our article on how to groom a Border Collie.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Border Collie here.

    Cavapoos are moderately easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Collie or the Cavapoo?

    Border Collies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Cavapoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Border Collies good family dogs? What about Cavapoos?

    Border Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Border Collie make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Border Collie temperament here.

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

    Is the Border Collie Easier to Train than the Cavapoo?

    Border Collies are very easy to train.

    Cavapoos are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Border Collie or the Cavapoo

    Border Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Cavapoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Border Collies and Cavapoos?

    Border Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Does the Border Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cavapoo?

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

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

    Do Border Collies Bark and Howl? What about Cavapoos?

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

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

    Can Border Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cavapoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Cavapoos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Collie vs. Cavapoo

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

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

    Can Border Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cavapoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Collies can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Is the Border Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Cavapoo?

    Border Collies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Cavapoos adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Border Collie or the Cavapoo?

    Border Collies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Cavapoos are OK for new dog owners.

    Border Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Border Collie compares to other breeds aside from the Cavapoo. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Border Collie to other breeds:

    Border Collie versus German Pinscher     Border Collie versus Lhasapoo     Border Collie versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Border Collie versus Alaskan Malamute     Border Collie versus Australian Kelpie     Border Collie versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Border Collie versus Valley Bulldog     Border Collie versus Kooikerhondje     Border Collie versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Border Collie versus Shiba Inu     Border Collie versus Labradoodle     Border Collie versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Border Collie versus Golden Retriever     Border Collie versus Great Pyrenees     Border Collie versus Shichon     Border Collie versus Chinook     Border Collie versus Miniature Pinscher     Border Collie versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Border Collie versus Shetland Sheepdog     Border Collie versus Fila Brasileiro     

    Conclusion: Border Collie versus Cavapoo. 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 Border Collie and the Cavapoo better suits you and your family.