Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Breed Comparison
Torn between a Cockapoo and a Labradoodle?
We don’t blame you. These two breeds are bred to bring out the excellent qualities of their parents so it’s a hard decision to make. They’re both charming, lively, and adorable doodle breed pups in their own ways.
As a doodle breed expert, I get asked all the time about which breeds are best. Don’t stress if you are agonizing over the decision!
You are not alone – everyone wants to pick the right dog for their family!
While Labradoodles are highly intelligent and playful, Cockapoos are sensitive and loving.
Both of these Poodle mix breeds possess beautiful, almost hypoallergenic coats and shed minimally. They’re both alert and affectionate. However, despite their similarities, it’s essential to know their differences so you can pick a dog that suits your family’s needs and preferences.
Let us help you with this handy guide that provides a detailed comparison between the two.
In this article we discuss
- Labradoodle vs Cockapoo physical traits
- Shedding differences between Labradoodles and Cockapoos
- What is the temperament of Labradoodle and Cockapoo puppies
- Grooming and coat type
- Health issues of the Labradoodle and Cockapoo breed
- And which breed better with young children,
Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Origin
What’s the origin of the Cockapoo and the Labradoodle? Where did they come from and how did they come to be?
Cockapoo Origin
Also known as a Spoodle or Cockerdoodle, a Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. It originated in the US in the 1950s and is believed to be a result of unintentional breeding.
However accidental their existence, their calm temperaments, and low-shedding coats quickly made them one of the most popular and sought-after dogs in the UK and USA.
Labradoodle Origin
Labradoodles were intentionally bred in the 1980s by mating a Labrador retriever and a standard poodle. This was done in the hopes of creating a low-shedding, hypoallergenic dog breed.
While the experiment was successful, the breed has become more well-known for its friendly personality, wavy coat, and adorable teddy bear-like appearance.
Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Appearance, Coat, and Color
Generally, crossbred dogs either predominantly display the physical characteristics of one of their parent breeds or an equal split between the two. Cockapoos and Labradoodles come in a variety of colors and coat textures.
Labradoodle Physical Traits
Most Labradoodles have deep-set brown eyes while some have hazel-colored eyes. Their noses can either be brown or black.
Labradoodles’ coats can be wooly like that of a Poodle, coarse like a Lab, or a fleecy coat that’s somewhere in between. Their coat lengths vary between four and six inches.
Thanks to their eye-catching coats, Labradoodles easily stand out from other breeds. The possible coat colors for Labradoodles include gold, caramel, cream, chalky white, yellow, black, silver, and chocolate. They can also have multi-colored coats that consist of sable, blue, brindle, phantom, or patched colors.
Cockapoo Physical Traits
Cockapoos generally have dark brown or black eyes, but there are cases where they have blue eyes too. They’re set above a small snout on a round face with long, floppy ears and a black or brown nose.
Cockapoos’ coats can be long, soft, and silky like their cocker spaniel parent. They may also inherit the poodle’s short, tight curls or have a combination of the two. Some of the popular coat colors of this breed are black, brown, silver, tan, red, and white.
Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Size
When it comes to choosing between the Cockapoo and the Labradoodle, size is a significant factor. Owing to the different sizes of their parents, there’s a significant size difference between these two dog breeds.
Cockapoo Size
Cocker spaniels are smaller than Labradoodles. They weigh between 20 and 30 pounds and are only 13.5 to 15.5 inches tall. However, they are bred in four different sizes:
- Teacup toy Cockapoos weigh less than 6 pounds and are less than 10 inches in height.
- Toy Cockapoos have a sturdier build, weigh over 12 pounds, and can grow up to 10 inches in height.
- Miniature Cockapoos’ heights range between 11 and 14 inches and can weigh between 3 to 18 pounds.
- The maxi or standard Cockapoo usually weighs more than 19 pounds and is at least 15 inches in height.
Labradoodle Size
Labradoodles are larger than cockapoos and have three possible sizes: standard, medium, or miniature.
- A standard Labradoodle’s size varies between 21 to 24 inches and weighs between 50 to 60 pounds.
- Medium Labradoodles stand 17 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 45 pounds
- Mini Labradoodles, with their miniature Poodle parents, weigh between 15 to 25 pounds and grow 13 to 16 inches in height.
Hence, if you have space constraints or small children, the Cockapoo is probably a better choice. Labradoodles need more space to move around in and can easily knock small children over.
Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Grooming and Shedding
Which Sheds Less?
Answer: Cockapoos – BUT you can have a zero shed Labradoodle (like my Mini Labradoodle Max).
Technically, there’s no such thing as a fully hypoallergenic dog. However, Cockapoos and Labradoodles carry their poodle parent’s low-shedding trait.
Poodles don’t have an undercoat. Because of this, their hair tends to get tangled amid the curls and doesn’t fall.
However, Cockapoos are generally more hypoallergenic and non-shedding than a Labradoodle. This is because if a Labradoodle takes after its Labrador parent, they are more prone to shedding. Whereas, if a cockapoo inherits more of its genetic makeup from its cocker spaniel parent, it will shed moderately.
Which Breed Needs Less Grooming?
Answer: It depends.
Despite their low-shedding coats, both breeds still need a certain amount of grooming. Although both dog breeds have nearly odorless coats, they need regular brushing and bathing.
Poodle coats need lots of care and so do their crossbreeds. Caring for their coats isn’t limited to brushing and bathing but should also include regular haircuts to stay tidy and prevent matted fur.
You can either have a professional groomer take care of grooming for you or do the chore yourself, but cockapoos benefit from professional trimming especially around the eyes as it can help with their range of vision. If your Cockapoo’s coat grows slowly, you can get away with having them groomed every 8 to 10 weeks. Faster-growing coats will need to be trimmed and brushed every 6 weeks.
Cockapoos have long floppy ears which means their ear canals are more prone to infection due to the accumulation of moisture. Hence, you must be on the lookout for signs of ear infections like strange smells and black or brown wax. Moreover, if a Cockapoo has a Spaniel-like coat, it will need to be thoroughly groomed daily and bathed regularly.
Depending on the type and length of their coats, Labradoodles’ grooming needs can vary. Brushing their coats twice a week along with a visit to the groomer’s every 6 to 8 weeks may be the ideal frequency for some.
However, you should only bathe your Labradoodle when there are visible signs of dirt or smell. Bathing too frequently can make their skin itchy and dry.
To prevent gum diseases, bad breath, and tartar build-up, you must also develop a regular tooth brushing routine for both dog breeds.
Cockapoo vs Labradoodle: Temperament
There are many similarities between the temperaments of cockapoos and Labradoodles. While cockapoos are sensitive, jovial, sociable, and goofy, Labradoodles are energetic, easy-going, and friendly. Both are incredibly loyal and loving towards their family, and in the right environment, make great companion dogs.
Though both dog breeds have friendly and playful personalities, they have distinctive character traits.
Cockapoo Temperament
Fun-loving and happy, Cockapoos thrive on attention and typically have tons of energy. Despite their relatively small size, Cockapoos are very energetic and need daily walks and lots of playtime even in late adulthood.
Though Cockapoos generally have a stable temperament owing to their multi-generational lineage, some dogs can still be a little unpredictable.
Cockapoos can easily adapt to young and older potential owners but are prone to separation anxiety. However, this can be managed by training them early. They are also very capable of understanding their owner’s emotional state and hence make great therapy dogs.
Labradoodle Temperament
With their funny faces, infectious energy, and charming antics, Labradoodles can be the best medicine for a drab and dull day
As a hybrid of two very active dog breeds, it isn’t surprising that a Labradoodle has high spirits and boundless energy. Their occasional boisterousness is amplified by their large sizes so you’ll have to be careful they don’t accidentally knock over small children or elderly people.
When stressed, bored, anxious, or simply in need of your attention, they can bring the house down. Though they can tolerate being alone for short periods, they can suffer from loneliness and restlessness if left on their own for long.
Labradoodles can get along well with other pets and also make great watchdogs.
Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Exercise, Training, and Socializing
Exercise
Cockapoos get along best with owners who have an active lifestyle because they are far from being couch potato dogs. Adult Cockapoos need at least an hour of exercise every day to keep them stimulated and healthy. [And prevent hyper Cockapoo syndrome]
They are also very intelligent so if they don’t get enough mental stimulation and exercise, they can get bored. This can be a recipe for disaster as it can make them destructive. It’s often not a serious issue though since if this happens, you only need to provide them with more playtime and exercise.
Labradoodles need lots of mental stimulation and exercise. Despite their size, they are suited for apartment life provided you exercise them a lot. They need at least an hour or so of daily exercise and activity to help them burn their energy and avoid boredom.
Overall, both dog breeds love playing around and need lots of outdoor space to exhaust their energies. Puzzles, games, and toys are other ways you can keep them engaged and entertained.
Moreover, since both dogs are the offspring of parents who were bred to be in the water, they will most likely love swimming. This can be another great way to keep them happy and amused.
Training
Cockapoos and Labradoodles are energetic dogs who are quick learners, eager to please, and easy to train. Though it’s important to maintain consistency and a regular schedule, you must also be gentle and flexible when training them. One way to incorporate flexibility is by including training games like fetch and catch in their exercise regimen.
Start training them from a young age and make sure to keep training sessions short and fast-paced to avoid overexertion and loss of interest. Training with positive reinforcement coupled with treats and toys are great ways to ensure training success.
Socializing
Like all dog breeds, Cockapoos and Labradoodles need at least seven to eight weeks of socialization with their mother and littermates. A reputed breeder will gradually expose them to other dogs, animals, and humans.
Once you bring your puppy home, it will be your job to continue their socialization training. Slowly introduce them to your neighbors, their pets, and children. Since both are fun-loving, outgoing dogs, socializing them won’t be much of a problem.
However, while Labradors and cocker spaniels are confident and outgoing, if either breed takes after their poodle parent, they might be shyer and more reserved around strangers.
Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Family Compatibility
From understanding the emotional needs of their owners to jumping in delight at the first sight of them, cockapoos and Labradoodles are very loving and affectionate towards their families.
Both dog breeds are a great choice for first-time dog owners since they are calm and easy-going while being fun and playful.
They’re also great with kids and other pets unless you get a puppy from a breeder who failed to socialize the puppies well enough.
Moreover, both dog breeds can be great guard dogs because they bark loudly at the slightest intrusion. This means you’ll be alerted of any lurking dangers quickly and effectively.
Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Health
Crossbreeds are generally considered healthier since inherited diseases are less likely to occur due to their larger gene pool. Nevertheless, they are prone to some inherited diseases and ailments from the breeds of their parents.
Make sure to get your pup from a reputable breeder and ask for the health test certificates of the puppy and its parents.
Labradoodles are prone to conditions like:
- Heart problems
- Epilepsy
- Patellar luxation
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Skin issues
- Addison’s disease
- Bleeding disorders
Cockapoos are prone to conditions like:
- Diabetes
- Blood diseases
- Kidney disease
- Heart valve disease
- Lymphoma
- Cardiomyopathy
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Patellar luxation
Both breeds are also prone to ear infections and eye diseases.
Cockapoo Vs Labradoodle: Life Expectancy
A dog’s life expectancy is majorly influenced by factors like its size, health, and breeding conditions.
The average lifespan of Cockapoos is between 14 to 18 years while a Labradoodle’s expected life is between 12 and 15 years.
Regardless of life expectancy, take your dog for regular checkups and maintain a healthy diet and a consistent exercise schedule to give it a happy and long life.
How To Make the Right Choice
Adopting a dog is a major commitment and investment. While it’s important to consider your family’s needs when choosing a puppy, it’s just as important to understand and evaluate the dog’s needs and your ability to meet them.
- You can rescue a Cockapoo or rescue a Labradoodle
- From a breeder – prices will vary
- Labradoodles tend to cost a little less for larger dogs – and about the same for smaller
- Cockapoo prices have less variance than Labradoodle
Factors like house size, exercise needs, and expenses play a major role in the overall health and happiness of a dog.
If you decide to bring home a Cockapoo, you should be ready to deal with their sensitivity, grooming needs, and separation anxiety. If you choose a Labradoodle, you need to be ready to meet their high energy and exercise needs.
If you live in a place with space restrictions, a Cockapoo may be a better choice than a Labradoodle.
Whichever you pick, both are gentle, lovable, cuddly, easily trainable, and fun-loving dogs that can be a great addition to your family. With their playful antics and cheerful dispositions, both breeds can provide you with loads of unconditional love, affection, and great memories.
