Cockapoo vs. Goldendoodle: Which One is Right for Your Family?

If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry family member to your home, we say great call. Dogs brighten up every mundane and gloomy day with their mere presence. Considering the title of this blog, we assume you’ve narrowed your choice down to the Cockapoo and the Goldendoodle, with both being excellent choices. However, there are some key differences between the two that may have you leaning toward one option or the other. So, let’s explore the differences and similarities between the Cockapoo and Goldendoodle.

Let’s Talk History

The Goldendoodle is a mix between the face of the perfect family dog, the Golden Retriever, and a Poodle. They came into existence around the late 20th century when breeders wanted to combine the loving, family-friendly nature of Goldens with the intelligence and low-shedding, hypoallergenic fur of the Poodle. It was a recipe for success from the get-go, and unsurprisingly, the Goldendoodle quickly became a major hit, especially among families and those with allergies. The friendly nature and intelligence of this breed also made them excellent therapy and service dogs, too! Certified good boys and girls!

Now, the Cockapoo. This adorable pup is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle and has been around since the 1950s, making it senior to our Goldendoodles. Just like Goldendoodles, Cockapoos were bred to create a dog that is both loving and hypoallergenic. Poodles are smart and have a non-shedding coat, while Cocker Spaniels are sweet love bugs. Enter the Cockapoo with its playful personality, smarts, and easy grooming, making it a household name across the world, especially in the US.

Let’s talk about each dog individually to understand them and their requirements better in order to figure out which one would be a better pick for your home. Upcoming, Cockapoo vs. Goldendoodle:

Goldendoodle: The Larger, Energetic Family Dog

The loyal and friendly Goldendoodles are big boys compared to their competition today, weighing in at 30 to 45 pounds when fully matured and reaching 22 to 25 inches in height. They are very affectionate and love the great outdoors. They can live up to 15 years, making them a fantastic pick for families that want a larger dog.

Size and Appearance

Goldendoodles come in a range of sizes: Mini, Medium, and Standard weighing 15–30 pounds, 30–45 pounds, and 50–90 pounds, respectively. They are, generally speaking, always larger than Cockapoos. Their coats are curly or wavy and come in a variety of colors, including gold (surprise, surprise), cream, red, and even black.

Temperament and Personality

Goldendoodles love being the center of attention and enjoy being around both people and pets. If you’re hoping for a guard dog, these sweethearts would do a terrible job. They’re incredibly patient, especially with children, thanks to the intelligence genes of their Poodle parent.

Exercise Needs

Goldendoodles, being gun dogs and part Retrievers, require their fair share of regular and vigorous exercise. They absolutely love running, hiking, and playing games that physically tire them out. While they can adapt to apartment living, families who enjoy the outdoors or have a backyard will find great companionship in a Goldendoodle.

Grooming Requirements

While Cockapoos and Goldendoodles both have hypoallergenic coats, a Goldendoodle’s coat is a bit more challenging to maintain due to its size. Regular brushing, along with occasional grooming sessions, is necessary to keep their coats healthy, odor-free, and tangle-free.

Training

With their Golden Retriever and Poodle heritage, Goldendoodles are exceptionally trainable, especially if you start early. These dogs often become therapy and service dogs, so that really shouldn’t come as a surprise. However, while they are eager to learn, their larger size means early training and socialization are best to prevent behaviors like jumping and excitement-related accidents. Being smart chaps, they enjoy good mental stimulation, such as puzzles and interactive play.

Cockapoo: The Friendly, Compact Companion

A mix of the affectionate Cocker Spaniel and the intelligent Poodle, the Cockapoo is known for being a small to medium-sized dog with an average life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. Their cheerful personality and adaptability make them a fantastic choice for families looking for a loyal, low-maintenance pet.

Size and Appearance

Cockapoos typically weigh between 12 and 24 pounds, depending on whether they’re bred from a toy or miniature Poodle. Their small size doesn’t just add to their cuteness but actually makes them well-suited for living in apartments or homes with limited space. These dogs have soft, curly coats that come in a variety of colors, including cream, black, apricot, and multicolored patterns.

Temperament and Personality

As we mentioned above, Cockapoos are quite adaptable, making them great pets for all sorts of families and single people. However, their loving and affectionate nature also means they are prone to separation anxiety if left unattended for too long at home. These little attention seekers love being part of the group and are quite happy just lounging and watching you binge through an entire series.

Exercise Needs

In an exercise competition between Goldendoodles and Cockapoos, the Goldendoodles win easily. Cockapoos are laid-back and chill dogs. While they absolutely need their daily walks and some outdoor playtime, they are more than happy relaxing after a walk and do not have very high energy.

Grooming Requirements

Their coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and the occasional visit to the groomer. Additionally, while they are quite healthy, they are prone to ear infections, so it’s best to keep an eye out for those.

Training

Having inherited the Poodle’s intelligence, these dogs are quite easy to train. The sooner you start, the better. However, that isn’t to say older dogs won’t learn new tricks—it just might take them a little longer.

Conclusion

So, which breed is right for you? Who wins the battle of cuteness? Cockapoo vs. Goldendoodle—who’s the winner? Well, if you decide to get either of them, you’re the winner. Both of our furry friends are extremely loving, gorgeous, and eager to please their humans. However, if you prefer a lower-energy and smaller dog, the Cockapoo would be the better choice. In case you’re more outdoorsy and need a companion for those long hikes, say hi to a Goldendoodle. No matter which you pick, remember that dog ownership is a huge responsibility, and you must love them as much as they love you.

FAQs

Which breed is better for apartments, Cockapoo or Goldendoodle?

Both breeds can live inside an apartment just fine, but Cockapoos are better suited for it due to their smaller size and moderate energy levels. Goldendoodles are bigger dogs that generally require more space, and due to their active nature, homes with a yard are ideal for them.

Are both breeds hypoallergenic?

Thanks to their Poodle genetics, both breeds are considered hypoallergenic. However, we’d refrain from calling them completely allergy-free. If you suffer from allergies and are considering one of these breeds for that reason, it’s best to consult a vet first. Regular grooming also helps with allergies.

Do Cockapoos or Goldendoodles require more exercise?

Goldendoodles need more exercise due to their higher energy levels, while Cockapoos are quite content with the usual daily long walk.

Which breed is easier to groom?

Since Cockapoos are smaller, they are easier to groom. Goldendoodles, despite having a similar coat style, simply have more of it due to their larger size. So, grooming them takes longer.

Are Goldendoodles suitable for first-time dog owners?

While Goldendoodles are high-energy and standard-sized dogs, their intelligence and loving nature make them great first dogs. However, that’s provided you’re capable of meeting their exercise requirements.