So, you’re searching for a new dog, and you’ve settled on a poodle mix.
Chances are, you’ve narrowed down to two of the popular poodle choices; labradoodle and a cockapoo.
Which one should you choose from these two cute breeds? I’m here to help.
You’re probably wondering why you should trust me, right?
Well, first and foremost I’m a dog lover but that makes up for the majority of the population, right?
I’ve always had a dog in my family, cared for them and researched into them.
My family has always had a strong connection with dogs, with my sister deciding to dedicate her time to rescuing and caring for animals, especially dogs.
Labradoodle vs Cockapoo: Meeting the Dogs
Although both mixed with poodles, both are extremely different animals. Both of them are extremely cute, friendly and great with families of all types.
Cockapoos have been around since the 1950s, they’re a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.
Whereas a Labradoodle was first bred in the 1980s, being a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle.
Their difference in breeding, make everything slightly different from their personality, grooming, size and qualities.
When you’re choosing a new dog, there are certain things to consider. These include:
The breeder – Is it a reputable breeder? Do you trust them? Are you happy giving them money?
The time you can commit – Some dogs need more walks, more food, more attention and, more playing with.
Other dogs require more sleep, more food and more personal care. Can you commit to all of this?
Your lifestyle – Don’t just choose a dog based on how cute it is. Choose it based on your home life, work life and your family.
Little personal requirements – How do you feel about shedding etc?
If you want a little more information on what dog is right for you, Kennel Club have made a fantastic quiz which will direct you to the perfect one. Click here to check it out!
The Cockapoo
Before the popularity between crossbreeds hit the world, there was one that had already captured the hearts of thousands – the cockapoo.
They have been popular since the 1950s, and have remained a family favorite ever since.
As with every puppy, the personality depends on the individual dog. However, for the most part, a cockapoo is friendly, easy to trains and people-lovers.
They are companion dogs. They need to live indoors with the family, but also their history very much revolves around working and hunting.
This means they need a certain amount of exercise every day, just to stop them from becoming bored and agitated.
Cockapoos are friendly, even with cats and children. They tend to like other dogs but, just like with every small dog, need to be protected from the bigger, more boisterous dogs.
They range in size from about The Cockapoo is quite small in size, with a height ranging from about 9.5 to 15 inches.
Their weight ranges from 6-30 lbs. Obviously, quite a small dog. When crossed with teacup Poodles, the Cockapoo can be extremely small.
The Labradoodle
Like both the Labrador and the poodle, the Labradoodle is a very intelligent, highly friendly and moderately active dog. Their shaggy, curly coat that requires maintenance.
Crossbreeds have been popular for years, it’s an attempt for breeders to find the perfect look, personality, agility and temperament.
Labradoodles have gained a lot of popularity, especially in the last ten to twenty years.
Their personality tends to be smart, trainable, friendly, outgoing and non-aggressive. Again, this depends on their parents and upbringing quite a lot too.
Labradoodles are a little larger than Cockapoos, ranging from about 14 inches to 26 inches with a weight of around 15-95 lbs.
When crossed with a standard Poodle, they can be quite large in size, which is something to definitely consider when you’re choosing your dog.
Labradoodle vs Cockapoo: How do They Behave?
Although quite similar in temperament, they do have some different personality traits.
Cockapoos are very fun, loving, friendly and sociable. You can expect them to be quite boisterous when excited, but in a cute way, nothing that is unmanageable.
Labradoodles are very friendly but for the most part, quite easy going. They will have a lot of energy, especially if they’re excited to see you.
One thing for sure is, they are mixed with the poodle – a reserved, intelligent and loyal dog.
They’re working dogs that require a lot of physical and mental stimulation regularly.
With any crossbreeds, you can get traits from both sides of the family, varying in degrees for each puppy.
Any dog can become aggressive, unmanageable and awkward if they’re not trained properly.
Getting to know a puppy’s personality before you buy them will ensure if you can handle them.
Labradoodle vs Cockapoo: What is Their Life Expectancy?
Did you know that crossbreeds are considered healthier because of their larger gene pool?
Inherited diseases are less likely to occur.
This could also mean that they can inherit diseases from both families, so there are a few things to look out for.
Labradoodles are Prone to Certain Conditions, These Include:
Epilepsy
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Heart problems
Addison’s disease
Bleeding disorders
Patellar Luxation
Skin issues
Labradoodles live between 12 and 15 years old.
Cockapoos are Prone to:
Blood diseases
Diabetes
Kidney Disease
Lymphoma
Melanoma
Heart valve disease
Cardiomyopathy
Intervertebral disc disease
Patellar Luxation
Cockapoos live between 14 to 18 years of age.
Both Labradoodles and Cockapoos experience eye disease and ear infections.
This is when research into the breeder is really important, knowing their parents and their health tests could be crucial.
A healthy diet, exercise and regular health checkups will ensure that your dogs live a happy and prosperous life, regardless of a life expectancy.
Labradoodle vs Cockapoo: What do They Look Like?
Even to the untrained eye, it’s obvious that both breeds are insanely cute. However, they have physical differences, that span further than just height.
Cockapoos are bright-eyed, scruffy coated, they can be curly haired, they have that kind of puppy-dog charm which is just irresistible.
Cockapoos are small but very agile. They’ll bounce around a lot, after sleeping for up to 21 hours a day, just to build up their strength.
Labradoodles have a shaggy curly coat too, it needs a little bit of maintenance but they’re truly beautiful creatures.
They’re great dogs to jog with, work with and just have a great time with.
Labradoodle vs Cockapoo: What Kind of Coats do They Have?
Despite their great coats, poodles actually don’t shed all that much. This is a really great trait to have.
Hypoallergenic is a really wonderful trait, and although there’s technically no such thing, poodles come pretty close.
Both Cockapoos and Labradoodles carry on this trait.
Cockapoos may inherit their Cocker Spaniel’s long, silky hair, the poodle’s curly hair or a combination of the two.
The Labradoodle may just inherit coarse coat, a woolly type coat or a fleecy coat.
If it takes the coat from the Poodle, make sure that you brush and groom it regularly to stop it from matting.
Likewise, if the Cockapoo has a Spaniel-like coat, it will need the same kind of grooming and bathing.
If you want a dog that doesn’t have much grooming requirements, a lab-like coat will be the one which requires the least maintenance.
Labradoodle vs Cockapoo: Training Them?
The good news is, both of these breeds are easy to train. Cockapoos are a little bit more sensitive, so make sure that you don’t punish them too much.
In fact, both breeds have a kind of nervous temperaments, so, don’t be too harsh.
Labradoodles love mental challenges and stimulation, they really benefit from agility training, working-type challenges.
Hunting, fetching and agility training will be great for these dogs. As they are bigger dogs, they will need to be trained strictly. It’s very important.
If you need any help training your dog check out this article!
Labradoodle vs Cockapoo: Are They Good With Children?
As you’ve probably realized, you can take both of these breeds home to young children. Children will have endless, safe fun with children, no problem.
A key factor is the size difference, Labradoodles are a lot bigger and so they can knock over children a lot easier.
Labradoodle vs Cockapoo: Which One is Right for me?
Well, we can’t say for sure as everybody is different. Just consider these little questions:
1) Can you handle a larger dog?
2) Can you manage a nervous Cockapoo?
3) What type of grooming can you commit to? Yes, you might love how a poodle leaning fur looks, but will you properly maintain it?
4) Do you want a smaller or larger dog?
5) Are you planning on taking this dog out to work?
Either way, both Cockapoos and Labradoodles are super fun, cuddly, gentle and easily trained dogs that make really great additions to your family.
Only you can really decide which one is right for you.
