Cockapoos and Goldendoodles, in spite of their slightly humorous names, are two of the most common dog breeds in the country. Both breeds are known for having loving, loyal, and playful personalities and are considered great family dogs.
Additionally, cockapoos and Goldendoodles are both designer breeds, which is when specific breeds are deliberately bred with one another.
However, although Cockapoos and Goldendoodles have many similarities, they are completely different dogs.
Goldendoodles are known for being friendly and energetic people-pleasers, whereas Cockapoos are known for being stubborn spitfires. So, although both breeds are at least half-poodle, they couldn’t be more different.
If you’re curious and want to know more about the difference between a Cockapoo and a Goldendoodle, you’ve come to the right place. This article will outline the unique characteristics of both breeds and discuss the numerous differences between them.
Additionally, if you’re looking to add a dog to your family, we’ll help you decide which breed is right for you!
What exactly is a Cockapoo?
A Cockapoo is a type of designer breed, which is a type of dog you get when you intentionally combine two different breeds to produce offspring. In the case of a Cockapoo, it’s a cross between a poodle and a cocker spaniel.
Cocker spaniels are English dogs that were originally bred as hunting dogs. As such, they’re known for their spunk, smarts, and energy, while also having a playful and friendly edge. Poodles, on the other hand, are known for being one of the most intelligent dog breeds on the planet. They’re also hypoallergenic, which means they shed very little and are safe for people with dog allergies.
What exactly is a Goldendoodle?
As with Cockapoos, Goldendoodles are a type of designer dog that you get when you breed a poodle with a Golden Retriever.
Where cocker spaniels are known for their spunk and fire, Golden Retrievers are loved for their playful, gentle demeanor.
Their personality, combined with the smarts and hypoallergenic nature of a poodle has made Goldendoodles one of the most popular dog breeds in the world in recent years.
What are the main physical differences between Cockapoos and Goldendoodles?
For the past decade or so, Cockapoos and Goldendoodles have become increasingly popular. To the untrained eye, they can even look similar, thanks to their fluffy fur and bubbly demeanor. However, upon further observation, you’ll notice a few key physical differences between the two.
Size
If you see a Cockapoo and a Goldendoodle standing next to one another, the first thing you’ll notice is that a standard Goldendoodle is much larger than a standard Cockapoo.
On average, a standard Goldendoodle will weigh around 70 pounds, whereas a standard Cockapoo will weigh in at around 20 to 30.
As such, you’re much more likely to confuse a mini Goldendoodle with a Cockapoo. Full-grown mini Goldendoodles typically weigh around 30 to 40 pounds, which is very similar to what a standard-sized Cockapoo will max out at.]
Fur type
Another difference between Cockapoos and Goldendoodles is in the type of fur they have. Cockapoos typically have curly or wavy hair, and many of them have fairly tight curls.
While Goldendoodles can also have curly or wavy hair, they can also have straight hair, and their fur tends to be less curly in general than Cockapoos.
Color variety
Things get a little trickier when it comes to coat colors for Cockapoos and Goldendoodles. Both breeds can have gold, white, creamy, or even black coats, depending on the parents of the puppies.
However, Cockapoos tend to have more variety when it comes to colors, as their coats can be anything from radiant red to jet black. Cockapoos also tend to have more of a mixture of colors in their coat than Goldendoodles.
Key differences between Cockapoos and Goldendoodles
In addition to their size and physical features, there are numerous intangible differences between Cockapoos and Goldendoodles.
Behavior
Whether you choose a Goldendoodle or a Cockapoo, you’re bound to get a good, intelligent, and well-behaved dog. Additionally, both breeds have gentle, playful personalities and are considered great family dogs.
However, Cockapoos definitely have a side to them that’s more fiery and ambitious than the average Goldendoodle. This is partially because of their small but mighty stature, and also because they were originally bred as hunting dogs.
As such, while neither dog is considered a “bad” dog by any means, Goldendoodles tend to be better around people, crowds, and other dogs than Cockapoos.
That’s not to say that Cockapoos are troublemakers or rabble-rousers, as they even have a reputation for being comedians. However, Goldendoodles are simply better behaved and more eager to please, on average, than Cockapoos.
Trainability
Both Cockapoos and Goldendoodles are considered very trainable dogs, thanks to their high intelligence level. However, Goldendoodles have a slight edge over Cockapoos when it comes to trainability.
Goldendoodles have a stronger desire to please their human than Cockapoos, and respond better to positive affirmation during training sessions.
Energy level
Once again, both Goldendoodles and Cockapoos have fairly high energy levels and love being outside where they can run and play.
However, Goldendoodles tend to be slightly more energetic than Cockapoos, due in part to their larger size. They simply have more stamina than Cockapoos, and can struggle behaviorally and socially if they don’t have an outlet for their energy.
Care needs
When it comes to care and grooming, it’s a bit of a trade off when it comes to Goldendoodles and Cockapoos. Because of their larger size, Goldendoodles take longer to groom, trim, bathe, and clean than Cockapoos.
However, because they tend to have tighter curls, Cockapoos require more frequent grooming and hair care than Goldendoodles. In short, both breeds are fairly high on the hair care requirement spectrum compared to other dogs.
Cockapoo vs. Goldendoodle: Which dog is right for me?
As you can see, although Goldendoodles and Cockapoos share several similarities, they’re very different dogs. As such, even though a Goldendoodle might be right for you, that doesn’t mean it’s the right dog for your friend or family member.
Instead, it’s important to take stock of your own situation, desires, and preferences when it comes to owning a dog. Here are a few things to consider:
Size of your home
If you have a large home with ample space to run and play, either dog is a fine option. Just remember that Goldendoodles have lots of energy and require daily exercise, so a large home with a big yard is a definite plus.
Otherwise, you’ll need to take your dog for two to three walks each day or let them run off their energy at your local dog park.
While having a small home doesn’t mean you can’t own a Goldendoodle, it does mean you’ll have to work harder to exercise them.
Cockapoos, on the other hand, are much smaller than Goldendoodles and don’t require quite as much exercise. They also tire out easier than Goldendoodles, which means a massive yard isn’t a must.
Your lifestyle
Once again, because of their active nature, Goldendoodles are best suited for people with a fairly active lifestyle.
Whether you’re into hiking, boating, fishing, or anything else, Goldendoodles will love to join you on your active adventures. Because of how great they do socially, they’re also great companions for a trip to the Farmer’s Market or to a restaurant with outdoor dining.
How big of a dog you want
Even if you have a big house and a big yard, you might simply not want a big dog. If that’s the case, a Cockapoo is the way to go.
Standard Cockapoos are typically 10 to 20 pounds, but you can get them as small as 5 pounds if you opt for a teacup Cockapoo. Even the smallest Goldendoodle, a micro, will weigh in at around 15 to 20 pounds.
Your budget
Additionally, your budget will also play a role in whether you choose a Goldendoodle or a Cockapoo.
On average, Goldendoodles are more expensive than Cockapoos, and the average doodle costs anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the breeder, coat color, and how reputable they are.
Cockapoos, on the other hand, cost an average of $800 to $2,000, making them much more affordable than the average Goldendoodle.
Which is better, a Cockapoo or a Goldendoodle?
Just because Goldendoodles are more expensive than Cockapoos doesn’t mean they’re necessarily better.
Granted, Goldendoodles are currently trendier and more popular overall than Cockapoos, but their are plenty of proud Cockapoo owners who wouldn’t trade their dogs away for anything.
As such, neither breed is necessarily better than the other. It all depends on what your personal preference is and what you’re looking for in a dog.
If you want a big, active, and playful pooch, a Goldendoodle is the way to go. However, if you want a smaller and fiercely loyal companion, you won’t go wrong with a Cockapoo.
Cockapoo puppies vs. Goldendoodle puppies
In addition to being different as adults, Goldendoodles and Cockapoos are also different as puppies.
When a Cockapoo is born, it can weigh as little as a half a pound or even a little under and Goldendoodle pups, on the other hand, typically weigh at least 1/2 a pound to a pound when they’re born.
Additionally, Goldendoodles tend to have larger litters of puppies than Cockapoos. The average Goldendoodle litter is three to eight pups, but you can have up to 12 pups in a single litter.
Conversely, the average Cockapoo litter is only one to five pups, which means you’ll have fewer dogs at a time if you raise Cockapoos.
Does one breed take longer to grow and mature than the other?
As a rule of thumb, the bigger the dog is going to be, the longer it takes to mature. In other words, a standard-size Goldendoodle will take significantly longer to mature and be considered full-grown than a standard Cockapoo.
However, a micro or mini Goldendoodle will have roughly the same growth pattern as a Cockapoo because they’re similar in size.
Main health issues to watch out for in Cockapoos and Goldendoodles
Unfortunately, both Cockapoos and Goldendoodles are prone to a number of diseases and potential health problems. This is partially due to the fact that they’re a mixed breed and partially because they’re part poodle, which is one of the most disease-prone dogs out there.
Here are the most common health concerns to watch out for with Goldendoodles:
- Eye diseases, such as infections and allergies
- Joint conditions, such as arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Ear issues, such as infections, mites, and yeast
- Skin troubles, specifically dermatitis and eczema
- GI and stomach problems, including food allergies, Crohn’s Disease, pancreatitis, and more.
While they’re prone to some of the same issues, here are the most common health concerns for Cockapoos:
- Hip dysplasia
- Luxating patella
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cataracts and glaucoma
- Rage syndrome
In addition to each of these potential problems, both breeds are susceptible to Von Willebrand disease, hypothyroidism, sarcoma, osteosarcoma, and more. While many of these conditions are treatable with the proper medications and treatments.
It’s essential to get your dog to a vet as soon as you notice potential problems. As with humans, the sooner they’re diagnosed, the sooner you can start a treatment plan and get them on the road to recovery.
Potential lifespan of a Goldendoodle vs. a Cockapoo
When it comes to dogs, size has a lot to do with life expectancy. In general, larger dogs tend to have more health problems than small dogs, which means they have a shorter life expectancy.
As such, Cockapoos have a slightly longer average lifespan than Goldendoodles and live an average of 12 to 15 years, while Goldendoodles live an average of 10 to 15 years.
What do people on Reddit think about the differences between Cockapoos and Goldendoodles?
If you’re still on the fence about which dog wins out in the Goldendoodle vs. Cockapoo matchup, Reddit is a great place to turn to. There are plenty of people on either side of the argument that have strong opinions, and they may be able to help you make up your mind one way or the other.
If you’re leaning towards a Goldendoodle, for instance, here’s what one user had to say about their experience:
“I am very biased but I highly recommend the doodle. Throughout my life id been begging my parents for a dog, i eventually saved up enough and got a doodle when i was in my 20s. I live with my parents and older working brother and in one year, one dog has changed my entire family! Everyone is so in love with my dog and honestly, my parents have been thanking me for bringing her into our lives lol!”
However, if you’re leaning towards a Cockapoo, here’s an argument that may push you even further in that direction:
“In my recollection, house training the Cockapoo was easier BUT the kids were little and we were outside all the time, they were able to help, etc. And my memory is ~20 years old. With the Goldendoodle, it seemed to take FOREVER, but it was primarily just me all day (working from home). If I had used baby gates from the start, I think it would have been MUCH easier, but I was stubborn.”
On the other hand, others have owned both dogs at one point or another and consider choosing either one a win-win situation. Here’s what one user had to say:
“Had a cockapoo for 16 years and loved her so much. The kids were early elem school when she arrived and college when she left … Got a golden doodle next — the fun level is off the charts. The adult kids come to visit her and sometimes take her on overnights!”
Final thoughts
As you can tell from Reddit, Cockapoos and Goldendoodles are both great dogs and you’re sure to love whichever one you choose.
As you’re making your choice, it’s important to think about what you’re looking for in a dog, what their needs will be, and how much space and time you have to offer them.
As long as you do your research and avoid making an impulse purchase, you’re sure to select the dog that’s right for you and your family.
Just remember, regardless of which dog you choose, it will require lots of training, love, and attention in order to reach its full potential. If you do each of these things, you’ll have a loving and loyal companion for years to come!