Goldendoodle Vs. Cockapoo
There are so many Poodle hybrids available these days; it can be challenging to know which is best for you.
Goldendoodles and Cockapoos are both incredibly sought after and popular family pets, but what’s the difference between the two breeds?
Read on to find out!
What’s a Goldendoodle?
A Goldendoodle is part Golden Retriever and part Poodle and is just about the most popular of all the Doodle breeds. Goldendoodles first appeared in the early 1990s, most likely because of the popularity of the Labradoodle, the first Poodle hybrid.
These dogs come in different sizes, from toy and mini through to large or standard-sized. Goldendoodles are generally larger than Cockapoos, which is an important consideration, especially if you live in an apartment.
The Cockapoo
Cockapoos are a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle and are thought to have been around since the 1960s.
Although smaller than the Goldendoodle, the Cockapoo is a very active dog that’s best suited to life in a home that has some outside space where the pup can play and burn off some of his excess energy.
Appearance
Both dogs have the characteristic fluffy teddy bear looks that give Doodles their cuteness and charm. However, there are a few key differences in appearance between the two breeds:
Color
Goldendoodle colors include:
- Black
- Cream
- Apricot
- Chocolate
- Red
Cockapoos can be:
- Cream
- White
- Apricot
- Buff
- Red
- Black
- Chocolate
Both Goldendoodles and Cockapoos can also be:
- Parti (two or more colors, but 50% white)
- Merle (solid base color with random swirls of another shade on the body)
- Abstract (solid base color with white or chrome markings)
- Phantom (dark base color with lighter swirls on the face, under the tail, and on the legs)
Generally, mixed color puppies are more expensive and desirable than solid-colored ones. It’s also worth noting that Doodles very often change color as they get older, so you can never be quite sure exactly what color your dog will turn out to be!
Coat Type
Goldendoodles generally have straight, wavy, or curly coats.
In comparison, Cockapoo coats are typically curly or wavy but very rarely straight.
Both breeds have long eyebrows, beards, and mustaches, which gives them their irresistibly cute, fluffy faces.
Size
As you can see from the following table, Goldendoodles are usually larger and heavier than Cockapoos, as you’d expect, given the breeds’ parentage.
Goldendoodle Vs. Cockapoo Size Comparison
| Goldendoodle | Cockapoo | ||
| Teacup | 8-13” tall, 7lbs | Toy | 10” tall, 12lbs or less |
| Petite | 14” tall, 25lbs or less | Mini | 11-14” tall, 12-20lbs |
| Mini | 14-17” tall, 26-35lbs | Standard | 15” tall, over 20lbs |
| Toy | 17-21” tall, 36-50lbs | ||
| Standard | 21” tall, over 51lbs | ||
Temperament
Both breeds are friendly, outgoing, and sociable with their human family and with strangers, making these dogs ideal as family pets.
Goldendoodles and Cockapoos are extremely intelligent, active dogs that love to be exploring the Great Outdoors with their owners. That said, these are loyal, loving pets that need to live indoors with their human family, and they are not suited to a life outside where separation anxiety would be a problem.
Both breeds get along well with other dogs and family pets, although some Doodles have a strong prey drive and may be tempted to chase your cat if not socialized and trained not to do so as puppies.
If you have close neighbors, you don’t need to worry too much about nuisance barking, as both these breeds are generally pretty quiet.
Exercise Requirements
Goldendoodles and Cockapoos need around 60 minutes’ exercise every day, either at the dog park, walking with their owners, or enjoying playtime in your backyard.
Larger types of Goldendoodles generally need more exercise than the smaller Cockapoo, although every individual dog is different. As a rule, senior dogs and young puppies need less exercise than young adult dogs.
Ease Of Training
Both Goldendoodles and Cockapoos are highly trainable and smart. These dogs love to learn and are typically eager to please their owners!
House-training both breeds generally takes just a few weeks, and your dog should easily learn basic commands within a month or two at the most. It’s a good idea to take your pet to puppy socialization classes. Here, your pup will enjoy meeting other puppies and learn important basic obedience.
Health
Both breeds are pretty robust and healthy. Goldendoodles have an average lifespan of up to 15 years, whereas a Cockapoo lives slightly longer, up to 18 years or slightly more.
However, there are a few conditions that can affect both Goldendoodles and Cockapoos, including:
- Hip dysplasia
- Glaucoma and cataracts
- Luxating patella
Always buy your Goldendoodle or Cockapoo from a reputable breeder and check that both the puppy’s parents have been fully health screened for genetic conditions such as those mentioned above.
Grooming
It’s an urban myth that Doodles are “hypoallergenic,” making them ideal for pet allergy sufferers. It’s actually the dander that’s shed by the dog that causes the allergic reaction, not the animal’s hair.
Both these breeds shed to some extent, although not much. That said, you still need to brush your curly-coated dog thoroughly every day to prevent the fluffy underfur from matting.
Once every four to six weeks, your Goldendoodle or Cockapoo will need a trip to the groomer to have his nails clipped and his coat trimmed or clipped.
Puppy Price Comparison
The price of Goldendoodle and Cockapoo puppies varies, depending on a few factors, including:
- Breeding and lineage
- Size
- Color
- Coat type
- Location
- Breeder’s reputation
- Age of the puppy
The average price for a well-bred Goldendoodle ranges from around $2,000 to $4,000. Cockapoo puppies start from around $900 up to $2,500.
If you see a puppy advertised for less than that, it pays to be suspicious, as these ads are often placed by puppy farms. Puppies from these commercial operations are often poorly bred and have inherent health problems.
In short, puppy farms should be avoided. Instead, buy your puppy from a reputable dealer such as those recommended by the Goldendoodle Association of America and the American Cockapoo Club.
Availability
Goldendoodles and Cockapoos are both extremely desirable breeds, and the demand for good quality puppies is very high.
That means most breeders have a waiting list. You’ll most likely need to be vetted by the breeder before you can take one of their pups, and you’ll need to sign a contract stating that you won’t breed from the dog.
In Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this comparison guide to Goldendoodles and Cockapoos!
Both these breeds make perfect family pets, getting along fine with kids, other pets, and visitors to your home too.
Both breeds need plenty of daily exercise and grooming, but neither tends to shed much, depending on the coat type of the puppy you choose and whether or not you have your dog’s coat clipped short.
You’ll find both Goldendoodles and Cockapoos easy to train, incredibly eager to please, and charmingly loyal to their owners.
Now you have all the information you need to decide which breed is best for your family; it’s time to begin your search for the perfect canine companion.
Good luck!
