If you’re interested in adopting a new dog and making an excellent addition to your family, both Labradoodles and Cockapoos are fantastic choices. Both breeds are fantastic around children, intelligent, and love getting attention. But which breed is the better choice for you? Are Labradoodles bigger than Cockapoos?Labradoodles are much bigger than Cockapoos, and rightfully so. Cockapoos are made by breeding a cocker spaniel and a miniature or toy poodle, both of which are small lap dogs. In contrast, a Labradoodle is made by breeding a labrador retriever and a standard or even a giant poodle. With that said, don’t let the Labradoodle size intimidate you. Labradoodles are very intelligent animals and are extremely friendly. While there is a considerable size difference between Labradoodles and Cockapoos, their behavior is very similar. Both breeds inherit the intelligence of their poodle parents. However, labradors and cocker spaniels are not all that different regarding their behavior either. Both Labradors and cocker spaniels are loyal and reserved animals that have just the right amount of energy for playtime. However, Labradoodles have a tad bit more energy than Cockapoos and will need to have an outlet for that extra energy.When it comes to which is better for you, both breeds will fit in your family perfectly. Cockapoos are a smaller breed, and thus your children will need to be taught how to interact with the smaller dog appropriately. Cockapoos have energy for playtime; however, they also enjoy some quality lap time for relaxation. On the other hand, Labradoodles are a much bigger breed, which will allow your children to be a tad bit rougher with them. Labradoodles have quite a bit of energy and love to play, but just like Cockapoos, Labradoodles also love their quiet time when they start to get puckered out. As you continue to read this article, we will go in-depth about the differences between Cockapoos and Labradoodles. Furthermore, we will be discussing each breed’s behavior, potential health risks, and life expectancy.
What Is A Labradoodle?
A Labradoodle is a breed of dog that first surfaced in the 1980s and instantly hit people who like large dog breeds. Labradoodles are made from a labrador and either a standard or giant poodle. Labradoodles turned out to be the perfect mix between its parents and were able to keep all of the best qualities. The Labradoodle inherited the intelligence and loyalty from its poodle parents while also inheriting the friendly and sociable traits from its labrador parents. Labradoodles are pretty large, standing 27 inches in height and weighing up to 95 pounds. In addition, they have a short and shaggy coat that will require weekly maintenance.
What Is A Cockapoo?
A Cockapoo is a breed of dog that first surfaced sometime in the 1950s. As soon as this breed hit the market, its popularity exploded. Cockapoos are a mix between a cocker spaniel and either a toy or miniature poodle. Just like the Labradoodle, the Cockapoo turned out to be the perfect mix of the best qualities. Labradoodles inherit the intelligence and loyalty from their poodle parents while also retaining the friendliness and loving qualities of the cocker spaniel. Cockapoos are a small breed of dog and are no taller than 15 inches and will weigh no more than 30 pounds. They have short curly hair that will need to be maintained on a weekly basis. Cockapoos are perfect companion dogs and love to be pampered and chill out with you on the couch. However, cocker spaniels were initially bred as hunting dogs and were used for flushing birds and fetching their master’s prey. This energy has not dissipated throughout the generations. With that said, your Cockapoo will have a good amount of energy that you need to manage.
Cockapoo vs. Labradoodle: Behavior and Traits
Both Labradoodles and Cockapoos are very similar when it comes to their personality traits. Labradoodles are prominent companions that are very friendly and tend to be very relaxed animals. However, Labradoodles can have tons of energy and can get quite boisterous when they get excited to see you when you come home from work or school. But when everything starts to die down at the end of the day, Labradoodles will want to cuddle up and relax.Cockapoos are loving, friendly, sociable, and make for an enjoyable companion. Even though their ancestors were bred hunting dogs, they will have less energy than their Labradoodle counterparts. Some owners have reported that their Cockapoos are yappy dogs, so consider that. However, Cockapoos are very calm and collected and love spending their days as lap dogs most of the time. But their occasional bursts of energy need to have an outlet. Training both Labradoodles and Cockapoos is a breeze. Because of their poodle lineage, they are brilliant, quick to learn, and love mental stimulation. The only difference when it comes to training these breeds is the strictness you need to apply. Cockapoos have sensitive feelings and can get upset by pushing them too hard. On the other hand, Labradoodles need to be trained strictly to show them who’s boss. While both breeds love mental challenges, Cockapoos tend to be a tad bit smarter and enjoy these tasks more, while a Labradoodle will enjoy physical tasks like agility or work training. Both breeds are excellent with children. When they are in the mood, they can play for quite a bit of time, leading to the perfect situation where your dog and kids will tire each other out. However, Cockapoos are smaller dogs and thus are more fragile, so be sure to teach your children how to play with your Cockapoo. On the other hand, Labradoodles are much larger and thus more durable, which will allow your kids to be a tad bit rougher. However, the larger size of the Labradoodle makes it much easier for your dog to knock your kids over. Remember that personality traits and behavior are on a variable scale. Each puppy will have unique behavior and personality traits that you will need to learn and adapt to. For example, while both of these breeds inherit the best qualities of their parents, one Cockapoo can have a lot more energy from its cocker spaniel heritage. At the same time, another can be more relaxed and be far more intelligent.
Labradoodle and Cockapoo Coat Maintenance
Both Labradoodles and Cockapoos have a similar coat, short to medium-length curly hair that will need maintenance done weekly.Generally speaking, you should be brushing both breeds’ hair at least twice a week to get rid of mats, debris, and shedding hair. Furthermore, Labradoodles and Cockapoos need to get their fur trimmed every two months to keep their hair at an easy and manageable level. Doing so will also help prevent excess shedding and tangles. Like most dogs, nail trimming is a necessity. If you own a dog, you should be trimming their nails or taking them to a groomer to get their nails trimmed at least once a month.Get your Labradoodle or Cockapoo used for brushing, baths, and nail trimming when they are puppies. If you do grooming on a regular basis when they are puppies, they will learn to enjoy it in the coming years.
Labradoodle Health Risks and Life Expectancy
All dogs are prone to some diseases and other health risks, most of which become more prevalent when your dog gets older. Some of the significant health issues Labradoodles have include:
- Ear Infections
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Joint Problems
- Hip Dysplasia
- Loss Of Eyesight
- Addison’s Disease
- Cancer
The average life expectancy of Labradoodles is between 12 and 15 years.
Cockapoo Health Risks and Life Expectancy
All dogs are prone to some diseases and other health risks, most of which become more prevalent when your dog gets older. Some of the significant health issues Cockapoos have include:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Glaucoma
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Hip Dysplasia
- Familial Nephropathy
- Intervertebral Disc disease
- Thyroid Issues
- Luxating Patella
- Collapsed Trachea
- Cancer
The average life expectancy of Cockapoos is between 14 and 18 years.
Final Thoughts
Labradoodles and Cockapoos are both descendants of poodles and tend to be very similar when it comes to behavioral traits. However, the most significant difference between the two is the size. Labradoodles are much bigger than Cockapoos, and with this size comes extra energy. Hopefully, this article has helped you come to a decision on which furry breed you wish to adopt into your growing family.