The Cockapoo and Mini Goldendoodle are two hybrids that combine a Poodle with another breed. The Cockapoo has a Cocker Spaniel parent, while the Mini Goldendoodle combines a miniature Poodle with a Golden Retriever. Because the two mixes share a Poodle parent, there are some similarities. They are both considered more hypoallergenic than most dogs and considered intelligent breeds.

However, there are some differences. Despite crossing the Miniature Poodle, the Mini-Goldendoodle can be bigger than the Cockapoo. Below, we’ll discuss these two popular designer dogs, including their similarities and differences, to help you determine the ideal breed for your home.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Cockapoo Overview

The Cockapoo is arguably the first of the designer dog breeds and was first intentionally bred in the 1960s, although it is likely that accidental breeding did occur before that. Although still considered a hybrid and therefore not considered a true purebred, there are some breeders and groups attempting to establish standards, which is the first step in achieving purebred status. While they are not officially recognized by kennel clubs,  they have become very popular with pet owners, and there are Cockapoo clubs around the world.

Appearance

Like the Goldendoodle, the Cockapoo comes in several sizes, depending on which size of Poodle was used in the creation of the line. The teacup is the smallest and weighs less than 6 pounds, while the toy weighs around 10 pounds. Miniatures can weigh up to 18 pounds, and standards weigh 20 pounds or more. Generally, the character of the Cockapoo will be similar regardless of their size, although exercise and care requirements vary.

Character

The reason the Cockapoo has become such a popular breed is, at least in part, because of its character. They are intelligent like the Poodle and have the sweet and loving nature of the Cocker Spaniel. They are energetic but also enjoy cuddling up on the sofa or even in your bed.

Training

Cockers can be shy around strangers, and Poodles can be aloof, so early socialization is especially important. Socialization introduces the dog to different groups of people and new situations, so they will be less nervous when faced with something new. The intelligence of the Poodle means that you should find training relatively easy, and you will be able to teach your puppy plenty of commands and tricks.

Health

Although Cockapoos are healthy pups, there are still some illnesses and conditions that you should keep an eye out for. They are susceptible to allergies and cataracts, as well as hip dysplasia, which can be a painful condition that may also lead to arthritis. The floppy Cocker Spaniel ears are also prone to ear infections,  but you can inspect and clean them when you groom your pup.

Care

Another reason for the popularity and continued interest in the Cockapoo is their hypoallergenic coat. This doesn’t mean that it won’t cause any allergic reactions, but the low-shedding nature of the coat means that allergy sufferers should endure fewer allergic reactions than when they’re around heavy-shedding dogs. The coat needs brushing every day, but while you can have the coat trimmed to 3 inches or so, it isn’t strictly necessary.

When brushing your dog’s coat, check inside their ears for inflammation, reddening, or other signs of possible infection. You should also brush their teeth three times a week and trim their nails when they get long enough that you can hear them on a hard floor.

Suitable For:

The Cockapoo gets along with people of all ages and most animals, making them suitable for most owners. They are ideal for first-time owners, but you must brush their coat daily and ensure they get enough exercise to stay trim and healthy.

Mini Goldendoodle Overview

The Mini Goldendoodle is one of several sizes of Goldendoodle and was created by crossing the Miniature Poodle with the Golden Retriever. The Goldendoodle was intentionally bred in the 1990s as a service dog that produced less dander and shed less than the Golden Retriever. Most Goldendoodles are bred directly from the Poodle and Golden Retriever parents, rather than breeding two Goldendoodles, although as the cross matures, second and subsequent generations will be introduced and bred.

Appearance

The Mini Goldendoodle is one of several sizes of Goldendoodle, determined by the size of the Poodle parent. Miniatures weigh up to 35 pounds, small Goldendoodles weigh up to 50 pounds, and standards can weigh as much as 90 pounds. The coat is typically golden to match that of the Golden Retriever parent, but it can be white, cream, apricot, or any other of several other colors.

Character

The Mini Goldendoodle is another cheerful character, combining the Poodle’s intelligence with the Golden Retriever’s eagerness and loyalty. They can perform well as service dogs while also making loving and loyal family dogs. Mini Goldendoodles can get along with all family members, as well as visitors and strangers, and they usually befriend other dogs and cats. However, they can suffer separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long.

Training

Socialization is essential for all breeds, but the Goldendoodle comes from friendly and confident stock in the shape of the Golden Retriever. With the intelligence of the Poodle and the Golden Retriever’s willingness to please, you will have a dog that can be very easily trained. The Goldendoodle is used as a service and therapy dog, a testament to their intelligence and sympathetic nature.

Health

Although generally healthy and hardy dogs, Goldendoodles are still prone to some illnesses and health conditions. They are prone to patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and hypothyroidism. Like the Cockapoo, the Goldendoodle is also susceptible to allergies.

Care

The Goldendoodle can inherit traits from one of the heaviest shedding breeds, the Golden Retriever, and one of the lowest shedding breeds, the Poodle. You could end up with one end of the shedding scale or the other, but your Doodle will likely land somewhere in the middle. The coat requires daily brushing, and if you cannot trim their hair at home, you can take them to a groomer. They need their teeth brushed at least three times a week and their nails trimmed every month.

Suitable For:

The mini Goldendoodle is a cheerful and friendly mix of Poodle and Golden Retriever that can be trained as a therapy or support dog and also makes a great pet for owners of all ages and experience levels.

The Differences Between the Breeds

Are These Breeds Hypoallergenic?

Dog allergies are caused by proteins in dog saliva, urine, sweat, fur, and dander. When allergy sufferers inhale or come into contact with this protein, it causes an allergic reaction as the body attempts to fight off what it views as a threat. This leads can lead to breathing problems and coughing.

Although all dogs produce these proteins, those that shed less produce less dander, which is the element that most often causes allergic reactions because it lingers in the air and gets on furniture and clothing.

Poodles are considered “hypoallergenic” because they are very low-shedding dogs. At the other end of the scale are breeds like the Golden Retriever, which are known for being heavy shedders and can cause severe reactions in allergy sufferers. Both the Mini Goldendoodle and the Cockapoo have Poodle parentage, and they benefit from low-shedding coats most of the time. This means that both hybrids are considered hypoallergenic. They can be a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Why Poodle Mixes Are So Popular

When it comes to designer breeds, many include Poodle parentage. The Goldendoodle and Cockapoo are just two in a long list. The Poodle has become a popular breed in this respect because they are intelligent and easy to train while also being generally healthy. They usually get along with people, other dogs, and even cats.

Exercise Requirements

All dogs require some level of exercise, and the energetic Poodle is no exception. When you combine this with the high-octane nature of the Cocker Spaniel, you get a dog that needs at least an hour of exercise a day and benefits from being given work to do that exercises the body and mind. The Goldendoodle is an energetic dog and still requires 45 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, but they aren’t as energetic as the Cockapoo. Both breeds enjoy spending plenty of time relaxing with the family.

Care Requirements

The Cockapoo and Goldendoodle need exercise and attention from their owners every day. Daily grooming is also crucial since it helps remove dead hairs so your dog is comfortable and cool, and it also helps minimize shedding. You will also need to brush their teeth and trim their nails regularly. The long ears of the Cocker Spaniel mean that the Cockapoo can suffer from ear problems, so you must inspect and clean them when needed.

Generations

Although not purebred, the Cockapoo has been intentionally bred for 60 years. As such, many modern examples of the breed were created by breeding earlier generations of Cockapoos with one another or by back-breeding a Cockapoo with a Poodle or Cocker Spaniel. This leads to a more predictable character and physical characteristics but, over time, it may increase the likelihood of genetic conditions being passed down.

The Goldendoodle is still a relatively new breed and because they haven’t been around as long, it is likely that a Goldendoodle is first generation and was, therefore, directly bred from Poodle and Golden Retriever parents.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

The Mini Goldendoodle and Cockapoo are two very popular hybrid dogs, both of which include Poodle parentage. The Poodle is an intelligent and friendly breed that is relatively level-headed and unafraid of hard work or training.

The Goldendoodle combines this with the eager and very friendly Golden Retriever, while the Cockapoo, which is a hybrid that has existed now for 60 years, combines the Poodle with the energetic Cocker Spaniel. Both parents love water, so you should expect either hybrid to enjoy spending time in puddles, rivers, lakes, and pools. Goldendoodles and Cockapoos are also very friendly and get along with other pets.

See Also:

• Mini vs Medium Goldendoodle: The Differences (With Pictures)
• Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle: The Differences (with Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: Top – Lee Ph, Shutterstock | Bottom – SoySendra, Shutterstock