Labradoodle vs. Cockapoo: The Differences (With Pictures)

Cockapoos and Labradoodles are very similar in appearance, but they have different qualities and temperaments that could affect your decision-making. When you are searching for the perfect dog for your family, you should consider your lifestyle, work schedule, living situation, and more.

Hopefully, the following points will cover everything you need to know about these two breeds. Their traits and characteristics will be important to consider when choosing a new puppy, and it’s wise to understand the difference between the two breeds so you can ensure a successful relationship.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Labradoodle Overview

Personality/Character

With deep brown eyes and a curly coat, the Labradoodle is an adorable, outgoing, and high-energy canine. They are usually the life of the dog park and enjoy meeting new dogs.

Labradoodles need around 1½ hours of exercise daily and can get bored without enough interaction and stimulation. However, they are also very friendly and loyal dogs who form a strong bond with their owners. They make great companions and become family members quickly and easily.

While a happy dog, their high energy and active temperament can become a little dangerous due to their size—they might knock down little ones on occasion!

Origins/Breed

Labradoodles are hybrid pups developed by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle in the 1980s. They have grown in popularity over the past few decades and can be found in families with children or single people living in apartments.

Appearance

Labradoodles vary in size since the Poodle parent can be a miniature, standard, or toy. Most breeders use standard or miniature poodles, and Labradoodles bred with standard Poodles are the largest. They can also have coats similar to a Lab or Poodle; those with more Poodle traits will have curlier fur and those with Lab traits will have wavy coats. Often, Labradoodles have a combination of the two coats. With long limbs and brown or hazel eyes, a black nose, and floppy ears, they are the perfect combination of Lab and Poodle.

Suitable for

Labradoodles make great family dogs for owners who like to get outdoors multiple times per day. They require regular exercise outside, and if their physical and mental needs aren’t met, they can become stressed and destructive. They get along well with children and other pets, but they may be too energetic, especially when they’re young, for senior owners.

Cockapoo Overview

Personality/Character

Cockapoos are similar in nature to Labradoodles. They are also highly intelligent animals who require a good amount of energy and attention. They are more affectionate and sometimes prefer personal cuddle time with their owners over sprinting around a park.

This Cocker Spaniel/Poodle mix has grown in popularity and has become a very sought-after designer dog across the United States. Their calm personalities make them great dogs for many lifestyles and personalities. They are less energetic than Labradoodles but make up for it with their goofy, fun-loving personalities.

Origins/Breed

The Cockapoo was cross-bred decades before the lab in the 1950s. Cockapoos were not an intentional breed, but their popularity soared in the early 1990s and has held steady ever since. Originating in the US, the Cockapoo has reached the UK and Canada as one of the top hybrid dogs.

Appearance

Cockapoos have a smaller overall size and weigh much less than Labradoodles. Characterized by their brown, black, white, gray, or apricot-colored fur, they are also known to have dark brown (or even blue) eyes.

With round faces and floppy ears, they resemble miniature Poodles. Their coats can either be short and curly or longer and wavy.

Suitable for

The cockapoo is known for being less energetic (compared to most poodle/lab mixes) and is generally more geared toward getting attention from their owners regularly. They make remarkable family pets, and like the Labradoodle, they get along well with children and other pets. They are better suited for seniors and owners in smaller living spaces with less time for long walks.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Labradoodles and Cockapoos are great pets if you’re looking for a family-friendly and affectionate dog. If you’re not too bothered by regular walks, routine grooming, and giving your pets a lot of attention, both dogs are good options.

Labradoodles are the bigger of the two and need more exercise, play, and stimulation. They are intelligent and active dogs who need a large backyard to run around and play.

Cockapoos are smaller and less energetic. If you have a smaller space, a very busy work life, or are looking for a lapdog, a Cockapoo may be ideal. They are also smart dogs who need an hour of exercise, so either way, you will need to get outside for walks.

See also:

• Double Doodle vs. Labradoodle: Key Differences (With Pictures)
• Aussiedoodle vs Labradoodle Dog Breed: Differences Explained

Featured Image Credit: Top – Janosch Diggelmann, Unsplash | Bottom – Lee Ph, Shutterstock