Differences and Similarities between the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Cockapoo Versus Golden Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Cockapoo and for the Golden Retriever. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cockapoo or the Golden Retriever.

Cockapoo versus Golden Retriever

Cockapoo versus Golden Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cockapoo is a small-sized dog while the Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cockapoo belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

On the other hand, the Golden Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Cockapoo versus Golden Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cockapoo to the Golden Retriever based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever

Factor Cockapoo Golden Retriever
Does NOT Shed 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
General Health 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Height From under 10 to over 15 inches tall at the should 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight From under 6 to over 19 pounds 55 to 75 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1980 $1870
Price Range $1500 – $2400 $1500 – $2200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination (evaluations annually for the dog`s lifetime)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cockapoo in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Golden Retriever. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Cockapoo is 94 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Golden Retriever is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cockapoo is a better pet than the Golden Retriever. So, you should get the Cockapoo!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Cockapoo versus Golden Retriever

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever

    Below is a list of where the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever are most different:

  • Cockapoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Golden Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Cockapoos do not have the tendency to drool. However, Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Cockapoos are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Golden Retrievers are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever

    The Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever are most similar:

  • Both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cockapoo versus Golden Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever.

    Cockapoos weigh From under 6 to over 19 pounds when fully grown. Cockapoos are From under 10 to over 15 inches tall at the should when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Golden Retrievers weigh 55 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Golden Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cockapoo versus Golden Retriever

    The lifespan of Cockapoos is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cockapoos is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Golden Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Golden Retrievers is 11.0 years.

    Cockapoos live longer than Golden Retrievers.

    Cockapoo versus Golden Retriever

    Price of Cockapoo versus Price of Golden Retriever

    The average price of the Cockapoo puppy is $1980. The price of the Cockapoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2400. However, the price of a Cockapoo can be as low as $750 and as high as $8500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 873 Cockapoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Golden Retriever puppy is $1870. The price of the Golden Retriever typically ranges from $1500 – $2200. However, the price of the Golden Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $6500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2668 Golden Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cockapoo is more expensive than the Golden Retriever.

    Cockapoo Golden Retriever
    Average Price $1980 $1870
    Price Range $1500 to $2400 $1500 to $2200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cockapoo and Golden Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Cockapoo puppies or how many Golden Retriever puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockapoos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockapoos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Retrievers?

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Retrievers?

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cockapoo puppy or the Golden Retriever puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Cockapoo versus Golden Retriever

    Adopting the Cockapoo versus Adopting the Golden Retriever

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cockapoos and many Golden Retrievers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Cockapoo named Jumba/Stitch that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cockapoos like Jumba/Stitch on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Cockapoos, Golden Retrievers are also available for adoption. For example, Rocky is a Male Golden Retriever that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Golden Retrievers like Rocky that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Aladdin J 21056 is the name of another Cockapoo (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Bear is an adorable Male Golden Retriever on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Cockapoos and Golden Retrievers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Cockapoos and Golden Retrievers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cockapoo versus Golden Retriever

    Cockapoos can be left alone only for a short time.

    Golden Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cockapoos shed more than Golden Retrievers?

    Cockapoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Golden Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Cockapoo or the Golden Retriever

    Cockapoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Golden Retrievers have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cockapoo or the Golden Retriever?

    Cockapoos are moderately easy to groom.

    Golden Retrievers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Cockapoo Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Retriever?

    Cockapoos have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Golden Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Cockapoos Bark and Howl? What about Golden Retrievers?

    Cockapoos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Golden Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Cockapoos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cockapoos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Golden Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cockapoo vs. Golden Retriever

    Cockapoos have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Golden Retrievers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Cockapoos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cockapoos can tolerate hot weather.

    Golden Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cockapoo or the Golden Retriever?

    Cockapoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cockapoos good family dogs? What about Golden Retrievers?

    Cockapoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Golden Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Cockapoos and Golden Retrievers?

    Cockapoos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Golden Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Cockapoo Easier to Train than the Golden Retriever?

    Cockapoos are very easy to train.

    Golden Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Cockapoo Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Retriever?

    Cockapoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Golden Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cockapoo or the Golden Retriever?

    Cockapoos are very good for new dog owners.

    Golden Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cockapoo

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cockapoo that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cockapoo:

  • Cavapoo (81 percent match with Cockapoo). Here is our comparison of the Golden Retriever vs Cavapoo.
  • Havanese (78 percent match with Cockapoo). Here is our comparison of the Golden Retriever vs Havanese.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Retriever that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Golden Retriever:

  • Aussiedoodle (74 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cockapoo vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Irish Setter (72 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cockapoo vs Irish Setter.
  • Labrador Retriever (75 percent match with Golden Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cockapoo vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cockapoo and how the Golden Retriever compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cockapoo and of the Golden Retriever to other breeds:

    Cockapoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cockapoo versus Norfolk Terrier     Cockapoo versus Valley Bulldog     Cockapoo versus Lowchen     Cockapoo versus Chinook     Cockapoo versus Miniature Pinscher     Cockapoo versus Cairn Terrier     Cockapoo versus Spinone Italiano     Cockapoo versus Fila Brasileiro     Cockapoo versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Cockapoo versus Giant Schnauzer     Cockapoo versus Bernedoodle     Cockapoo versus Australian Cattle Dog     Cockapoo versus Doberman Pinscher     Cockapoo versus Italian Greyhound     Cockapoo versus Irish Water Spaniel     Cockapoo versus Papillon     Cockapoo versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Cockapoo versus English Cocker Spaniel     Cockapoo versus Fila Brasileiro     Cockapoo versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Cockapoo versus Basset Hound     Cockapoo versus Norwegian Buhund     Cockapoo versus Boxerdoodle     Cockapoo versus Rottweiler     Cockapoo versus German Shorthaired Pointer     

    Golden Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Retriever versus Pharaoh Hound     Golden Retriever versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Golden Retriever versus Border Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Welsh Terrier     Golden Retriever versus Leonberger     Golden Retriever versus Mastiff     Golden Retriever versus German Pinscher     Golden Retriever versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Golden Retriever versus Bloodhound     Golden Retriever versus Scottish Deerhound     Golden Retriever versus Plott     Golden Retriever versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Golden Retriever versus Belgian Malinois     Golden Retriever versus Alaskan Malamute     Golden Retriever versus Basenji     Golden Retriever versus Lhasapoo     Golden Retriever versus Hovawart     Golden Retriever versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Golden Retriever versus Newfoundland     Golden Retriever versus Borzoi     Golden Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel     Golden Retriever versus American Eskimo Dog     Golden Retriever versus Border Collie     Golden Retriever versus Miniature Poodle     Golden Retriever versus Briard     

    Conclusion: Cockapoo versus Golden Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Cockapoo and the Golden Retriever better suits you and your family.