Which is Better between the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever? A Very Detailed Review.

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Cockapoo Versus Labrador Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cockapoo and the Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cockapoo and the Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever.

Cockapoo versus Labrador Retriever

Cockapoo versus Labrador Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cockapoo is a small-sized dog while the Labrador Retriever is a large-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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cockapoo to the Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever

Factor Cockapoo Labrador Retriever
Does NOT Shed 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
General Health 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
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 at the shoulder
Weight From under 6 to over 19 pounds 55 to 80 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1980 $1290
Price Range $1500 – $2400 $850 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cockapoo is a better pet than the Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Cockapoo versus Labrador Retriever

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Cockapoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Cockapoos are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Labrador Retrievers are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Cockapoos adapt well to apartment living. However, Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever

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

  • Both the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cockapoo and the Labrador Retriever are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cockapoo versus Labrador Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cockapoo and the Labrador 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, Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cockapoo versus Labrador Retriever

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

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

    Cockapoos live longer than Labrador Retrievers.

    Cockapoo versus Labrador Retriever

    Price of Cockapoo versus Price of Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever puppy is $1290. The price of the Labrador Retriever typically ranges from $850 – $1500. However, the price of the Labrador Retriever can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1413 Labrador Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cockapoo is more expensive than the Labrador Retriever.

    Cockapoo Labrador Retriever
    Average Price $1980 $1290
    Price Range $1500 to $2400 $850 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cockapoo and Labrador Retriever. For different price points, the charts show how many Cockapoo puppies or how many Labrador 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 Labrador Retrievers

    A breakdown of the prices of Labrador Retrievers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cockapoo puppy or the Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever

    Adopting the Cockapoo versus Adopting the Labrador Retriever

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cockapoos and many Labrador 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 Tuffy M 21128 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cockapoos like Tuffy M 21128 on pefinder.com.

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

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

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

    Also, Gucci is an adorable Male Labrador Retriever on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cockapoo versus Labrador Retriever

    Cockapoos can be left alone only for a short time.

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cockapoos shed more than Labrador Retrievers?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Cockapoo or the Labrador Retriever

    Cockapoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

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

    Cockapoos are moderately easy to groom.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Labrador Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Cockapoos Bark and Howl? What about Labrador Retrievers?

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

    Labrador Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Cockapoos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cockapoo vs. Labrador Retriever

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

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

    Can Cockapoos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cockapoos can tolerate hot weather.

    Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever?

    Cockapoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cockapoos good family dogs? What about Labrador Retrievers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Cockapoos and Labrador Retrievers?

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

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

    Is the Cockapoo Easier to Train than the Labrador Retriever?

    Cockapoos are very easy to train.

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

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

    Cockapoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Cockapoos are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever:

  • Golden Retriever (75 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cockapoo vs Golden Retriever.
  • Aussiedoodle (73 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cockapoo vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (77 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cockapoo vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (79 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Cockapoo vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Cockapoo Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cockapoo versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Cockapoo versus Spanish Mastiff     Cockapoo versus German Shepherd Dog     Cockapoo versus Papillon     Cockapoo versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Cockapoo versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Cockapoo versus Kai Ken     Cockapoo versus Bloodhound     Cockapoo versus Collie     Cockapoo versus French Bulldog     Cockapoo versus Pug     Cockapoo versus Cocker Spaniel     Cockapoo versus Toy Poodle     Cockapoo versus Miniature Schnauzer     Cockapoo versus Barbet     Cockapoo versus Pomsky     Cockapoo versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Cockapoo versus Great Pyrenees     Cockapoo versus Belgian Tervuren     Cockapoo versus Shihpoo     Cockapoo versus Black Russian Terrier     Cockapoo versus Goldador     Cockapoo versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Cockapoo versus Swedish Vallhund     Cockapoo versus Shihpoo     

    Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labrador Retriever versus Lowchen     Labrador Retriever versus Manchester Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Norwich Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Miniature Poodle     Labrador Retriever versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Toy Poodle     Labrador Retriever versus Bracco Italiano     Labrador Retriever versus Aussiedoodle     Labrador Retriever versus Norfolk Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus American Bulldog     Labrador Retriever versus Australian Kelpie     Labrador Retriever versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Labrador Retriever versus Manchester Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Samoyed     Labrador Retriever versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Newfoundland     Labrador Retriever versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Labrador Retriever versus Irish Setter     Labrador Retriever versus Spinone Italiano     Labrador Retriever versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Labrador Retriever versus Havanese     Labrador Retriever versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Labrador Retriever versus Dutch Shepherd     Labrador Retriever versus Afghan Hound     

    Conclusion: Cockapoo versus Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever better suits you and your family.