Which is Better between the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle? A Very Detailed Review.

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Cocker Spaniel Versus Labradoodle: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle? 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle 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 Cocker Spaniel and for the Labradoodle. 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle.

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

Cocker Spaniel versus Labradoodle

Cocker Spaniel versus Labradoodle: Overview

A very important difference between the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cocker Spaniel is a small-sized dog while the Labradoodle is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cocker Spaniel 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.

On the other hand, the Labradoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Cocker Spaniel versus Labradoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cocker Spaniel to the Labradoodle 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle

Factor Cocker Spaniel Labradoodle
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 14 years
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Weight 24 to 28 pounds 50 to 65 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1760 $1640
Price Range $1200 – $2000 $1000 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cocker Spaniel 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 Labradoodle. 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 Cocker Spaniel is 77 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Labradoodle is 94 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Labradoodle is a better pet than the Cocker Spaniel. So, you should get the Labradoodle!

    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 Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Cocker Spaniel versus Labradoodle

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle

    Below is a list of where the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle are most different:

  • Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone. However, Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Cocker Spaniels require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Labradoodles are very easy to groom.
  • Cocker Spaniels are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Labradoodles are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Cocker Spaniels have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Labradoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle

    The Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle are most similar:

  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle are very playful.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cocker Spaniel versus Labradoodle

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle.

    Cocker Spaniels weigh 24 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cocker Spaniels are 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Labradoodles weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Labradoodles are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cocker Spaniel versus Labradoodle

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

    The lifespan of Labradoodles is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Labradoodles is 13.0 years.

    Cocker Spaniels live longer than Labradoodles.

    Cocker Spaniel versus Labradoodle

    Price of Cocker Spaniel versus Price of Labradoodle

    The average price of the Cocker Spaniel puppy is $1760. The price of the Cocker Spaniel typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of a Cocker Spaniel can be as low as $700 and as high as $4125. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 297 Cocker Spaniel puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Labradoodle puppy is $1640. The price of the Labradoodle typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of the Labradoodle can be as low as $250 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 2360 Labradoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cocker Spaniel is more expensive than the Labradoodle.

    Cocker Spaniel Labradoodle
    Average Price $1760 $1640
    Price Range $1200 to $2000 $1000 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cocker Spaniel and Labradoodle. For different price points, the charts show how many Cocker Spaniel puppies or how many Labradoodle puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Labradoodles

    A breakdown of the prices of Labradoodles

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cocker Spaniel puppy or the Labradoodle 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.

    Cocker Spaniel versus Labradoodle

    Adopting the Cocker Spaniel versus Adopting the Labradoodle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Cocker Spaniels and many Labradoodles 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 Cocker Spaniel named Bear that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Cocker Spaniels like Bear on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Cocker Spaniels, Labradoodles are also available for adoption. For example, Socks is a Male Labradoodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Labradoodles like Socks that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Ranger is the name of another Cocker Spaniel (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Fynn-Oh is an adorable Male Labradoodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Cocker Spaniels and Labradoodles are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Cocker Spaniels and Labradoodles that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cocker Spaniel versus Labradoodle

    Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone.

    Labradoodles can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Cocker Spaniels shed more than Labradoodles?

    Cocker Spaniels shed moderately.

    Labradoodles shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Cocker Spaniel or the Labradoodle

    Cocker Spaniels do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Labradoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cocker Spaniel or the Labradoodle?

    Cocker Spaniels require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Labradoodles are very easy to groom.

    Does the Cocker Spaniel Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Labradoodle?

    Cocker Spaniels have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Labradoodles 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 Cocker Spaniels Bark and Howl? What about Labradoodles?

    Cocker Spaniels bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Labradoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cocker Spaniels can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Labradoodles can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cocker Spaniel vs. Labradoodle

    Cocker Spaniels have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Cocker Spaniels Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Labradoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cocker Spaniels can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Labradoodles can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cocker Spaniel or the Labradoodle?

    Cocker Spaniels get along very well with other dogs.

    Labradoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs? What about Labradoodles?

    Cocker Spaniels are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Cocker Spaniels and Labradoodles?

    Cocker Spaniels get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Cocker Spaniel Easier to Train than the Labradoodle?

    Cocker Spaniels are very easy to train.

    Labradoodles are very easy to train.

    Is the Cocker Spaniel Better for Apartment Owners than the Labradoodle?

    Cocker Spaniels adapt very well to apartment living.

    Labradoodles adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cocker Spaniel or the Labradoodle?

    Cocker Spaniels are OK for new dog owners.

    Labradoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cocker Spaniel

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cocker Spaniel 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 Cocker Spaniel:

  • Bichon Frise (77 percent match with Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Labradoodle vs Bichon Frise.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (76 percent match with Cocker Spaniel). Here is our comparison of the Labradoodle vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labradoodle

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

  • Goldendoodle (78 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Cocker Spaniel vs Goldendoodle.
  • Goldador (85 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Cocker Spaniel vs Goldador.
  • French Spaniel (78 percent match with Labradoodle). Here is our comparison of the Cocker Spaniel vs French Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cocker Spaniel and how the Labradoodle compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cocker Spaniel and of the Labradoodle to other breeds:

    Cocker Spaniel Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cocker Spaniel versus American Bulldog     Cocker Spaniel versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Cocker Spaniel versus Portuguese Pointer     Cocker Spaniel versus Spanish Mastiff     Cocker Spaniel versus Pomsky     Cocker Spaniel versus Miniature Schnauzer     Cocker Spaniel versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Cocker Spaniel versus Leonberger     Cocker Spaniel versus Chinook     Cocker Spaniel versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus French Bulldog     Cocker Spaniel versus Cavapoo     Cocker Spaniel versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Cocker Spaniel versus Affenpinscher     Cocker Spaniel versus Chow Chow     Cocker Spaniel versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Cocker Spaniel versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Cocker Spaniel versus Pomeranian     Cocker Spaniel versus Saint Berdoodle     Cocker Spaniel versus Chinese Crested     Cocker Spaniel versus Papipoo     Cocker Spaniel versus Goldendoodle     Cocker Spaniel versus Standard Schnauzer     Cocker Spaniel versus Kerry Blue Terrier     

    Labradoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labradoodle versus Mal Shi     Labradoodle versus Pomapoo     Labradoodle versus American Hairless Terrier     Labradoodle versus Brittany     Labradoodle versus Valley Bulldog     Labradoodle versus English Toy Spaniel     Labradoodle versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Labradoodle versus Pomsky     Labradoodle versus German Longhaired Pointer     Labradoodle versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Labradoodle versus Australian Shepherd     Labradoodle versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Labradoodle versus Australian Cattle Dog     Labradoodle versus Japanese Spitz     Labradoodle versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Labradoodle versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Labradoodle versus Borzoi     Labradoodle versus English Springer Spaniel     Labradoodle versus Shetland Sheepdog     Labradoodle versus Pomchi     Labradoodle versus Shiba Inu     Labradoodle versus Boston Terrier     Labradoodle versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Labradoodle versus Collie     Labradoodle versus Keeshond     

    Conclusion: Cocker Spaniel versus Labradoodle. 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 Cocker Spaniel and the Labradoodle better suits you and your family.