Dog breed comparison
Cockapoo vs Cocker Spaniel
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Cocker Spaniel is the bigger breed, about 6 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Cockapoo | Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hybrid Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Height | From under 10 to over 15 inches | 14 inches to 15 inches |
| Weight | From under 6 to over 19 pounds | 24 to 28 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Cockapoo
One of the oldest designer crosses, bred in the United States since the 1950s. In the UK it is usually an English Cocker cross, and it has become one of Britain's most popular dogs.
Its coat can be straight, wavy or curly and needs regular clipping.
Health to watch
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Ear infections
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Addison's disease
The Cocker Spaniel
The American Cocker Spaniel was developed in the United States from the English Cocker, bred smaller with a rounder head and more coat. Its name comes from the woodcock it once flushed.
Its long ears and coat need regular grooming and ear cleaning.
Health to watch
- Ear infections
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Shedding
The Cocker Spaniel sheds more than the Cockapoo.
Easy to groom
The Cockapoo is easier to groom than the Cocker Spaniel.
First-time owners
The Cockapoo suits first-time owners better than the Cocker Spaniel.
Copes alone
The Cockapoo copes better when left alone than the Cocker Spaniel.
General health
The Cocker Spaniel tends to have fewer health problems than the Cockapoo.
Energy
The Cocker Spaniel has more energy than the Cockapoo.
Which to choose
Cockapoo or Cocker Spaniel?
Choose the Cockapoo if…
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
Choose the Cocker Spaniel if…
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
Questions.
Is the Cockapoo or the Cocker Spaniel bigger, and which lives longer?
The Cocker Spaniel is the bigger breed, about 6 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Cockapoo or the Cocker Spaniel?
The Cocker Spaniel is generally easier to train than the Cockapoo. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Cockapoo or the Cocker Spaniel?
The Cockapoo is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Cocker Spaniel can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Cockapoo sheds less than the Cocker Spaniel. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Cockapoo and Cocker Spaniel have?
The Cockapoo is prone to progressive retinal atrophy, ear infections, glaucoma. The Cocker Spaniel is prone to ear infections, glaucoma, cataracts. Both share a risk of progressive retinal atrophy and ear infections. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
