A plucky, good-natured terrier bred to keep up with foxhounds on the English-Scottish border. Border Terriers are affectionate, easy-going family dogs with a wiry, low-maintenance coat.
One of the oldest designer breeds, a Cocker Spaniel-Poodle cross known for its happy, outgoing personality and teddy-bear looks. Cockapoos are low-shedding, easy to train, and get along with everyone.
Quick Answer
Choose Border Terrier if you want a great companion. Choose Cockapoo if you want less shedding.
Border Terrier
Attribute
Cockapoo
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Border Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Border Terrier
Cockapoo
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $800–$1,800 for a Border Terrier versus $1,000–$3,000 for a Cockapoo. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Border Terrier
Cockapoo
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Border Terrier
Cockapoo
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–15 years for the Border Terrier and 13–17 years for the Cockapoo. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Border Terrier needs more exercise; Cockapoo is lower-maintenance.
Border Terrier
Cockapoo
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
The Border Terrier needs slightly more exercise (4/5) than the Cockapoo (3/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to high energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Border Terrier.
Border Terrier sheds more; Cockapoo is easier to maintain.
Border Terrier
Cockapoo
Shedding
Grooming Needs
The Border Terrier sheds a bit more (2/5) than the Cockapoo (1/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Cockapoo has a slight edge.
Both breeds are similar in size.
Border Terrier
Cockapoo
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Border Terrier weighs 5–7 kg (11–15 lbs) and the Cockapoo weighs 5–11 kg (11–24 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Border Terrier
Cockapoo
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
The Border Terrier and Cockapoo bring very different personalities to the table. Border Terriers are affectionate, happy and obedient, while Cockapoos tend to be happy, outgoing and affectionate.
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Border Terrier
Cockapoo
Trainability
Intelligence
Both breeds score 4/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
On balance, the Cockapoo has the edge — it's lower exercise needs (3/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Cockapoo is the more practical choice, particularly if you value low-maintenance ownership.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Border Terrier if...
Choose Cockapoo if...
Looking for more options?
The Border Terrier scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Cockapoo at 5/5. The Border Terrier is specifically recommended for families.
The Border Terrier is equally easy to train with a score of 4/5, matching the Cockapoo. The Border Terrier is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
A Border Terrier puppy costs $800–$1,800 while a Cockapoo costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $960 for the Border Terrier and $1,220 for the Cockapoo. The Cockapoo costs more to maintain annually.
The Border Terrier lives 12–15 years on average, while the Cockapoo lives 13–17 years. The Cockapoo tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Border Terrier is equally suited for apartments (4/5) as the Cockapoo (4/5). The Border Terrier is one of our top picks for apartment living.