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.
A charming, cotton-coated companion from Madagascar, known for its clownish personality and habit of walking on hind legs. Cotons are happy, easy-going dogs that thrive on human companionship.
Quick Answer
Choose Cockapoo if you want a great companion. Choose Coton de Tulear if you want more apartment-friendly.
Cockapoo
Attribute
Coton de Tulear
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Coton de Tulear is less expensive to own annually.
Cockapoo
Coton de Tulear
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,000–$3,000 for a Cockapoo and $2,000–$4,000 for a Coton de Tulear. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Cockapoo needs more exercise; Coton de Tulear is lower-maintenance.
Cockapoo
Coton de Tulear
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
The Cockapoo needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the Coton de Tulear (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Cockapoo.
Coton de Tulear is calmer; Cockapoo is more energetic.
Cockapoo
Coton de Tulear
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
Cockapoos from the Hybrid group carry a happy, outgoing and affectionate personality, shaped by their heritage as hybrid dogs. Coton de Tulears, belonging to the Non-Sporting group, are happy, charming and gentle — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Cockapoo
Coton de Tulear
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Life expectancy favors the Coton de Tulear: 15–19 years versus the Cockapoo's 13–17 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Coton de Tulear.
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Cockapoo
Coton de Tulear
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Both breeds shed at the same rate (1/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Neither breed will leave much hair around the house.
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Cockapoo
Coton de Tulear
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.
Cockapoo is the larger breed; Coton de Tulear is more compact.
Cockapoo
Coton de Tulear
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
The Cockapoo (5–11 kg (11–24 lbs), 25–38 cm (10–15 in)) and Coton de Tulear (4–6 kg (9–13 lbs), 23–28 cm (9–11 in)) are very close in size. You won't need different-sized equipment, and food costs will be comparable.
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Cockapoo
Coton de Tulear
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 Coton de Tulear has the edge — it's more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (2/5). For most families, the Coton de Tulear is the more practical choice, particularly if you value low-maintenance ownership.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Cockapoo if...
Choose Coton de Tulear if...
Looking for more options?
The Cockapoo scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Coton de Tulear at 5/5. The Cockapoo is specifically recommended for families.
The Cockapoo is equally easy to train with a score of 4/5, matching the Coton de Tulear. The Cockapoo is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
A Cockapoo puppy costs $1,000–$3,000 while a Coton de Tulear costs $2,000–$4,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,220 for the Cockapoo and $1,000 for the Coton de Tulear. The Cockapoo is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The Cockapoo lives 13–17 years on average, while the Coton de Tulear lives 15–19 years. The Coton de Tulear tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Coton de Tulear adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Cockapoo (4/5). The Coton de Tulear ranks among our best apartment breeds.