Cockapoo
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.
VS
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Cockapoo if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train.
Quick Comparison
Cockapoo
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
small
Size
large
5–11 kg (11–24 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
25–38 cm (10–15 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Better13–17 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
4/5
Energy
5/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better1/5
Shedding
4/5
3/5
Grooming
2/5Better
Better4/5
Apartment
2/5
Better4/5
Health
3/5
$1,000–$3,000
Price
$800–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Health & Lifespan
Cockapoo tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Cockapoo
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better13–17
vs10–13
Health Robustness
Better4/5
vs3/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Cockapoos live 13–17 years on average, while Labrador Retrievers live 10–13 years.
Exercise & Activity
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Cockapoo is lower-maintenance.
Cockapoo
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
4/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
Better4/5
vs2/5
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The Labrador Retriever has very high energy (5/5) and needs very high exercise (5/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
Size & Appearance
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Cockapoo is more compact.
Cockapoo
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
5–11
vs25–36
Height (cm)
25–38
vs55–62
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Labrador Retriever stands 55–62 cm (22–24 in) tall and weighs 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Cockapoo at 25–38 cm (10–15 in) and 5–11 kg (11–24 lbs).
Grooming & Shedding
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Cockapoo is easier to maintain.
Cockapoo
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better1/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
3/5
vs2/5Better
Shedding is a major differentiator. The Labrador Retriever is a prolific shedder (4/5) — expect fur on your clothes, furniture, and car seats year-round.
Training & Intelligence
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Cockapoo
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
4/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Labrador Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Labrador Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Cost of Ownership
Cockapoo is less expensive to own annually.
Cockapoo
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$400
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,220 ✓
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,000–$3,000 for a Cockapoo versus $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Temperament & Personality
Cockapoo is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Cockapoo
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
4/5
vs5/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Cockapoo greets the world with a happy attitude, whereas a Labrador Retriever leans more toward a friendly approach.
Family & Social Life
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Cockapoo
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
5/5
vs5/5
Strangers
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
The Cockapoo comes out ahead in most categories — it's more apartment-friendly (4/5), lower exercise needs (3/5), less shedding (1/5). If you can meet its moderate exercise needs and don't mind its quirks, the Cockapoo is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose Cockapoo if...
- • You want more apartment-friendly
- • You want less shedding
- • You want better health
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- • You want easier to train
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Cockapoo or Labrador Retriever?
The Cockapoo scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labrador Retriever at 5/5. The Cockapoo is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Cockapoo or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Cockapoo's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Cockapoo or Labrador Retriever?
A Cockapoo puppy costs $1,000–$3,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,220 for the Cockapoo and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
Do Cockapoos or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Cockapoo lives 13–17 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Cockapoo generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Cockapoo or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Cockapoo is better suited for apartments (4/5) compared to the Labrador Retriever (2/5). The Cockapoo is one of our top picks for apartment living.