Which is best for me, Cockapoo or Schnoodle? If you want a smaller Doodle, you might have heard of the Cockapoo and the Schnoodle.
While looking at them, you may wonder what owning each of these Doodles would be like. They are both small and adorable.
So, nothing else matters. Comparing Cockapoo and Schnoodle will prove just how wrong you are. And it will break the stereotype that all Doodles are the same.
Noble Origins
As with all Doodles, the Cockapoo, and Schnoodle are both a hybrid of Poodles. This means a purebred Poodle was bred with other breeds to form all Doodles.
Even though these are mixed-breed dogs, it does not mean they are any less spectacular. It combines the best of two breeds in most cases.
A Cockapoo is half Poodle and half Cocker Spaniel. This combination first appeared in the ’60s. They are also one of the oldest hybrid dogs known.
While there is some argument why Cockapoos came about, everyone agrees that they are some of the most loving dogs around.
Schnoodles are half Poodle and half Schnauzer, which gives them a strong personality. They were first bred in 1980 for use as a Schnoodle service dog.
They have since become favorites to people seeking close companions.
Temperaments
When you own a Cockapoo, there are a few things you need to know about their temperaments.
First, these Doodles are very loving and generally crave affection. They do not like being alone for too long, which can cause separation anxiety.
These dogs thrive off love and daily activities. They are great to have around the whole family and desire to learn.
Your Cockapoo will soon learn everyone’s schedules and follow your routine seamlessly. A Schnoodle temperament can be quite different than a Cockapoo’s.
Schnoodles are very loyal to one person and can get separation anxiety if not with that person enough. This isn’t to say that a Schnoodle is mean or doesn’t like anyone else.
It just means they play favorites, which will be evident if you are it. They will still love all members of the household and even show affection.
But, it will never entirely be the same as their favorite person. They are also playful and love games with their families.
Training
Regarding training, both the Cockapoo and the Schnoodle are about equal. These dogs are popular for their high intelligence and fast learning skills.
They love a good challenge and having tasks on hand. Starting training young is always the best option for these two.
Since they form separation anxieties quickly, training can give them a way to bond with you and exercise their minds.
Owners claim that these Doodles are always some of the first breeds in their training classes to perform well. Potty training is a breeze, and excessive chewing isn’t a huge issue.
Though these dogs love having games and puzzles while you are away.
Exercise Needs
A Cockapoo is not a hyperactive breed, though they still need exercise. Your Cockapoo must have at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted playtime to keep them healthy and strong.
The Cockapoo does well in apartment living or homes with smaller yards. They love spending most of their day following you and doing your daily activities.
Schnoodles are also moderately active dogs, though not all are safe for apartments. Larger Schnoodles will need to have a yard and more frequent walks.
But, smaller Schnoodles can fair well in apartments and do great with a 30-45 minute walk to burn off some energy.
Your Schnoodle will spend most of his days at your heels, enjoying your company more than anything.
Throughout the day, your Cockapoo and Schnoodle will also need other forms of exercise like playing fetch, training, and games that entertain their minds.
These can be just as important for intelligent dog breeds as a jog to keep fit.
Coat Types
At first glance, a Cockapoo and Schnoodle appear to have the same coat type. But, with a closer look, we can see that they actually can have two very different coat types.
A Cockapoo usually has a curly or wavy coat, but it can vary in texture. Some Cockapoos can have delicate loose waves or tight curls like a Poodle.
Some even have straight hair, like the Cocker Spaniel. These coats can come in shades like black, brown, cream, or apricot.
The most common color is the buff Cockapoo, an assortment of creams and beige colors.
But, do Cockapoos shed? Cockapoos are considered a low-shedding dog, which is excellent for allergy sufferers. What little they do shed, usually sticks to their hair until you brush them.
First-generation Schnoodles, on the other hand, typically have a curly coat that resembles a Poodle.
Your Schnoodle could have a wavy or straight coat if their parents are two Schnoodles instead of a pure Poodle and Schnauzer.
They are low-shedding if they have a curly coat, but with wavy and straight hair types, it is not guaranteed.
Grooming Requirements
Grooming both the Cockapoo and Schnoodle is very similar. You must brush your Doodle’s hair daily to prevent matting and de-shedding.
Focusing on areas behind the ears, front legs, and bellies can help avoid small mats that pinch the skin. You will also want to use a comb at least once a week to ensure you are combing to the skin.
This combing is essential to prevent shave-downs at the groomer. Since these dogs do not shed like their short-haired counterparts, you must take them to the groomers.
A trip to the puppy salon will help keep up with maintenance, trim back their coats, and gives them a much-needed bath.
You should make these appointments every 6-8 weeks from when your puppy comes home. The sooner you get them groomed prevents the lot of stress when they get older.
Size And Lifespan
There are currently three sizes of Cockapoo: standard, miniature, and toy. Most Cockapoos that you see are standards. They get to be 19-25 pounds and 15 inches tall.
Miniature Cockapoos grow up to be 13-18 pounds and 11-14 inches tall. And then the toy only gets 10 inches tall and six pounds.
These Cockapoos have an average lifespan of 13-15 years, but it is not uncommon to see them living closer to 20.
Schnoodles also come in three sizes of toy, miniature, and standard. A toy version only weighs 6-12 pounds at 10-12 inches tall.
Mini Schnoodles are about 13-20 pounds and 12-15 inches tall. And a standard can weigh up to 75 pounds at a whopping 26 inches tall.
The standard Schnoodle is the hardest to find since the mini is the most commonly bred. These smaller Schnoodles can live up to 17 years with proper care and nutrition.
Medical Concerns
Certain breeds are more susceptible to developing diseases compared to others. And while health tests can screen for a lot, how you care for them does even more.
But, knowing what breeds are prone to developing can help you compare the pros and cons of each breed.
Cockapoos are prone to being inbred, and poorly bred. These are not medical conditions perse, but they can lead to them.
Since Cockapoos are some of the most popular small Doodles, they are also overly bred, and many come from puppy mills.
Poorly bred Cockapoos will have a bad bone structure that can lead to joint damage and oral complications.
Cockapoos are also prone to liver disease, cataracts, and hip dysplasia. On the other hand, Schnoodles are prone to eye diseases, joint damage, epilepsy, diabetes, and Addison’s.
Cost
The cost of both of these fantastic Doodles starts at $1,600. But for different sizes and colors, you could be paying as much as $5,000 for a Cockapoo or $4,000 for a Schnoodle.
This cost can also vary depending on your location and if you have transportation fees. Finding a Cockapoo in shelters is not common, but it can happen.
But, you will seldom see a Schnoodle in shelters. Some studies have shown that Schnoodles are the least likely Doodle to end up in a shelter.
If you have your heart set on adopting and not shopping, you may have to wait a long time for either of these Doodles.
If you choose to go to a reputable breeder, rest assured, it is money well spent. The higher price now gives you a little assurance that your Doodle has good genetics and little chance of disease.
Conclusion
Both of these small Doodles are fantastic pets. They will love you and your family for years to come. They are similar in some ways and somewhat different in others.
No matter what your tastes are, we know these Doodles make beautiful additions to any family.
It all depends on your taste and family’s needs. Being cute and small isn’t the only thing that matters anymore.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!!
