Last Updated: Jun 15, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Australian Shepherd Versus Cockapoo: Introduction
- Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo: Overview
- Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo
- The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo
- Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo
- Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo
- Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo
- Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Cockapoo
- Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Cockapoo
- Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo
- Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Cockapoos?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Cockapoo?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Cockapoo?
- Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Cockapoos?
- Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Cockapoo?
- Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Cockapoo
- How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Cockapoos?
- Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cockapoo?
- Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Cockapoos?
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cockapoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Cockapoo
- Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cockapoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo. Which One is a Better Pet?
Australian Shepherd Versus Cockapoo: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Shepherd and for the Cockapoo. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Shepherd or the Cockapoo.
Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo: Overview
A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Cockapoo is a small-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
On the other hand, the Cockapoo belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.
Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Cockapoo based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Cockapoo |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder | From under 10 to over 15 inches tall at the should |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds | 6 to 19 pounds |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1180 | $1980 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1500 | $1500 – $2400 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Cockapoo. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Cockapoo is 94 out of 125.
Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Cockapoo, we still believe that the Australian Shepherd is a better pet than the Cockapoo.
This is because Australian Shepherds are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Australian Shepherd will come out on top.
Also, we are biased in favor of the Australian Shepherd :-). We are for the Australian Shepherd. So get a Australian Shepherd!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo
Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo are most different:
The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo
The Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo are most similar:
Size Comparison of the Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo.
The Australian Shepherd weighs 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. The Australian Shepherd is 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, the Cockapoo weighs 6 to 19 pounds when fully grown. The Cockapoo is From under 10 to over 15 inches tall at the should when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo
Australian Shepherd Colors
The Australian Shepherd comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Brown / Chocolate
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Black
- Merle (Red)
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Harlequin
- Merle (Blue)
- White / Cream
- Apricot / Beige
- Bicolor
- Golden
- Brindle
The Australian Shepherd comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Black
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Sable
- Gray / Blue / Silver
- Merle (Blue)
Cockapoo Colors
The Cockapoo comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- White / Cream
- Black
- Apricot / Beige
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
- Bicolor
- Brown / Chocolate
- Golden
- Gray / Blue / Silver
The Cockapoo comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo
The lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Australian Shepherd is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of the Cockapoo is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Cockapoo is 13.5 years.
The Cockapoo live as long as the Australian Shepherd.
Price of Australian Shepherd versus Price of Cockapoo
The average price of the Australian Shepherd puppy is $1180. The price of the Australian Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of a Australian Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $12009. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2674 Australian Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Cockapoo puppy is $1980. The price of the Cockapoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2400. However, the price of the Cockapoo can be as low as $750 and as high as $8500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 873 Cockapoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Cockapoo is more expensive than the Australian Shepherd.
| Australian Shepherd | Cockapoo | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1180 | $1980 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1500 | $1500 to $2400 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Shepherd and Cockapoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Shepherd puppies or how many Cockapoo puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Australian Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Cockapoos
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Shepherd puppy or the Cockapoo puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.
Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Australian Shepherd versus Adopting the Cockapoo
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Australian Shepherds and many Cockapoos are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Australian Shepherd named Pepperjack that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Australian Shepherds like Pepperjack on pefinder.com.
Also, like Australian Shepherds, Cockapoos are also available for adoption. For example, Lionel is a Male Cockapoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Cockapoos like Lionel that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
22-096 Rescue Only is the name of another Australian Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Ralphie is an adorable Male Cockapoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Australian Shepherds and Cockapoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo
Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Cockapoos can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Cockapoos?
Australian Shepherds shed moderately.
Cockapoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Cockapoo?
Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Cockapoos are moderately easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Cockapoo?
Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.
Cockapoos get along very well with other dogs.
Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Cockapoos?
Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Cockapoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Cockapoo?
Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.
Cockapoos are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Cockapoo
Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Cockapoos do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Cockapoos?
Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Cockapoos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cockapoo?
Australian Shepherds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Cockapoos have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Cockapoos?
Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Cockapoos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cockapoos Tolerate Cold Weather?
Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Cockapoos can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Cockapoo
Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Cockapoos have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cockapoos Tolerate Hot Weather?
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.
Cockapoos can tolerate hot weather.
Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Cockapoo?
Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.
Cockapoos adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Cockapoo?
Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Cockapoos are very good for new dog owners.
Australian Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
You may also be interested in how the Australian Shepherd compares to other breeds aside from the Cockapoo. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Australian Shepherd to other breeds:
Australian Shepherd versus Goldador Australian Shepherd versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Australian Shepherd versus Yorkipoo Australian Shepherd versus Kai Ken Australian Shepherd versus Golden Cocker Retriever Australian Shepherd versus Samoyed Australian Shepherd versus Bearded Collie Australian Shepherd versus Bloodhound Australian Shepherd versus German Wirehaired Pointer Australian Shepherd versus Pyrenean Mastiff Australian Shepherd versus Komondor Australian Shepherd versus Italian Greyhound Australian Shepherd versus Toy Fox Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Morkie Australian Shepherd versus Hovawart Australian Shepherd versus Bich Poo Australian Shepherd versus Bull Terrier Australian Shepherd versus Sheepadoodle Australian Shepherd versus Tibetan Spaniel Australian Shepherd versus Pomapoo
Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Cockapoo. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Shepherd and the Cockapoo better suits you and your family.