Cockapoo vs German Shepherd

Miscellaneous · Small vs Herding · Large

Quick take
  • German Shepherd is the larger breed at 65–90 lbs (males) vs 12–24 lbs for the Cockapoo.
  • The Cockapoo typically lives longer (13–16 years).
  • The German Shepherd has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Cockapoo sheds less.
  • The German Shepherd is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitCockapooGerman Shepherd
Group
MiscellaneousHerding
Size
SmallLarge
Origin
USAGermany
Height (male)
10–15"24–26"
Height (female)
10–15"22–24"
Weight (male)
12–24 lbs65–90 lbs
Weight (female)
12–24 lbs50–70 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
13–16 years9–13 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Good with other dogs
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with strangers
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
longmedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
YesNo
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About the Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a people-loving, intelligent, low-shed Cocker Spaniel × Poodle hybrid — smaller doodle, apartment-sized. Originally from USA, this small miscellaneous breed typically weighs 12–24 lbs and lives 13–16 years. Breeders describe them as people-loving, intelligent, easygoing.

About the German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed. Originally from Germany, this large herding breed typically weighs 65–90 lbs and lives 9–13 years. Breeders describe them as confident, courageous, smart.

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Cockapoo health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Ear infections
  • Eye disorders
  • Hip dysplasia

German Shepherd health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Degenerative myelopathy