Breed Comparison: Great Dane Versus Cockapoo

Last Updated: Jun 17, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Great Dane Versus Cockapoo: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Cockapoo.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane or the Cockapoo.

Great Dane versus Cockapoo

Great Dane versus Cockapoo: Overview

A very important difference between the Great Dane and the Cockapoo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Great Dane is a giant-sized dog while the Cockapoo is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Great Dane belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

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.

Great Dane versus Cockapoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Cockapoo

FactorGreat DaneCockapoo
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/54/5
Good For Novice Owners1/55/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Weight100 to 200 pounds6 to 19 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Height26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulderFrom under 10 to over 15 inches tall at the should
Tolerates Hot Weather3/54/5
Intelligence3/54/5
Low Prey Drive3/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander3/53/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
General Health4/52/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/54/5
Easygoing1/52/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Dog Friendly5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/54/5
Does NOT Shed1/55/5
Easy To Groom5/53/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
NOT Rambunctious1/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor1/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/53/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Life Span7 to 10 years12 to 15 years
Average Lifespan8.5 years13.5 years
Average Price$1560$1980
Price Range$1000 – $2000$1500 – $2400
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Dane 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 Great Dane is 73 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 Great Dane is a better pet than the Cockapoo.

    This is because Great Danes are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Great Dane will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Great Dane :-). We are for the Great Dane. So get a Great Dane!

    Great Dane versus Cockapoo

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Cockapoo

    Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the Cockapoo are most different:

  • Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Cockapoos adapt well to apartment living.
  • Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Cockapoos are good for new dog owners.
  • Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool. However, Cockapoos do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Cockapoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Cockapoo

    The Great Dane and the Cockapoo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Great Dane and the Cockapoo are most similar:

  • Both the Great Dane and the Cockapoo are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cockapoo are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cockapoo are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cockapoo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cockapoo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cockapoo get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cockapoo are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cockapoo are very easy to train.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Cockapoo are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the Great Dane versus Cockapoo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the Cockapoo.

    The Great Dane weighs 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. The Great Dane is 26 to 34 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.

    Size of Great Dane versus Size of Cockapoo

    Appearance (Colors) of the Great Dane and the Cockapoo

    Great Dane Colors

    The Great Dane comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Black
    • Harlequin
    • Merle (Blue)
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • White / Cream
    • Brindle
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Merle (Red)
    • Bicolor
    • Gray / Blue / Silver

    The Great Dane comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Golden
    • Merle (Blue)
    • Harlequin
    • Brindle

    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 Great Dane versus Cockapoo

    The lifespan of the Great Dane is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of the Great Dane is 8.5 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 longer than the Great Dane.

    Great Dane versus Cockapoo

    Price of Great Dane versus Price of Cockapoo

    The average price of the Great Dane puppy is $1560. The price of the Great Dane typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Great Dane can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane 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 Great Dane.

    Great Dane Cockapoo
    Average Price $1560 $1980
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1500 to $2400

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Great Dane and Cockapoo. For different price points, the charts show how many Great Dane puppies or how many Cockapoo puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockapoos

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockapoos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Great Dane 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.

    Great Dane versus Cockapoo

    Adopting the Great Dane versus Adopting the Cockapoo

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Great Danes 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 Great Dane named Marmaduke that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Great Danes like Marmaduke on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Great Danes, Cockapoos are also available for adoption. For example, Bogey-Adoption Pending is a Male Cockapoo that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Cockapoos like Bogey-Adoption Pending that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Great Dane and the Cockapoo can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Moe is the name of another Great Dane (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Lionel is an adorable Male Cockapoo on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Great Danes and Cockapoos are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more Great Danes and Cockapoos that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Great Dane versus Cockapoo

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Cockapoos can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Great Danes shed more than Cockapoos?

    Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Cockapoos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Cockapoo?

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Cockapoos are moderately easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the Cockapoo?

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Cockapoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Cockapoos?

    Great Danes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Cockapoos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Cockapoo?

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Cockapoos are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Cockapoo

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Cockapoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Cockapoos?

    Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Cockapoos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cockapoo?

    Great Danes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Cockapoos have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Cockapoos?

    Great Danes 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 Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cockapoos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Cockapoos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Cockapoo

    Great Danes have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cockapoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Great Danes can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Cockapoos can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Cockapoo?

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Cockapoos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Dane or the Cockapoo?

    Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Cockapoos are very good for new dog owners.

    Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Great Dane compares to other breeds aside from the Cockapoo. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Great Dane to other breeds:

    Great Dane versus Chorkie     Great Dane versus English Setter     Great Dane versus Shiba Inu     Great Dane versus Afador     Great Dane versus Vizsla     Great Dane versus Bluetick Coonhound     Great Dane versus Goldendoodle     Great Dane versus English Springer Spaniel     Great Dane versus Aussiedoodle     Great Dane versus Norwegian Buhund     Great Dane versus Mudi     Great Dane versus Collie     Great Dane versus Komondor     

    Conclusion: Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Cockapoo better suits you and your family.