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Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Golden Flat Coat or Cockerdoodle or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Golden Retriever and Cockapoo. Which is better: Golden Retriever or Cockapoo or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Golden Retriever Cockapoo Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsScotland flagScotland United States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Designer Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank319624
Reviews1636
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Cockerdoodle
Spoodle
Cockerpoo
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Cross Breed Purebred

Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is the largest?
Large Small Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) 12-24 pounds (5.4-11 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) 18 pounds (5.7.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Golden Retriever or Cockapoo or Shetland Sheepdog? Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) 12.5 inches (31.5 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $900-$1100 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Golden Retriever or Cockapoo or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Cockapoo is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is easiest to train?
Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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Cockapoo dogs are easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most alert?
Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Cockapoo dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most protective?
Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Cockapoo dogs are average defenders.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare temperaments.
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Playful
Loving
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Going
Social
Cheerful
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog?
High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Cockapoo dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Cockapoo dogs are a social breed.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Cockapoo dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Average: The Cockapoo barks occasionally.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most playful?
The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Cockapoo is a playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Very house-friendly dog the Cockapoo breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most flexible?
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Cockapoo dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Golden Retriever or Cockapoo or Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Cockapoo dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Cockapoo has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which uses mouth most during play?
Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Cockapoo dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Cockapoo bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Cockapoo: 16 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has fewer health issues?
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Cockapoo is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Cockapoo should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Luxating Patella
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis

Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most active?
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Cockapoo dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Golden Retriever or Cockapoo or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Cockapoo dogs have an average exercise need.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Golden Retriever or Cockapoo or Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Cockapoo dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Cockapoo's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. What colors are available?
Golden
Light
Black
Tan
Red
White
Silver
Brown
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which drools least?
The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The Cockapoo is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Cockapoo has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Curly
Wavy
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most frequent baths?
2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Golden Retriever or Cockapoo or Shetland Sheepdog? Golden Retriever or Cockapoo or {name3 shedding:
Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Cockapoo dogs are low shedders.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best with kids?
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cockapoo dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Cockapoo dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Golden Retriever or Cockapoo or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cockapoo dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Golden Retriever or Cockapoo or Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Cockapoo dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Golden Retriever or Cockapoo or Shetland Sheepdog?
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Cockapoo dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Cockapoo dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
Cockapoo is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Cockapoos are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

Cockapoo breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 4-6 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Golden Retriever vs Cockapoo vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Golden Retriever, Cockapoo, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
International Designer Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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