I have a cockapoo and a Labrador.
Cockapoo - we don’t brush everyday, take the fur quite short when grooomed but does need more brushing as the fur gets longer. Has always been comfortable being left alone during the day. Was very stubborn as a teenager, god the teenage years were hard. Is a registered therapy dog and has been temperament assessed. We don’t run so don’t run with the dogs but the cockapoo has a good heel and enjoys running. I think with some training could run nicely to heel with us. Can walk 8 hours a day when on holiday but can also do a lazy day. More stubborn. Apparently dogs can’t roll their eyes, this one does. Slightly more wary of ‘scary’ things but isn’t timid.
Labrador - harder as a puppy. Does shed, it’s not loads. Not ready to be a therapy dog, far to excited and will probably take some time before calm enough to be assessed. Also loves running but is generally more clumsy than the cockapoo (that could just be our dogs though). Less able to walk 8 hours a day on holiday and less able to do a lazy day. Bigger chewer, so lots more animal chews to keep the lab occupied and stop the sofas being chewed. Is more likely to find themselves in mischief by trying to sniff out balls and other things put out of their reach. More likely to jump off something or run into something or climb on something. Also more likely to eat something it shouldn’t. Generally fearless.
Both dogs required a lot of training and a lot of time input. Both dogs were generally easy to train but even then still require large amounts of time and energy.
Poodles don’t need to have the usual poodle haircut. They have their pros and cons like all dogs. They’re easy to train, quite food driven and quite praise driven. They tend to be good all round dogs and can pick up new things quite quickly. Some are very playful and some are a bit more standoffish. They’re very intelligent but that intelligence can mean they’re stubborn. They can bond better with one person in the family so that’s something to ensure that everyone does the training. Cocker spaniels have a lot of energy, they’re very intelligent and that energy and intelligence can make them quite full on. Most cocker spaniels I’ve known have been quite timid or anxious, especially working spaniels.
I think pedigree used to have a tool that would suggest breeds suitable for your family. You answer the questions based on what is important to you and what you can give a dog and it lists a few, some usually well known ones and then a few obscure ones too.