About Cockapoos
The Cockapoo is a hybrid cross breed between the Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Poodle. These dogs stand at 9-15 inches and weigh 6 lbs to 30 lbs. They were bred for the purpose of creating a dog that possesses high intelligence, low to no shedding and hypoallergenic. They are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Summary
- Names – Cockapoo, Cockerpoo, Spoodle, Cockerdoodle, Cock A Poo
- Size – Toy, Miniature and Standard
- Life Expectancy – 15 to 18 years, though many can reach 20 years of age
- Cost of Ownership – medium
- Ease of Ownership – medium
- Aggressive Tendency - very low
- Amount of Exercise – low
- Amount of Grooming – high
- Ease of Training – easy
- Obedience level - high
- Suitable for Children – high
- Amount of Care Required - medium
- Health Problems – low
Appearance
A standard cockapoo look has not yet been achieved, as some cockapoos have a higher resemblance to cocker spaniels, while others exhibit more poodle traits. Due to the fact that there is no standard, this creates a range of cockapoo appearances and temperaments. Generally a first generation cockapoo has more of a classic cockapoo look about them, almost Benji looking. Further generations are more apt to take on more of the look of their purebred parents (cocker spaniel or poodle). Further generations are also more apt to have the health issues related to each purebred dog.
Weight
- Toy – 12 pounds or less
- Mini – 13-25 pounds
- Standard – 26 pounds or more
Height
- Toy: 10 inches or less at shoulder height
- Mini: 11 to 15 inches (28 to 35.5 cm)
- Standard: 16 inches or higher (38 cm)
Coat
- Color – typical colors include black, white, buff, cream, apricot, red, chocolate; any of these colors may appear with white markings; other colors are Parti, Sable, Tri-color, Merle, Phantom (usually a black body with brown color on legs, under tail, eyebrows, side of face), and Roan (single white hairs and white patches intermingled with the base color). Visit our Cockapoo Colors page for more information.
- Coat – odorless and little-to-no-shedding; wavy hair is not as tightly curled as that of the poodle, nor absolutely straight like some cockers.
- Shedding – zero to low
- Allergies – no
- Causes Allergies – no
Character
The cockapoo has a calm and mellow disposition and an optimistic and enduring nature. Other traits he possesses include loyalty, friendliness, intelligence, good health, sturdiness and stamina. Some breeders believe that the intelligence displayed by cockapoos is a characteristic passed down from their poodle genes (as the poodle has consistently ranked among the world’s smartest dogs) than from the cocker.
- Separation Anxiety – low
- Barking tendency – low
- Aggressive tendency – low
- Compatibility Other Animals – high
- Suitable for Children – high
- Watchdog suitability – medium
Temperament
Cockapoos are noted for their positive dispositions and great tolerance for children as they enjoy rough-and-tumble activities. Furthermore, they are recognized for their very understanding nature.
Cockapoos are very receptive of training due to their keen intelligence. They are naturally inquisitive, and they are ready to entertain and perform. Cockapoos are excellent family companions. They enjoy walking, hiking, and travel well. They are very obedient and loving animals.
Training
Despite the fact that hybrids enjoy the best traits of their parent breeds, they are prone to defects too. An untrained and neglected cockapoo may develop undesirable behaviors, such as possessiveness over furniture, constantly begging owners to pet or play with them or refusing to come when called. To prevent these unwanted traits from occurring, your cockapoo requires the appropriate training that helps him behave properly. He must be taught to trust and accept you as his leader. Moreover, they like knowing their place in your family and participating as an active member.
Most house dogs will either take up a neutral or submissive role at home. Owners, however, need to be aware that some dogs are capable of testing their owner’s dominance. A safe method to re-assert control is to get the dominant dog to work for his necessities, e.g. food. The presence of an owner that is a strong leader, plus the clarity of the role the dog has at home, gives it a feeling of greater security.
Exercise Required
The Cockapoo has low exercise demands. As long as he has a small yard where he can run freely, a daily walk and indoor playtime, he will be happy. However a Cockapoo can easily adapt to a larger area and know its place.
Care
As is the case in most long haired and floppy-eared breeds, the ears, eyes and face hair deserve special notice. Clean the ears and pluck hair growing inside the ear canal regularly. To alleviate any event of tear staining, keep face dry and cleaned daily using a clean damp cloth and tepid water. Cockapoos do require regular, professional grooming. Their coat does grow (as do both purebred parents) and does require regular brushing (weekly) and clipping (about every 6 to 8 weeks).
Food
The dog’s breeder is a good source of reliable recommendations regarding an adequate dog diet. The breeder is likely to suggest following his or her diet plan for the first week or so after you have brought your Cockapoo home. Following this period, you can slowly change the dog’s diet towards a new plan, which may consist of a good quality dry dog food.
Grooming
Grooming a cockapoo is quite simple, because they really only require basic brushing and combing to maintain a well groomed look. A brushing every few days will suffice however as the coat grows, they will require regular grooming by a professional to trim up their body and face, clean ears, trim toe nails, bath & dry.
- Ease of grooming – medium
- Amount of grooming by a Professional - About Every 8 weeks
Breeding
Cockapoos can be bred in different sizes (toy, miniature and standard). The most common cockapoo is the miniature variety, which is 18lbs on average.
A dog is considered a true cockapoo if he is the result of a crossbreeding between a purebred cocker and a purebred poodle, with nothing else mixed in along the way. This would be a first generation (F1). True cockapoos are also those that result from breeding two cockapoos together that have no additional poodle or cocker added back.
First generation Cockapoos will always display the stronger features from their parents. Thus, for example, sometimes dogs will appear a little curlier, while others may have blockier heads. Overall a first generation cockapoo has a good mixture of the two purebred parents. It is in second generation cockapoos that the most number of puppies will resemble either parent breed. The second generation Cockapoo is the least stable in Cockapoo looks.
With regard to the parents, the cocker has the most laid back attitude towards life as well as the marked ‘sweetness’. Poodles are noted for longevity–as are hybrids–giving the cockapoo a double dose of life expectancy. The poodles also bring the low/no shedding and hypoallergenic to the Cockapoo.
Health
The Cockapoo has been popular in the United States since at least the 1950s.
The Cockapoo is still under development. Strictly speaking, the Cockapoo cannot yet be described as a dog breed because it does not ‘breed true’. In breeders’ terms, ‘breeding true’ means that, when two specimens of the same breed are mated, the puppies have consistently predictable characteristics and will resemble their parents, rather than exhibiting random characteristics of the dog breeds in their parents’ ancestries. Furthermore, the breed standards of breeds-under-development are invariably freer, more open to interpretation and cover more observable types than those of established or kennel club recognized breeds.
In fact, because cockapoos are a mixed breed, they may be less susceptible to genetic ailments than purebred dogs. Purebreds are more likely to share similar genetic diseases, whereas mixed breeds, such as the Cockapoo (especially first generation), have greater diversity in their genes and are less likely to inherit two copies of an undesirable recessive gene. Several studies suggest that mixed breed dogs are less prone to genetic illnesses.
- Life expectancy – 15 – 18 years or higher
- Susceptibility to illness – low
- Common health problems – dental problems, heart failure.
Ownership
Cockapoos are good companions for single owners as well as with families with young children. They are very people-oriented, outgoing and happy dogs.
Thus, for people wanting a low to no-odor and minimal to no-shedding, hypoallergenic, highly intelligent dog that is easy to train and absolutely wonderful for children of all ages, playful and energetic, easy to care for, and is long lived, the cockapoo is an ideal dog.
Living Conditions
They adapt well to apartments and homes, but would also be happy living on a farm. They have a moderate activity level and are not meant to be outside dogs. The Cockapoo is a good breed for an apartment or condominium.
- Good with Children – The Cockapoo is generally a good dog for children and is patient and loving. Nonetheless children need to be taught how to properly interact with the dog.
Trivia
Did you know…
Famous Cockapoo dog owners include: ¦Actress Ashley Judd has two cockapoos: Buttermilk and Shug
The Cockapoo is a very popular hybrid is quite healthy and is often a good choice for dog lovers who suffer from allergies.
