Cockapoo | Dog Breed Information and Pictures

One of the oldest “designer breeds” out there, originating sometime in the 1960s, the Cockapoo is an adorable little pup with high levels of energy and an incredible amount of affection for humans. A cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, the Cockapoo loves to be around people and is relatively low-maintenance with reference to grooming. A joyful pup, the Cockapoo will make a great cuddly addition to any home.

Origin & History of Cockapoos

The first Cockapoo, with its adorable features and friendly nature, may have been what most would consider a happy accident. A relatively older member of the Doodle club, these pups have been around since at least the 1960s. Due to the Cockapoo’s desirable traits such as high levels of intelligence and a coat that ranks low in the shedding department, formal breeding of this line of designer dogs began. There is much debate when it comes to breeding standards of the Cockapoo, with some breeders, such as those belonging to the Cockapoo Club of America, preferring multigenerational crossing to achieve consistency within the breed, while others such as those belonging to the North American Cockapoo Registry considering true Cockapoos to be only those dogs that are bred from a cross between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel, with no multigenerational breeding involved.

Personality and Temperament

The Cockapoo, with its Poodle and Cocker Spaniel genes, is one of the happiest pups out there. The dog’s happy-go-lucky nature paired with its loving and gentle temperament makes the Cockapoo an absolute delight to be around. There’s more to this pup than just good looks, with the ideal Cockapoo inheriting their Poodle parent’s high intelligence and their Cocker Spaniel parent’s friendly nature. Depending on the Cockapoo’s parent genes, these dogs can either be energetic, always up for playtime, or could have a calmer nature, preferring to curl up in the warmth of their human’s lap and doze off. Due to their incredibly loving nature, the Cockapoo should not be kept in isolation or separate from humans. Such acts may cause separation anxiety, resulting in an unhappy and anxious pup. Trainability varies from one Cockapoo to the next but on average, with early socialization and an ample amount of positive reinforcement, this dog can grow to be very obedient.

Cockapoo Size

The Cockapoo comes in four standard sizes, with the smallest being the Teacup Cockapoo having a height and weight of fewer than 10 inches and around 6 pounds, respectively. The Toy Cockapoo stands around 10 inches tall but is built heavier, with a weight of around 12 pounds. The Miniature Cockapoo stands about 11 to 14 inches tall and weighs anywhere between 13 to 18 pounds. The Standard/Maxi Cockapoo has a height and weight of at least inches and more than 19 pounds, respectively.

Cockapoo Health

Cockapoos may develop issues such as cataracts, patellar luxation (common in small dogs), hip dysplasia, allergies, ear infections, and liver disease. It is imperative that you ask for health clearances of both parent dogs when getting a Cockapoo puppy to ensure that the dog is not likely to develop any hereditary diseases. Health clearances are not issued until a dog is two years old, so exercise caution when getting your puppy by making sure the breeder does not cross dogs younger than 2 years old.

Cockapoo Care and Training

The Cockapoo is a strictly indoor dog. They should not be kept in kennels or left outdoors on their own for too long since they need to spend time around humans in order to be at their happiest and healthiest. The Cockapoo has been bred as a companion dog, and so leaving them alone for a long time may lead to separation anxiety, which in turn may trigger destructive behavior. While they should be kept around humans as much as possible, they should be introduced to crates as puppies. Crate training will help prevent any accidents around the house and can also be a place where your Cockapoo likes to go to rest. Also, some time in the crate can help your dog later in life when they need to be kept confined, be it for a hospital visit or travel purposes. Cockapoos can easily live in an apartment. However, the smaller breeds are much more likely to thrive in such spaces. While they have moderate energy levels, exercise is extremely important to help your Cockapoo maintain a healthy weight and release any pent-up energy. They’ll be happy to go for a walk or have an indoor play session as long as they get the physical stimulation they need.

Feeding

While the amount of food you Cockapoo requires depends on their size and age, on average, they should be fed around ¼ to ¾ cup of high-quality dry dog food per day, separated into two meals. Free feeding should not be allowed since the Cockapoo will overeat and rapidly gain weight. It is important to ensure that your Cockapoo is not growing overweight since this may lead to the triggering of various other health issues.

Coat Color, Types, Shedding

The Cockapoo has a coat that can be straight or fall in loose curls. However, it is necessary that the coat not become kinky. Due to the wide variety of colors that are present in both Poodle and Cocker Spaniel Breeds, the Cockapoo comes in a large selection of colors. This breed is generally considered odorless and non-shedding (although a tiny bit of shedding should be expected from all dogs) and is a good option for people with allergies.

Cockapoo Grooming

The hair around the Cockapoos eyes should be trimmed regularly to ensure that your pup’s vision is not impaired. The rest of the hair on the Cockapoo can be left in its natural state, however, if you choose to trim the coat, make sure it is not cut shorter than 2 to 3 inches. The floppy ears inherited from the Cocker Spaniel parent need to be monitored regularly since they block the flow of air into the ears. Check regularly for any signs of an ear infection so that the issue can be nipped in the bud. Brush their teeth two to three times a week and examine them for any rashes and sores on a regular basis. The Cockapoo should be bathed only when it is absolutely necessary since regular bathing can strip their skin and coat of moisture and oils.

Deciding on a Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a right fit for you if:

You are looking for a puppy that is moderately high in energy and loves to play
You are allergic to dog hair and are looking for a pet with a hypoallergenic coat
You would like a dog that is relatively easy to train

The Cockapoo is not a right fit for you if:

You work long hours and plan to leave your pet alone for a large part of the day
You have toddlers or very young children (under the age of six)
You want an outdoor dog that can be kept outside in the yard or in a kennel

Getting a Cockapoo

How Much is a Cockapoo Puppy?

For these adorable little pups, you can expect a price tag of anywhere between $900 to $2500, depending on age, coat type, size and sex. The rarer the coat and colour, the higher the price.

Cockapoo Breeders

Rescue and Adoption

When it comes to an animal companion, it’s always better to adopt than to shop from breeders. There are several Cockapoo rescue puppies available across the USA looking for loving homes. Here’s a list of organizations specializing in Cockapoo rescue (among other breeds)