The Cockapoo was among the first set of mixed breed dogs that we have around today. You can trace Cockapoos to as early as the 1960s. The Cockapoos’ old status doesn’t make them any less adorable today, they are steadily gaining popularity.
If you are looking for a beginner dog, the Cockapoo is for you. They were bred from a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel and they carry adorable features from both breeds. Here is everything you need to know about the Cockapoo breed.
What is a Cockapoo Mix?
The Cockapoo comes from a cross between the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel dog breeds. Cockapoos have been around for a long time, they were among the first set of designer dogs. To give more insight into the Cockapoo, here is a brief guide to some traits and features of its parent breeds.
Poodles have been around for a long time. Don’t be deceived by the luxurious lives they live today, in earlier times they were known to get work done. They used to be used to catch waterfowl for hunters in earlier times.
Poodles are an intelligent breed of dogs. Their intelligence makes them easy to train and their happy nature makes them great family dogs. Poodles also have a curly coat of hair that needs to be groomed regularly.
The Cocker Spaniel was initially bred as a hunting dog and mostly used for hunting woodcocks. Today, Cocker Spaniels are great companion dogs and they spent years as America’s most popular breed. Cocker Spaniel is used when referring to the two breeds: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel.
Most of the time, Cockapoos are bred from the American Cocker Spaniel, rather than the English Cocker Spaniel. The English breeds have longer ears and muzzles than their American friends. Dogs from a mix of a Poodle and an English Cocker Spaniel are usually referred to as Spoodles.
Cockapoo Health & Appearance at a Glance
One thing you can always expect from a Cockapoo is an adorable face. The Cockapoo takes features from both the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel. Also, because they are bred differently sometimes you may see some varying characteristics across cockapoos. Some features are still constant though and with this guide, you would be able to tell a cockapoo from other dogs.
Build, Height and Weight
Cockapoos are bred differently and their size is determined by their parents. They are usually classified into four categories.
The smallest size is called a Teacup Toy Cockapoo and their weight doesn’t go higher than 6 pounds and their height, 10 inches. Then there is the Toy Cockapoo that can almost double the weight of a teacup toy, they also stay under 10 inches too. The Miniature Cockapoos are bigger than the smaller breeds and they can reach up to 14 inches in height and 18 pounds in weight. Finally, the Standard Cockapoo is the largest size and they are usually taller than 15 inches and weigh more than 19 pounds.
Colors and Coat
The Cockapoo’s fast-growing coat is rather long and can range from straight to slightly curly. However, it should not be heavily curled.
The coat of a non-first-generation Cockapoo should also ideally be nearly odorless. The cocker spaniel’s floppy ears have prevailed in this mix.
Cockapoos’ color cover all combinations that are also represented in Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. You would find Black, Blonde, Roan, Chocolate, Cockapoos with white markings, and lots more different variations around. They might have different coat colors, but Cockapoos are always adorable.
Life Expectancy and Possible Health Issues
The life expectancy of dogs is 12 to 17 years and is therefore relatively high. They are also characterized by a low susceptibility to hereditary diseases.
Cockapoos are also susceptible to diseases that their parent breeds: the Poodles and Cocker Spaniels, were prone to. Although this is usually at a much lower rate than the pure breed Poodles or Cocker Spaniels.
Cockapoo Personality Traits
Cockapoos carry the personality traits of their parent breeds. This mix created the adorable Cockapoo personality that we know today.
The Cockapoos’ lovable nature is a legacy of the Cocker Spaniels. This trait brought the Cockapoo its growing popularity. In addition, this breed is very docile, which is probably due to their ancestor, the Poodle.
The Cockapoo loves children. He is a sociable family dog who is particularly at home when all of his people are gathered around him. The breed is very affectionate and gives you a feeling of constant closeness. Cockapoos are also known to not respect people’s privacy so you should consider shutting the bathroom door behind you. You can expect him to also spend a lot of time on your lap too.
However, you have to keep in mind that these characteristics are not exactly predictable since it is a mixed breed. If you want to get a Cockapoo, you should go to a reputable breeder. He should also be able to show you the health checks of the parents.
Cockapoo Temperament and Instincts
Cockapoos inherit a loving and outgoing nature from their parent breeds. They are also very playful and intelligent, which makes training them a lot easier. They also usually get along well with other dogs.
The Cockapoo is not known for being a very loud breed of dog. If someone approaches the house, the dog may sound the alarm. However, he does not make a particularly good guard dog.
Since your Cockapoo loves company, you should not just leave him home alone without training for it. Cockapoos’ playful nature makes them prone to separation anxiety so owners need to watch out for these.
How to Care for a Cockapoo?
Caring for a Cockapoo does not require any complex procedures. You just need to meet some basic needs to keep him fit and healthy.
Grooming and Shedding
Cockapoos have curly hair and to remain healthy, they have to be groomed adequately. How often a Cockapoo should be groomed is determined by its type of coat. They could be flat or straight coats.
The flat coats do not require too much work, for example, they don’t necessarily need clipping. Ensure he is brushed about three times a week. The straight coats require some more work, so in addition to your frequent brushing, clipping should be done at least three times a year. Generally, schedule regular checkups with a vet to ensure your furry friend is free of any infections or parasites.
Cockapoos shed very little when compared to other dog breeds. However, since Cockapoos are a mixed breed, your Cockapoo might shed a bit more than other Cockapoos if it got the trait from a parent. Cockapoos get their low shedding trait from their Poodle ancestry. Low shedding means less work for you as an owner and it also makes them less likely to trigger allergies.
There are also other times when these dogs might shed more hair than usual. This usually happens when the weather gets warmer or it could be caused by an infection. Young Cockapoos also shed their pup coat at about eight months to be replaced with their adult coat.
Diet and Feeding
Your Cockapoos’ diet should be determined by his size and stage of growth at the time.
For puppies, the safest bet is to feed them special puppy food. This is good for young dogs of all breeds because they account for all the nutrients young dogs need when they are growing. At this stage, he can be fed 4 times daily. When he reaches three months, you can reduce his daily feeding to 3 times daily.
Adult Cockapoos can eat adult dog food twice a day. The amount of food your dog eats would depend on its size. Also, try to avoid feeding your Cockapoo soy, corn, or wheat, they are sometimes allergic to them.
Activity and Exercise Requirements
Cockapoos are playful and active dogs, so as an owner you should give them room to play. Ideally, you should raise a Cockapoo in a house with a yard for it to run around. However, a Cockapoo can be fine in an apartment if its activity requirements are met.
Adult Cockapoos should have a minimum of thirty minutes of active exercise twice daily to keep them healthy and in a good mood. While Cockapoos love to play, you shouldn’t overwork them. Watch out for signs of tiredness and know when to stop an exercise routine. This is especially important for puppies because they are still growing, so they shouldn’t be over-exercised.
In addition to these, keep your Cockapoos’ mind engaged with chew toys or games, so he stays mentally stimulated.
How to train a Cockapoo?
Cockapoos are really intelligent dogs and this makes them eager to learn and easy to train. Training them works like training other dogs, just that you can expect them to learn faster. You should train your Cockapoo while he is a puppy so he grows to be a fun and obedient friend.
You could use treats and other training aids to teach your dog recall, toilet training, bite inhibition, crate training, and other important skills. Ensure your pup meets with other people and animals to teach him socialization. You could also use puppy training classes.
Known Cockapoo Health Problems
Aside from common health conditions in dogs, you should watch out for some health problems in a Cockapoo. Not all Cockapoos will have any of these challenges, but from their breeding history, they could suffer some of these challenges.
Some common health complications include Patellar Luxation, Cataracts, Hip Dysplasia, Allergies, Liver Disease, and Ear Infections.
You shouldn’t worry too much about these, basic grooming and checkups at the vet would either prevent these or make you spot them early.
Daily Routine for a Happy Cockapoo
As an owner, you should find the perfect rhythm that works for you and your Cockapoo, but here is a simple template to get you started.
Wake up, potty break, short walk, breakfast, and then nap.
Wake up, potty break, playtime, water break, and then nap.
Wake up, training, lunch break, and then nap.
Wake up, potty break, playtime, water, and then nap.
Wake up, potty break, walk, dinner time, and then nap.
Wake up, training, water break, potty break, and then bedtime.
Is a Cockapoo the right dog for you?
Cockapoos are highly intelligent and playful dogs. They’re easy to train and fun to have around. Before you get a Cockapoo you need to determine if you have the space and time to take care of one.
Ideally, a house with a yard would be great for a Cockapoo. If you live in an apartment, you can still own a healthy Cockapoo, you just have to ensure he gets his exercise requirement daily.
Also, Cockapoos crave companionship. You can train your dog to be calm when there’s no one around and prevent separation anxiety, but you shouldn’t abuse this. If you are a person who is barely at home then a Cockapoo is not for you.
Should you buy or adopt a Cockapoo
Cockapoos are great dogs and they’ve been around for decades now, so you would always see options of buying or adopting a Cockapoo. The decision depends on your preferences as an intending Cockapoo owner.
You could consider adopting from a rescue that specializes in their breed. This way you could be saving a Cockapoo from ending up in a shelter eventually. Adoption is an amazing option to help dogs who have lost their homes. You could even find temporary adoption opportunities from people who are temporarily unable to take care of their dogs.
Adoption also costs less than buying a Cockapoo. For some arrangements, like temporary adoption, the rescue might pay for the dog’s feeding and vet appointments.
A Cockapoo puppy costs between $350 to $650. While this is less than the cost of some other breeds, it’s still a bit on the high side. If you want to give a pup a home and train him till adulthood, you could pay for one. Ensure you get him from a responsible breeder so you get to know all the important details about your new friend.
Cockapoo Facts and Figures Summary
| TRAITS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Name | Cockapoo |
| Other Names | Cockerdoodle, Cockapoodle, Cockerpoo |
| Parents | American Cocker Spaniel, Poodle |
| Life expectancy | 12-17 years |
| Height | 16-22 inches |
| Weight | 25-40 pounds |
| Personality Traits | Friendly, Loyal, Protective |
| Temperament | High prey drive |
| Shedding | Minimal |
| Puppy Cost | $350-$650 |
Facts and FAQs about the Cockapoo
Do Cockapoos bark a lot?
No, when compared with other breeds, Cockapoos do not bark a lot. They bark when they are playing when a stranger walks by, or when they are bored or hungry.
How much does a Cockapoo cost?
The exact price of a Cockapoo depends on the breeder or shelter you visit. Cockapoo puppies are usually within the range of $350 and $650. Different factors are responsible for the varying costs for a young Cockapoo.
Are Cockapoos easy to house train?
Yes, Cockapoos are easy to train. Cockapoos are an intelligent breed and this makes them learn fast. After a few weeks or days, your Cockapoo should have gotten accustomed to your training.
Is a Cockapoo a good family dog?
Cockapoos were bred for their loving temperament. They are great family dogs that enjoy others’ company. If you have the space and time to take care of one, it would light up your home.
Are Cockapoos high maintenance?
Cockapoos’ thick coat needs a lot of grooming, so from this perspective, they might be high maintenance. The amount of grooming that a Cockapoo requires depends on the type of its fur, so one dog can require more grooming than another.
Can Cockapoos be left alone?
Cockapoos love companionship so they do not enjoy being left alone. However, good training would help your furry friend stay calm when no one else is at home. But don’t abuse it, if you spend most of your time outside your home, a Cockapoo is not for you.
Are Cockapoos good for first-time owners?
With the grooming and exercise requirements a Cockapoo needs, there are better suitable breeds for first-time owners. A first-time owner that can commit time to train and care for the Cockapoo would still be fine with a Cockapoo.