Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Cockapoo dog is a friendly and popular mixed breed. It’s a mix of a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. This special blend gives them the loving nature of the Cocker Spaniel and the smart, allergy-friendly fur of the Poodle.
Cockapoos come in different sizes and have lots of coat colors. They’re often brown or cream, but some are more rare colors like merle, blue, or cockapoo dog black. Cockapoos are playful and good with families, including kids and other pets.
The Cockapoo dog is a cute, small dog with a big personality. It’s been around since the 1960s and is one of the first designer dogs. They can live happily in apartments or houses with yards, but they need regular exercise.
Cockapoos have coats that don’t shed much, which is great for people with allergies. They’re friendly and easy to train, making them great companions.
When thinking about getting a Cockapoo, it’s best to adopt from rescue groups or shelters. But if you decide to buy one, make sure to find a good breeder. Look for Reputable Cockapoo dog breeders who care about their dogs’ health and happiness.
They should do health screenings to check for any problems and raise the puppies in a loving environment. Doing this ensures that you get a healthy and happy puppy and also stops bad breeding practices.
“Always found Cockapoo dogs to be a delightful combination of intelligence, affection, and playful energy.”
Cockapoo Dog Breed Features
Adaptable: Cockapoos can adapt to various living environments, including apartments, as long as they receive adequate exercise and attention.
Good with Families: They generally get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent family pets.
Long Lifespan: Cockapoos often enjoy a longer lifespan compared to some other breeds, living 12 to 15 years or more with proper care.
Moderate Exercise Needs: While they enjoy playtime and walks, they are not overly hyperactive, making them suitable for families with varying activity levels.
Friendly and Affectionate: Cockapoos are known for their sociable and loving nature, which makes them wonderful companions.
Hypoallergenic Coat: Many Cockapoos have coats that are hypoallergenic or shed very little, making them a suitable choice for individuals with allergies.
Intelligent and Trainable: Cockapoos are intelligent dogs and typically respond well to training, easily understanding positive reinforcement methods.
Moderate Exercise Needs: While they enjoy playtime and walks, they are not overly hyperactive, making them suitable for families with varying activity levels.
Unique Coat Variety: Their coats can vary from curly to wavy and come in a range of colors and patterns, adding to their appeal.
Grooming Requirements: Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat in good condition and prevent matting.
Health Considerations: Like all breeds, Cockapoos can be prone to certain health issues, so regular veterinary care is important to ensure their well-being.
Cockapoo Dog Breed History
Cockapoo dog has been a popular hybrid since the 1960s, known as one of the earliest designer breeds. The first Cockapoo puppies might have been born by accident, but they turned out to be smart, almost odorless, and had a coat that shed very little, like a Poodle’s.
They also had the friendly and loving nature of a Cocker Spaniel. These puppies were liked by many, and that’s how the Cockapoo breed started. Nowadays, some people are working to set standards for breeding Cockapoos, aiming to make them a true breed with consistent traits.
Cockapoos are one of the few designer breeds that aren’t given up by their owners very often, and many people think this is because of their intelligence and loving personality. They’ve become very valued as family pets.
As the Cockapoo became more well-known, some breeders wanted to make them a purebred dog by using multigeneration crossing, while others preferred sticking to the basic Poodle/Cocker cross.
This led to differing philosophies among breeders, and there are even Cockapoo clubs that have formed because of these differences.
One such club is the Cockapoo Club of America, which was formed in 1999. This club aims to create breeding consistency and has established a breed standard for Cockapoos.
The club encourages breeding Cockapoo dogs from multiple generations within the same breed rather than creating new first-generation dogs.
This method aims to maintain certain desired qualities that may not always be present in first-generation puppies. In 2004, the American Cockapoo Club was established, and its members focus on breeding within the same generations without mixing them.
They also have a set of standards for the breed, aiming to produce authentic Cockapoos with lineage tracing back to registered Cocker Spaniels and Poodles recognized by organizations like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC).
Additionally, the North American Cockapoo Registry, formed in 1999, works towards establishing the Cockapoo as a recognized breed. They provide certification for Cockapoos resulting from breedings spanning from first to sixth generations.
According to the Registry, a genuine Cockapoo is only produced through a deliberate and planned mating between a purebred Cocker Spaniel and a purebred Poodle.
Despite differing breeding philosophies, the popularity of the Cockapoo has continued to rise over the years.
With the support of responsible breeders and national organizations, the Cockapoo is poised to become more than just a “designer breed” in the future.
Size
Cockapoo dogs come in four different cockapoo dog sizes:
Teacup Toy Cockapoo: These are the smallest Cockapoos, weighing less than 6 pounds and standing under 10 inches tall.
Cockapoo Dog Toy: They can grow up to 10 inches tall but have a stronger build, with some reaching nearly 12 pounds.
Mini Cockapoo: Weighing between 13 to 18 pounds, these Cockapoos stand between 11 to 14 inches tall.
Standard or Maxi Cockapoo: These are the largest Cockapoos, weighing over 19 pounds and standing at least 15 inches tall.
Personality
The Cockapoo dog is smart and loves to make people happy. He’s always cheerful and outgoing, getting along well with everyone. Sometimes he’s active, but other times he just likes to cuddle up with you on the couch.
He inherits the smarts of Poodles and the friendly nature of Cocker Spaniels. If the parents of a Cockapoo aren’t loving, their puppies won’t be either.
Like all dogs, Cockapoos need early socialization, which means meeting lots of different people and having various experiences when they’re young, to grow up well-adjusted.
Cockapoo puppies need to meet different people and have new experiences early on to become happy adults. They love being with their family and might feel anxious if left alone for too long.
Training a Cockapoo can be easy, especially if the parents have a good temperament. Using positive reinforcement and being patient helps them learn and become obedient.
While some Cockapoos are kept with their natural coat, many people prefer to trim it. However, it should only be clipped to a length of two to three inches. Hair around the eyes should also be trimmed for better visibility.
Cockapoos need daily brushing to keep their coat healthy. Although each Cockapoo is different, puppies from multigenerational breeding are often said to be odorless and shed less, though every dog sheds at least a little.
Because Cockapoo’s ears flop down, they need regular checking and cleaning to prevent ear infections. Use a cotton ball dampened with a vet-recommended cleaning solution to gently wipe the visible part of the ear. Don’t put anything inside the ear to avoid hurting it .
Cockapoo’s floppy ears may block air circulation, making it important to check them weekly. Your Cockapoo might have an ear infection if his ear smells bad inside, looks red, or feels tender.
Also, if he shakes his head often or scratches his ear a lot, it could be a sign of an infection. To keep your Cockapoo’s teeth healthy, brush them at least two or three times a week. Daily brushing is even better to prevent gum disease and bad breath.
Trim your Cockapoo’s toenails once or twice a month to prevent them from getting too long and causing pain. If you hear them clicking on the floor, it means they’re too long.
Be careful when trimming your Cockapoo’s toenails because they have blood vessels in them. If you cut too far, it can cause bleeding and make your dog scared of nail clippers in the future. If you’re not sure how to do it, ask a vet or groomer for help.
Start getting your Cockapoo used to being brushed and examined when he’s a puppy. Dogs can be sensitive about their feet, so handle his paws gently. Make grooming a positive experience by giving him praise and treats.
While grooming, check for any sores, rashes, or signs of infection on his skin, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet. His eyes should be clear without any redness or discharge. Doing a careful weekly exam will help you catch any health problems early.
Feeding
For your Cockapoo dog, it’s recommended to feed them 1/4 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food per day, split into two meals.
How much food your adult Cockapoo needs depends on factors like cockapoo size, age, metabolism, and how active they are. Just like people, every dog is different. An active dog will need more food than one who prefers lounging around.
The quality of the food matters too – better-quality food means you’ll need less to keep your dog healthy. To keep your Cockapoo in good shape, measure their food and feed them twice a day instead of leaving food out all the time.
To check if your Cockapoo is overweight, use the eye and hands-on test. Look down at them – you should see a waist. Then, run your hands along their back. You should feel their ribs without pressing too hard.
If you can’t, they might need less food and more exercise. For more guidance on feeding your Cockapoo, check out tips on choosing the right cockapoo dog food, feeding Cockapoo puppies, and feeding adult Cockapoo dogs.
Health Problems
Understanding the concept of hybrid vigor is important if you’re interested in getting a Cockapoo dog. Hybrid vigor happens when new genes are introduced into a breeding line, which can make the offspring healthier.
This is different from inbreeding, where the same genes are repeatedly used. However, it’s not guaranteed that all offspring of mixed breeds will benefit from hybrid vigor. If the genetic pool remains unchanged, the offspring may not show this vigor.
For Cockapoos, not all puppies will inherit genetic diseases, but it’s essential to know about them if you’re thinking about getting this breed.
Cataracts: Cataracts create a cloudy appearance in the dog’s eye, leading to vision impairment. They typically occur in older dogs but can sometimes be treated with surgery to restore vision.
Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, is common in small dogs and causes the knee joint to dislocate, resulting in pain. Although it can be debilitating, many dogs can lead normal lives despite this condition.
Hip Dysplasia: An inherited condition, arises when the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. While some dogs may show signs of pain and limping, others may not exhibit any outward discomfort. Arthritis may develop as the dog ages.
It’s crucial not to breed dogs with this condition, so it’s essential to verify the health of the parents before purchasing a Cockapoo.
Allergies: Are prevalent in dogs, including Cockapoos, and come in three main types: food allergies, contact allergies, and inhalant allergies.
Treatment varies depending on the cause and may involve dietary adjustments, medications, or environmental changes.
Liver Disease: is increasingly common in Cocker Spaniels, and while its genetic nature is uncertain, it’s essential to inquire about the parent Cocker’s liver health when acquiring a Cockapoo.
Ear infections: Ear infections can affect Cockapoos due to their floppy Cocker ears, which can trap moisture and debris. Regular ear checks and cleaning are necessary to prevent infections.
When purchasing a Cockapoo puppy, it’s essential to seek out a reputable breeder who can present health clearances for both parents of the pup.
These clearances serve as proof that the dogs have undergone testing for specific health conditions and have been deemed free of them.
For Cockapoo puppies, look for clearances from organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for issues such as hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease.
Additionally, clearances from Auburn University for thrombopathia and from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) confirming normal eye health are crucial.
You can verify these health clearances by visiting the OFA website. It’s important to note that these clearances are typically not issued for dogs under the age of two, as some health problems may not become apparent until the dog is fully grown.
Therefore, it’s advisable to wait until a dog is at least two or three years old before considering them for breeding.
Care
Most Cockapoo dogs have a medium level of energy, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be lazy all day. They enjoy going for walks, which helps keep them from getting overweight.
However, the best exercise for them is playing in the backyard. They need around 15 minutes of exercise every day.
Cockapoo dogs can adapt to different living situations. While they can live in apartments, the smaller ones tend to do better than the larger ones. However, they shouldn’t live outdoors or in kennels because they are meant to be companion dogs.
Cockapoos love being with their family, and being left alone for too long can make them anxious, leading to barking and destructive behavior.
Crate training is helpful for every dog, including Cockapoos. It provides a safe place for them to rest and can help them accept confinement if needed.
However, it’s important not to leave your Cockapoo in a crate all day long. They are social animals and prefer being with people.
They shouldn’t spend more than a few hours at a time in a crate, except for sleeping at night. Cockapoos are meant to be with their families, not hospitalized in a crate or kennel all the time.
The Cockapoo dog is good with kids, but he usually likes older children more. He also gets along with other dogs and pets. It’s important to teach children how to be gentle and respectful with dogs.
Always watch when they’re together to avoid any accidents like biting or pulling ears or tails.
Teach your child not to bother a dog when it’s eating or sleeping or try to take its food away. And remember, no dog, even if it’s friendly, should be left alone with a child.
Cockapoo Rescue Groups
Cockapoo dogs are sometimes adopted without people knowing exactly what it takes to care for them. As a result, many of these dogs end up needing new homes and are taken in by rescue groups.
If you’re thinking about getting a Cockapoo, reaching out to a rescue group is a good idea to begin your search.
Consider exploring reputable breeders or adoption centers if you’re thinking of adding a furry friend to your family and are interested in finding a Cockapoo for sale. This ensures you find the perfect companion for your lifestyle.
Cockapoo Breed Organizations
When you’re looking to get a new Cockapoo dog, finding a reputable dog breeder is really important. Reputable breeders are dedicated to raising healthy and well-socialized puppies.
They make sure their adult dogs are healthy, screen them for health problems, and socialize the puppies early on.
But there are also backyard breeders who are mainly focused on making money. They might not check if their dogs have any health problems and might not give the puppies the right socialization. This can lead to puppies with health or behavior issues.
Key Facts
- Origin: United States, resulting from the breeding of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles.
- Sizes: Mini Cockapoos (13-18 pounds, 11-14 inches tall), Standard or Maxi Cockapoos (over 19 pounds, at least 15 inches tall).
- Breed Group: Hybrid or Designer.
- Cockapoo Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Cockapoo typically ranges from 12 to 15 cockapoo dog years or more, provided they receive proper care.
- Coat: Soft, curly or wavy, often hypoallergenic, available in various colors.
- Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, and social; good with children and other pets.
- Intelligence: Intelligent and trainable, responsive to positive reinforcement.
- Exercise Needs: Moderately active, requiring daily exercise like playtime and walks.
- Grooming: Regular brushing necessary to prevent matting and tangling, some may need professional grooming periodically.
- Health: Prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia, ear infections, eye conditions, and skin problems; responsible breeding and regular vet check-ups can help mitigate risks.
Note: Explore the selection of Mini Cockapoo puppies for sale and find your perfect furry companion. The average cockapoo dog price is around $1350, with prices varying between $800 and $2000.
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Frequently Asked Question
What are Some of the Bad Things About Cockapoos?
While Cockapoos are generally delightful pets, potential downsides may include their susceptibility to separation anxiety, high grooming demands due to their coat type, and the likelihood of inheriting health issues from their parent breeds.
What are Some Popular Cockapoo Dog Names?
Popular Cockapoo dog names often reflect their friendly and playful nature. Some examples include Bailey, Charlie, Daisy, Lucy, Max, Molly, Oliver, Rosie, Teddy, and Zoey.
Sources
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