A Cockapoo is a crossbreed doggie between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. These dogs are happy and affectionate. They have a scruffy-coat and are said to be bright-eyed. No matter how grown up, Cockapoos always retain that puppy-like charm. Cockapoos love their families. They are friendly with other dogs as well.
Cockapoo Dog Breed Overview
| Group: | Hybrid |
| Size: | Small-Medium (10-30 pounds) |
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Best Suited For: | Families |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, friendly, loving |
| Exercise Needs: | Moderate |
| Drooling Potential: | Low |
| Grooming Needs: | High |
| Similar Breeds: | Cocker Spaniel, Poodle |
1. Basic features
A Cockapoo generally weighs less than 30 pounds and can have a fluffy and a scruffy coat with different colors and markings. They can also have a curly coat similar to a poodle. Their size, coat, color, and temperament can differ from puppy to puppy since they are a mix. It would depend on what traits an individual puppy has inherited for its parents.
Cockapoos are companion dogs and love their people.
2. Cockapoo Origin
Cockapoos are a result of mating between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. It could also be between two Cocker/Poodle crosses. These dogs are popular since the 50s.
In 1988 Mary D. Foley found the Cockapoo Club of America. In a cockapoo, either the mother or the father was generally a purebred Poodle and the other a purebred Cocker Spaniel. The Cocker spaniel can be English or American. Now even the second generation is being bred in some cases.
3. The Personality of Cockapoo
The Cockapoo is a companion dog. He is friendly and has a happy personality. He gets along with everyone and is known to have an outgoing nature.
Cockapoos are considered intelligent like their Poodle ancestors.They are affectionate dogs and people-oriented and should live with the family.
They are also friendly with other dogs and cats. Cockapoos are great with children. However, they should be protected from young children as they can be overly rough while playing with them and these dogs can be sensitive to abuse from younger children.
4. Cockapoo Behavior
The happy and fun-loving Cockapoo is always full of energy and loves people. He is usually friendly. It is, however, important to socialize your puppy well. The more he is around different people as a puppy, the more friendly he will turn out to be. However, he is generally playful and very affectionate.
Also, a major contribution to your Cockapoo’s behavior is his upbringing and not is genes. They also bond with more than one person easily. Thus, making them a perfect choice for families.
5. Exercise Requirements
Being energetic dogs, cockapoos needs exercise to keep fit. Around half an hour of an exercise, every day would be ideal for a cockapoo. Walking with your dog every day can be a great choice for him. They are also great at sports if given a chance.
Play sessions with the owner will be the best form of exercise for your Cockapoo. It is important to take out time and play with your dog a little every day. This sure is to keep him happy.
6. Diet Needs
Cockapoos need a diet which is low on Carbohydrates and high in protein. It should be ethically resourced and should be of fine quality. The food you are choosing for your dog should depend on his activity level.
Simple chicken and rice could be a great choice.
Consulting a vet for your puppy’s diet is also recommended. While choosing a dry food, make sure that it is rich in nutrients, free from by-products and is made without any artificial ingredients. The food should also be full of natural protein.
7. Trainability
Cockapoos are eager to please and love their humans. This makes them easily trainable. They are people-centric and will want to be around you all the time. They are social and will always want to do the things that you are doing.
Positive reinforcement is the key to training a cockapoo.
It is important that you train him with love and patience. These dogs can be sensitive to punishment and harsh words. Make sure you are patient and soft with your Cockapoo especially while training sessions.
Basic obedience training should start at early puppyhood followed by socialization. Let your dog meet other dogs and people while he is still young. This has a huge impact on his temperament as an adult.
8. Common Health Problems
Cockapoos are generally healthy dogs. However, they are prone to a few health conditions which are inherited from their parent breeds.
Entropion is an abnormality which affects the eyelids of Cockapoos. It causes discomfort and inflammation in the dogs as the hair and skin of the outer lid can come into contact with the delicate surface of the eye. Surgery may be required in such a case. Familial Nephropathy, which is an inherited abnormality of the kidneys can lead to kidney failure.
Hip Dysplasia, Glaucoma, Phosphofructokinase Deficiency, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy are some other health problems that occur in Cockapoos.
9. Who Should Adopt a Cockapoo?
Cockapoos, as we know are one of the most affectionate dogs. They are adaptable and will live anywhere. However, they should always be living in the house with the family and not in a kennel or outdoors.
They love people and will stick by you. Cockapoos are great for families. They gel up with other pets and will love meeting new people. Also, they’re great with children. So, a Cockapoo might be perfect for you if you have a big family. They bond with more than one person which makes them a perfect family dog.
However, if you have younger children at home then the Cockapoos may not be the ideal dog for you.