Cockapoo Dog Breed Profile – Top Dog Tips
The cockapoo holds the intelligence of a poodle and the sweet, loving nature of a cocker spaniel.
It’s no surprise that this breed is considered one of the most sought-after crossbreeds in the United States.
As a low-shedding breed, this pup comes in many colors and sizes to please virtually any family dynamic.
The average height of a cockapoo sits between ten and fifteen inches, weighing in at a mild six to nineteen pounds. These dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them the perfect option for families, seniors, cats, or children.
These dogs are highly intelligent and able to pick up on various skills and tricks. This breed is ideal for anyone looking for a loyal and tolerant breed that keeps up with all activity levels.
Cockapoo History
A poodle was first intentionally bred with a cocker spaniel in the 1960s, making it the first designer dog breed.
In 1999, the Cockapoo Club of America was formed to recognize the breed as a purebred with their breed standard.
This organization promotes breeding generations rather than considering the original breeding of the poodle-cocker mix.
The original intention of this organization was to bring a more predictable appearance and temperament to pet owners everywhere. Today, several clubs promote cockapoos as a unique and individual breed.
Between the gentle nature of this hypoallergenic breed and the adorable face, it’s not difficult to see why it quickly became one of the leading designer dogs.
They’d make an excellent option for dog owners facing problematic allergies. Although no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic, the cockapoo is a beautiful fit for anyone prone to symptoms around canines.
Cockapoos aren’t much larger on the larger end of the spectrum, hitting upwards of nineteen pounds. The smallest cockapoos are approximately six to nine pounds, fully grown at the smaller end of the scale.
These dogs are the perfect companion for snuggling on the couch while still keeping up with larger canine playmates.
As an affectionate breed, these dogs will love virtually anyone they meet, but remember that privacy isn’t high on their priority list.
This dog will follow their favorite family member everywhere, from the couch to the bathroom.
When choosing a pup, a potential pet parent must consider their personality when selecting a new fur baby. Evaluate all family members (including children, other pets, and the lifestyle) to choose the best fit for your family.
The Cockapoo Appearance
A cockapoo is known for having a face that everyone loves. As real-life teddy bears, these dogs were raised to attract virtually all types of dog-lovers.
The cockapoo comes in various sizes, thanks to poodles’ varying height and weight. A toy poodle, for example, will breed a cockapoo in a smaller size (typically 6-12 pounds and less than 10 inches high).
A miniature cockapoo has a miniature poodle parent, weighing 18 pounds, and standing between 11-14 inches high.
Finally, a standard or maxi poodle will breed the giant version of a cockapoo. This pup will often weigh more than 19 pounds and stands at least 15 inches tall.
The cockapoo is known for its long, loose curls that require daily brushing to maintain.
They vary in coloring but are often chocolate, black, blue, red, white, cream, or multiple colors. These dogs will have floppy ears, like their cocker spaniel parent.
Cockapoo Vs Cavapoo
A cockapoo is occasionally confused for the Cavapoo. While both breeds could melt the heart of anyone who meets them, they have a significant difference in terms of lineage.
A cavapoo is the result of a poodle breeding with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Otherwise, these two dogs are virtually identical.
Although both breeds are considered wildly intelligent, the Cavapoo will often pick up training quicker than the cockapoo.
Those trained in recognizing breeds can note the longer muzzle and taller stature of a Cockapoo compared with the Cavapoo.
A cockapoo also has shorter attention spans, particularly as puppies. Likewise, they’re more playful and active when comparing the two breeds.
The Cockapoo Temperament
Thanks to their outgoing nature, Cockapoos quickly get along with anyone they meet. These dogs are generally friendly and happy, devoting their lives to a loving family.
Their temperament varies significantly on how they’re raised. This dog can be a couch potato or enjoy romping outdoors, whether playing with children or engaging with other dogs.
Thankfully, these dogs will always be ready for downtime after romping around and burning some energy.
These dogs don’t discriminate against anyone, making friends wherever they go. They love attention and will happily give it back to anyone they meet.
The Cockapoo Attachment
More than anything, a cockapoo is happiest when they spend quality time with and near its owners. Leaving this breed at home all day isn’t the best idea, as the affectionate nature goes against isolation.
The American Cockapoo Club indicates that these dogs could display affection in a way that borders on being pushy.
These pushy behaviors include nudging your hand to receive a few snuggles or worming their way to the couch to get extra close to you.
These behaviors also include following their owners aimlessly around the house.
If you want to leave this dog alone during the day, it’s wise to crate-train them early on. This breed will require regular exercise, preferably after four hours of isolation.
A cockapoo can develop anxiety if left alone, so talk to a veterinarian if you notice these behaviors.
Try to schedule doggy daycare or a pet sitter if you’re planning to leave this breed alone for a long time.
Cockapoo Training
A cockapoo is often receptive to training because of its naturally intelligent nature and because they love pleasing its owner. Positive training works well for this breed, whether praising or offering treats.
Although the cocker spaniel side of her breed can make her a little distracted, the poodle side offsets this nature. With repetition and reward, most dogs can pick up on training efforts.
All training should start from the moment you bring your puppy home. Socializing from an early age (especially before twelve weeks old) is vital to building the dog’s confidence.
This socialization enables the dog to create experiences with new animals, people, and situations during adulthood.
Puppies need to interact with a host of people and animals, particularly in different environments.
Exposure to different objects, textures, locations, sounds, and stimuli can help develop a well-rounded personality (instead of creating fear-based interactions).
Living Needs of a Cockapoo
Thankfully, the cockapoo isn’t picky about its home environment. They seemingly adapt well to virtually any home.
The standard or maxi cockapoo will be the happiest in a house with a fenced-in yard, especially for running and playing. As long as their exercise needs are met, these dogs will thrive in an apartment just as in a house.
The cockapoo isn’t picky when it comes to other companions in the home, adapting well to other dogs or cats quickly.
These pups will require proper socialization to learn how to properly live with multiple animals, starting from an early age.
This breed’s happy and easy-going nature makes them the perfect breed for multiple pet homes.
This breed doesn’t discriminate. If you have love to give, the cockapoo will adapt and thrive.
Cockapoos love families, whether a senior living independently or a family with young children.
Over time, the pup will attach firmly to all family members, creating a solid bond between them and a lifelong companion.
Regardless of the breed, all children must learn how to handle a puppy, especially when they’re small and vulnerable. Never leave children unsupervised with a dog, even if they appear great with children.
Cockapoo with Water
Most cockapoos don’t mind water, with many pups loving a quick swim on a hot summer’s day. Many dogs will happily accompany their family to the beach or lake.
As poodle parents were bred for retrieving small game from water, it makes complete sense that the offspring hold similar water-loving tendencies.
To test the waters, expose your dog to water early, watching how they interact and play from an early age.
The Care of a Cockapoo
All cockapoos have a high-maintenance coat that requires daily brushing to prevent mats. Thankfully, these low-shedding pups don’t lose significant amounts of fur, keeping the furniture and floors clean.
The curlier the dog’s coat, the more frequently they’ll have to see a groomer for maintenance.
A pup often needs to visit the groomer every 4-6 weeks to keep the coat free of mats and tangles.
For puppies with a straighter coat (mimicking the cocker spaniel side of the breed), less frequent visits to the groomer are likely sufficient.
These dogs are relatively odorless, meaning they’ll only need a bath when absolutely necessary.
Bathing them more frequently will strip the naturally occurring oils from their fur, leaving them dry and itchy.
As the cockapoo has floppy ears, it’s essential to check them regularly. The ears can regularly trap moisture, causing ear infections or mites.
Unfortunately, with a love of swimming comes an issue with water becoming trapped in the ear canal. The trapped water often results in an ear infection, which may need antibiotics to clear.
Finally, the cockapoo often produces more ear wax in the ear, increasing the risk of ear inflammation. Always examine and clean the ears regularly, preferably once a week.
RELATED: Water in Dog’s Ears: What to Do About It
Oral Hygiene of Cockapoos
Try to brush your dog’s teeth at least a few times a week to prevent tartar buildup and bad breath.
Unfortunately, both of these traits are pretty characteristic of small breeds. Make sure your pup’s nails are regularly trimmed, preferably a couple of times a month.
A good rule of thumb? If you can hear their nails clicking against the floor, it’s probably time for a trim.
Play Time for Cockapoo Pups
Although these dogs make great couch potatoes, it’s essential to get several solid play sessions or walks in daily to stay healthy.
Most pups will only need 15 minutes of exercise daily, whether playing in the backyard or strolling through the neighborhood. Meeting other dogs at the park and having regular playmates can burn plenty of energy.
Although cockapoos can inherit high levels of intelligence from the poodle parent, they can also become excitable from the cocker spaniel parent.
Positive reinforcement will encourage your dog to show off new tricks and perform on command.
Cockapoo’s Overall Health
Typically, a cockapoo will live between 12 and 15 years but are susceptible to specific health issues within the parent breeds.
This includes a few eye disorders (cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy), luxating patellas, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, and heart disease.
A few cockapoos will develop skin disorders that cause dry, flaky skin. Like their human families, the cockapoo can develop skin allergies too.
Occasionally, hormonal issues may develop, including Cushing’s syndrome, Type I diabetes, and hypothyroidism.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
As one of the more popular dog breeds, it’s essential to find a reputable breeder when trying to find a cockapoo puppy.
Always watch for commercial dog breeding facilities, and ask your breeder for health screenings and certification.
When searching for the right cockapoo, be wary of any breeders selling multiple variations of hybrid breeds. Many times, these breeders adopt a quantity over a quality approach.
Look for reputable breeders that actually care about their dogs and know the standard guidelines of breeding.
If a breeder won’t let you meet the parent dogs, offer to ship the puppy, or let the puppy go too early, it’s probably a good indication they aren’t a reliable breeder.
Cockapoo Dog Breed Summary
After knowing that they are the crossbreed of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, you’d expect that a Cockapoo would possess the traits of each.
The temperament of Cockapoos may differ depending on their environment and training. Still, their physical appearance would clearly be a combination of the mentioned dog breeds.
Hence, if you want a cute canine companion that looks like a teddy bear, it’s about time you get yourself a Cockapoo.
Just make sure to double-check the breeder and make further research before finally deciding on raising one.
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