Cockapoo

• Cockapoos were the first of the “designer” crossbreeds of dogs, making their debut in the 1950s.
• Most Cockapoos are a cross between a Poodle and American Cocker Spaniels. But when a Poodle is crossed with an English Cocker Spaniel (a separate breed from the American Cocker), it’s called a “Spoodle.” Enthusiasts of the hybrid breed have been working to create a distinction between Spoodles and Cockapoos.
• There are four different sizes of Cockapoos. The smallest is the Teacup Cockapoo, weighing less than 6 lbs when fully grown. Toy Cockapoos are 7 to 12 lbs, with Miniature Cockapoos coming in 13 to 18 lbs. Maxi Cockapoos are often from a Standard Poodle and Cocker Spaniel parent and weigh 19+ lbs. as adults.
• Cockapoos are a poodle mix, and while poodles and their crosses are often considered hypoallergenic (and therefore better for people who are allergic to dogs), this is not always the case. Every dog, every person, and every situation can be different. However, if a Cockapoo has inherited more of a Poodle-type coat, it will shed less than many other breeds.

Breed Summary

Lifespan

12 to 16 years

Weight

7 - 30 pounds

10 - 17 inches tall

Energy level

Mall Walker

Breed Group

No official breed group. Parents can be part of the Toy, Non-sporting or Sporting group.

This playful and happy breed has been a popular “designer dog” ever since, and breeders are working towards a breed standard to receive formal recognition of the breed by official breed clubs. However, different Cockapoo associations and groups have differing beliefs as far as whether Cockapoos should be multi-generational (a Cockapoo bred to another Cockapoo) versus always a cross between a purebred Poodle and Cocker, or backcrossing a Cockapoo with a purebred Poodle or Cocker.

Cockapoo behavior & training

Cockapoos are incredibly intelligent, having the smarts of both the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. There is no way to predict how much of each parent breed’s typical training idiosyncrasies a Cockapoo will have. Beyond genetics, a dog’s behavior is also affected by environment, learning, and their individual personality. However, both parent breeds are eager to please, playful, and loyal dogs that are a joy to train.

Do Cockapoos get along with others?

• The Cocker Spaniel parent breed is typically quite social, while the Poodle tends to be a bit more reserved when meeting new people and other animals. Like all dog breeds, the Cockapoo needs proper proactive exposure to new sights, sounds, people, dogs, and other animals as a young puppy to help prevent any future fear from developing.
• This breed can do well with children, as long as care has been taken to properly socialize them from puppyhood and encourage positive and respectful interactions. Young children and dogs should always be supervised, and it’s helpful for a dog to have their own “safe space” where they can go when they need some quiet time.
• A Cockapoo can do well with other pets in the home when properly introduced and socialized from puppyhood.

Exercise and mental enrichment

Cockapoos have the energy and stamina of a Spaniel and crave the active lifestyle of a Poodle. Daily exercise is needed to keep a Cockapoo at a healthy weight. Physical activity also helps prevent separation anxiety. Daily walks and playtime are excellent ways to exercise a Cockapoo, as well as playing fetch or tug.

To keep their brain sharp and prevent unwanted behaviors, Cockapoos need mental enrichment activities. Teach new tricks, attend obedience classes, join a dog sport, and provide daily dog puzzles and interactive toys. Change out toys and puzzles periodically to provide much-needed variety for these smart dogs. Cockapoo puppies will benefit greatly from brain games, as they prevent boredom and give appropriate outlets for normal puppy behaviors like chewing.

Common Behavioral Issues

Cockapoos are a breed that often suffers from separation anxiety. They love and need companionship — it’s what we bred them for! Providing your Cockapoo with positive exposure to alone time from puppyhood will help prevent or minimize any separation anxiety. It’s much easier to prevent than to treat once it’s started. Make alone time a positive and relaxing experience for your Cockapoo.

Activities the Cockapoo Enjoys

Cockapoos do well in many different activities:

• Agility
• Flyball
• Therapy Dog
• Nosework / Tracking

Grooming and care

The Cockapoo can have a variation of the sleek and straighter Spaniel coat or the more wiry and curly Poodle coat. Both are low-shedding. Poodle crosses are often considered hypoallergenic (or less likely to cause an allergic reaction). But remember every dog, every person, and every situation can be different. Cockapoos come in any colors that are seen in the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel breeds.

The combination of two higher-maintenance coats from the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle means a Cockapoo requires consistent grooming to keep their coat from tangling. If your Cockapoo’s coat is allowed to grow long, it requires thorough daily combing (down to the skin) to prevent matting and tangles. Many Cockapoo owners opt to have their dog groomed in the popular “puppy cut” (a shorter length all over the body). Professional grooming should be done every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the owner’s preference for coat length.

A Cockapoo should have their ears cleaned regularly, as this breed can be prone to ear infections thanks to their Spaniel parentage. The hair on the inside of the ears should be kept short to help promote air circulation and prevent infection. Pair ear cleaning with regular nail trimming and teeth brushing.

Introducing your Cockapoo puppy to positive and calm handling and grooming experiences will go a long way in making grooming appointments easy and stress-free.

Best Brush for a Cockapoo: Slicker brush, Pin comb, Bristle brush

Cockapoos in pop culture

The Cockapoo is well-liked among celebrities.

Famous Owners of the Cockapoo

• Lady Gaga (Singer)
• Harry Styles (Singer)
• Billie Joe Armstrong (Singer)
• Carly Stenson (Actress)
• Ashley Judd (Actress)
• Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola (Reality Star)
• Jensen Ackles and Daneel Harris Ackles (Actors)
• Maria Shriver (Journalist)
• Lynda La Plante (Author)
• Minka Kelly (Actress)

Famous Cockapoos