Cockapoo: Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix

The diversity of poodles is amazing, and that also goes for the Cockapoo. This marvelous dog is a mix of two breeds: the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, particularly the miniature poodle. The Cockapoo is a small breed, but its size can vary depending on its poodle parent, whether it was a toy, miniature, or standard poodle. 

You will generally find a Cockapoo can weigh between 6-30ibs, and its height can range from 10-20 inches. It has a long coat and can come in a range of colors. 

Generally, the common colors you will find for Cockapoos coats are black, red, apricot, chocolate, cream, and more. Some Cockapoos have markings on their chest, which allows them to become easily identifiable. 

What is the Cocker Spaniel Mix like?

What sets Cockapoos apart from other breeds is that they’re intelligent and have a warm, soft sweet nature. You can’t help but love this beautiful breed. Part of the reason their temperament is like this is that they were bred to be companion dogs. 

🐶 Other Spaniel doodles I’ve also written about are the Cavapoo and the Springerdoodle, so make sure you check them out as well.

If you love the outdoors, this poodle will love to accompany you as they like to be active. Whether you’re playing fetch, chase, or even mental games, they will love to join in on the fun. However, due to their ancestor’s two purebred breeds, you can’t entirely predict what temperament they will inherit. 

For example, some Cockapoos may be highly intelligent as they may inherit more genetics from their poodle parent, whereas others could be bored easily. 

Be careful if you have a cockapoo and you notice it getting bored as it could become self-destructive. Do note that their parents, the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, are hyperactive breeds that love to hunt and play. Therefore be considerate you raise your Cockapoo in the right environment to get good physical and mental stimulation. 

Who bread the first Cockapoo?

The Cockapoo is no new dog breed to this world; in fact, it’s rumored that it’s already been around for 7 generations! Initially, this dog originated from the United States, and it is believed it first came into existence around the 1960s. 

Currently, the American Kennel Club does not acknowledge Cockapoos as a breed; however, some breeders are trying to get the hybrid breed officially recognized. 

Are cockapoos good family dogs?

In today’s world, you will see many families choosing to commonly own Cockapoos. Their friendly, confident, and loving temperament allow them to bond with many members of the family. Cockapoos constantly show and demonstrate their love for you by climbing onto your lap and cuddling you, just like the Maltipoo, the Schnoodle and the Doxiepoo.

They’re not shy around strangers either; their energetic personality allows them to jump and say hello to anyone. This personality trait can fit into any new home and bond with new family members easily. 

Similarly, due to its parent’s genetics, the Cockapoo is highly intelligent. This is also a good sign as their intelligent nature makes them easy to train. It’s for this reason; they will quickly learn rules and bond to their new surroundings, causing little trouble.

Are they hypoallergenic?

All dogs are prone to shedding some dog dander and triggering allergies. Similarly, because it inherits genetics from its Poodle parent, it may cause some allergies. However, apart from that, a Cockapoo cannot be defined as truly hypoallergenic. 

We say this because the coat of a Cockapoo can vary a great deal, and it’s often hard to detect if each coat is hypoallergenic or not. Similarly, the coat changes as it grows older, so at first, it’s hard to see if it’s hypoallergenic. 

Plus, the coat can vary on its pattern of inheritance. For instance, a Cockapoo’s mixes can be anything between F1, F2, and F3. Similarly, it also depends on the owner’s autoimmune response as they could find themselves allergic to their saliva or even fur.

Cockapoo health issues

Often a Cockapoos parents, i.e., a Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, have very few health problems. Just because they do, it’s not always the same for a Cockapoo itself. 

This breed is a rather popular dog and high in demand, and not always the cheapest to buy. Because of this, those who choose to purchase cheaper Cockapoos may find a range of health problems if the breeder has not treated them right.

Apart from that, Cockapoos don’t tend to have many health problems. However, they could be prone to the following:

• Glaucoma- This is an eye condition that can damage the Cockapoos optic nerve. This is often caused by a large amount of pressure on their eyes. If glaucoma gets out of hand, this could lead to them becoming blind or severely damaged eyesight.
• Familial neuropathy– If your Cockapoo inherits more genetics from its Cocker Spaniel parent, it could become prone to Familial Neuropathy. This is a progressive disease that is common in Cocker Spaniels, causing damage to their kidneys. Their kidneys’ walls are abnormal and prevent waste from being discredited properly from the blood and urine.
• Progressive Renal Atrophy– A disease that causes the Cockapoos retina to degenerate. As a result, their vision deteriorates, and they can become blind.
• Hip Dysplasia- As their parents are small breeds, Cockapoos can be prone to inheriting genetic conditions and often having hip dysplasia. This is otherwise known as a joint deformity and becomes painful to the Cockapoo as it grows older.
• Von Willebrand Disease- If a Cockapoo inherits more characteristics from its Poodle parent, it could be prone to having the Von Willebrand Disease. This is a blood disorder that prevents blood from clotting. Because of this, Cockapoos could bruise easily, have regular nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding following surgery, and more. 

Can Cockapoo be left alone or live outside?

If you and your family have a busy lifestyle, you may be wanting to know if this breed is ok to be left alone. Well, they can do anything from 2-8 hours at a time when they’re older. However, if they are still in the puppy stage, they mustn’t be left alone.

Cockapoo puppies must be nurtured and have regular care. Similarly, you must be home a lot while they’re young to prevent them from having regular potty mishaps. It’s also essential while young that they become familiar with the home and scatter their scent across the house.  

Once they become older, they will become comfortable with their surroundings. Do note if you leave them too long, they could become destructive or stressed, causing bad behavior. 

Cockapoos are not only intelligent but highly adaptable and can live in any home, as long as it’s indoors. As mentioned above, they require companionship, and if they live outdoors, they will develop separation anxiety. It’s also important that you don’t leave them in a crate indoors all day long; they need to have room to play and explore. 

What is the coat of a Cockapoo like?

This variety in coat types is one of the distinguishing features of cocker spaniel and poodle mixes. It is influenced by the genetics of both the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel parent breeds.

If a Cockapoo has a coat more similar to a Poodle, it tends to be curly and dense, with a soft and springy texture. This type of coat often requires regular grooming to prevent matting and to maintain its appearance.

On the other hand, if a Cockapoo has a coat more similar to a Cocker Spaniel, it tends to be wavy rather than curly. This type of coat can be a bit looser and have a silky texture. While it still requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best, it may not require as much maintenance as the curly coat.

Lastly, some Cockapoos can have coats that resemble the straighter coat of a Cocker Spaniel. This type of coat is typically shorter in length and can be relatively low maintenance in terms of grooming.

Regardless of the coat type, Cockapoos are known for being low-shedding dogs, making them a popular choice for those with allergies or who prefer a cleaner home environment.

Do they shed?

A common question many dog owners want to know the answer to is if they shed. However, if you own a cockapoo, you’ll be pleased to know that they shed less than some other breeds. Generally, the Cockapoo has two coats, one when they’re a puppy and the other when they’ve grown up. Therefore you may experience shedding once they come into adulthood due to their change of coat.

Similarly, depending on what parent’s genetics it inherits, some Cockapoos may shed more than others. Lastly, when the seasons change, i.e., a Cockapoo may shed from winter to summer as it’s already well insulated. 

How should I groom my Cockapoo?

For Cockapoos with a curly or wavy coat, daily brushing is necessary to prevent matting and tangling. Use a slicker brush or comb to gently remove any tangles or loose hairs. You may also consider using a detangling spray or conditioner to make brushing easier.

Bathing should be done every 4-6 weeks or as needed. Use a gentle dog shampoo and conditioner to keep their coat clean and soft. Make sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any skin irritation.

Trimming their coat is also important. You can either take your Cockapoo to a professional groomer or learn to trim their coat at home. If you prefer to groom at home, invest in a good pair of clippers or grooming scissors specifically made for dogs. Trim the coat evenly, paying special attention to areas like the face, ears, paws, and tail.

Do not forget to regularly clean your Cockapoo’s ears. Their floppy ears can be prone to infections, so gently wipe them out using a damp cotton ball or ear cleaning solution. Regularly checking their ears for any signs of redness, discharge, or foul odor is important.

Lastly, don’t forget to maintain good dental hygiene. Brush your Cockapoo’s teeth regularly using a dog toothbrush and toothpaste. This helps to prevent tartar buildup and keeps their breath fresh.

Remember to be patient and gentle while grooming your Cockapoo. Reward them with treats or praise to make the experience positive. If you are unsure about any aspect of grooming, consult with a professional groomer or your veterinarian for guidance. 

Are they easy to train?

We know that Cockapoos have intelligent personalities, which makes them great and easy to train. Because of their smart nature, they’re quick to learn obedience tricks through positive reinforcement. They easily respond to facial expressions, gestures, and verbal commands.

Cockapoo Temperament

Just like all dogs, a Cockapoo must have regular daily exercise. The daily exercise they require is only around 15 minutes as they have a moderate energy level. 

You may find some Cockapoos more hyperactive than others if they become bored. To keep their energy at bay, we recommend playing fetch, chase, and taking it for regular walks and runs.

How big does a cocker spaniel poodle mix get?

The height of a Cockapoo can depend on whether it’s a toy, miniature, or standard. Typically a toy Cockapoo can reach up to 10 inches tall; a miniature Cockapoo can go to 11-14 inches tall, and finally, a standard Cockapoo can grow up to 15 inches tall.

Cockapoo life expectancy

A Cockapoo can live up to 15+ years, depending on the environment it lives in. However, on average, you can expect a Cockapoo to live up to 11-12 years.

Where can I find a reputable Cockapoo breeder?

Here are a few reputable places where you can find Cockapoo breeders:

1. The American Cockapoo Club: This club can provide you with a list of breeders who follow strict guidelines for ethical breeding practices. Their website is a good resource for finding responsible breeders.
2. Local dog shows and events: Attend local dog shows, agility trials, or other dog events in your area. You can meet reputable breeders in person and have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about their breeding practices.
3. Recommendations from local veterinarians or dog clubs: Reach out to local veterinarians and dog clubs in your area and ask for recommendations. They may be able to point you in the direction of reputable breeders they trust.

Remember, when you find a potential breeder, do your research and ask them questions about health testing, socialization, and any guarantees or contracts they offer. Reputable breeders will be happy to answer your questions and provide any necessary information to ensure the well-being of their puppies. 

Cost of a Cockapoo puppy

The price spectrum for a Cockapoo is quite broad, and you can expect to pay anything from $500 to $2,500. Price can change due to the breeder and the dog itself. Plus, you can find the price may vary due to the coat color, health background, genetics, parent’s bloodlines, age, and breeder’s history.

You may find cheaper Cockapoos outside of this price range, but be careful if you are buying cheaply as the Cockapoo could come from a puppy farm and may not have been raised properly.

Final Thoughts

Cockapoos are intelligent dogs and are highly adaptable to any home. Their personality makes them a great addition to any family as they’re quick learners and not shy with strangers. Generally, they only have two coats and only shed due to them coming into adulthood, a change of season, or depending on their genetics.

Cockapoos tend not to be hypoallergenic, and just like other breeds, they may shed some dander. Their price can range from $500-$2,500 due to many factors based on their characteristics and the breeder’s ability. Similarly, be careful buying Cockapoos at a lower price as they may come from a puppy farm.

Do you own a Cockapoo? Let us know any more interesting facts about them below.