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Home » Blog » Dog Breeds » Cockapoo Dog Breed - Grooming, Temperament, and Lifespan
Adorable cute little companion dog with a personality of a big clown, the Cockapoo is the oldest of the designer dog breeds. Cockapoo is not a pure dog breed, but, rather a mix between a Poodle and American Cocker Spaniel. Affectionate and friendly comedians with an infectious zest for life that spreads to everyone who comes in close contact, Cockapoo has the sweetest temperament of a Cocker Spaniel and charming looks of a Poodle.
Originally bred for the sole reason to create a perfect people’s companion, there aren’t many who can compete with the Cockapoo in this aspect. They are easy to train, hardly shed, quickly forgive, and are tricksters, to say the least. Cockapoos love to act cute and cuddle with their people and their happy place is none other than their owner’s lap.
Known by many other names including Cockapoo (Cock-a-Poo), Cockapoodle, Cockerdoodle, and Cockadoodle they are so utterly adorable that they can even melt the heart of a stone. Despite being recognized as one of the designer breeds, your hybrid buddies have the best of both worlds.
See below to know everything about these adorable little creatures!
Cockapoo Breed Overview
Cockapoo literally blazed the trail as one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds when they were introduced to the world. Being hybrids their appearance, coat color, weight, and size is hard to predict for obvious reasons. Their never-ending zest for life coupled with their forgiving nature and charming looks make these little comedians one of the best ESA’s one can ask for. Cockapoos are straight-up happy to be alive and therefore want everyone else to feel the same way.
Most people ask the question, why not just take the Poddle or the Cocker Spaniel instead of taking home this designer dog? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward, Cockerpoos possess both ideals. They have the sweet stable temperament of a Cocker Spaniel and the orientation of a Poodle that too with little to no shedding along with less grooming time.
This mix can rarely backfire at times and you can also end up with a submissive, urinating fearful dog, but that can happen to every mixed dog breed. In order to see more stable characteristics for Cockapoos, experienced dog breeders are trying to minimize these unstable variations (more on this later).
Following are the basic characteristics of a cocker poodle:
The cockapoo is the very first designer dog breed that came into existence by accidental breeding in the 1960s. They were bred because many people in the United States wanted a perfect family dog, not just beautiful but also a good companion. So, they crossed the American cocker spaniel and Poodle breed. That experiment resulted in a litter of puppies who were loving, easy-going, odorless, and intelligent.
The first breeding may have been accidental, but people loved this adorable, cute, and easy-going disposition. Impressed by their personality traits and caring nature, designer breeders began intentionally crossing cocker spaniel with poodles. Since then, the designer dog breeders started the long road to make the cocker poodle a purebred.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t recognize cockapoo as a pure breed, but consider them mixed breed dog. Many cocker poodle breeders are trying hard to establish standards to get the breed recognized as a true breed. To create some breeding consistency, the Cockapoo Club of America was formed in 1999.
The club created a breed standard and promoted breeding multigenerational cockapoos while opposing the creation of a new first generation. This technique is believed to help puppies maintain the desired qualities that are not seen in all first-generation dogs. However, both of these clubs are not affiliated because of two completely different philosophies.
In order to breed genuine cock-a-poo puppies, the American Cockapoo Club was formed in 2004. Another club, the North American Cockapoo Registry, is also trying to get the dog accepted as a viable breed. The club was established in 1999 and provided certifications for first-through sixth-generation cockapoo breedings.
Cockerpoodle’s popularity has increased over the decades. However, it may take years of careful breeding to get them recognized as a true breed with consistent characteristics. But, one thing is certain, this true companion dog breed continues to win people’s hearts with its loving personality.
As cockapoos are a mixed breed, they come in different variations: colors, coats, sizes, and even weights. The variation depends on the parent poodle used to breed. Cockerpoodle hybridizes the characteristics of both poodle and cocker spaniel.
They can be found in different coat styles and color variations that can be seen in both cocker spaniel and poodle. They have a wider variety of colors and combinations of colors than is usual in many other breeds.
As with any type of hybrid dog, the appearance of a cockapoo is hard to predict. Their weight and size vary depending on which type of poodle is used for breeding. Whether the poodle parent is a small, standard, or toy poodle.
Cockapoos are bred in the following four size categories:
The size of a full-grown cockapoo depends on which poodle size was used in the cross. Cockapoo full grown can range from 6 inches to 22 inches to the shoulder and weigh around 4 pounds to 30 pounds.
Whether a cockapoo is curly-coated or has a unique spotted pattern, one thing is for sure; all of them look like adorable teddy bears. The appearance of the coat, color, odor, and appearance is hard to predict. Cockapoos come in various colors ranging from black to white or a combination of colors and patterns.
The cockapoo usually has single coats with different variations mostly depending on which parent breed’s genes were dominant. The coat style also varies; it could be long, medium, short and wavy, curly, or straight, however, it’s always soft. The hairs around the eyes are to be trimmed every week to allow visibility.
Cockapoo comes in a variety of coat colors, including
However, their coloring can be a combination of colors and patterns that can be seen in cocker and poodle.
Unlike poodles, Cockapoos are not that high-maintenance dogs (still have high maintenance costs). They can be easily groomed to look like either one of their parent breeds. Their coats do not need to be cut like poodles. But, they do require regular brushing to remove debris and prevent matting.
Most cockapoos are odorless and do not need to be bathed often. They have floppy cocker ears that need to be cleaned weekly to prevent ear infections. They tend to have a variety of fur, including straight hairs, loose waves, looping curls, and soft or tight curls.
Unlike Poodles who always need to be in their show cut to look impressive, these fur balls look cute and adorable as they are. However, their hairs need to be trimmed two or three inches and clipped occasionally.
Most cockapoos have moderate energy levels, therefore they require some exercise. 15 minutes of daily exercise or some play time session in the backyard can help burn excess energy. However, the standard cockapoo needs more exercise.
Cockapoos love to be around people, and therefore can't be kept outdoors or in kennels. They suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long which can lead to destructive behavior.
Cocakadoodles would love to sleep with you on your bed, but it is recommended that you crate train them. Crate training cockapoos can help ensure they dont get into accidents in the house or get into places they shouldn't.
Cockapoos were bred more for temperament than for appearance. Their temperament depends on traits inherited from their parents. At best, they have the personality of a big clown and are not just intelligent but easy to please. They inherited the loving, friendly, and sweet nature from both parent breeds.
Cockerpoodle typically inherits the poodle’s enthusiasm and tendency to be a little joker. They are commonly known for their happy, friendly, and funny personality. They usually get along with almost everyone. As they are companion dogs from both sides of the pedigree, they love to be kept indoors with the family.
Cock-a-poos are also hunting dogs from both sides of the pedigree, therefore need continuous physical activity. They need early training and socialization like every other dog breed to become more welcoming to guests and other pets.
The lifespan of a cockapoo can be determined by the average lifespan of the parent breeds. The average life expectancy of miniature poodles is 14 years or more, and the cocker can live up to 12 years.
The average lifespan of a cockapoo is between 12-15 years. The life expectancy of cockapoo poodle mixes is about 13 years. Mixes that include English cockers or mini poodles usually live longer than those between standard poodles and American cockers.
It's recommended that you feed ¼ to ¾ cups of high-quality dry food to your cockapoo every day. Cockadoodles have a natural tendency to gain weight and therefore you shouldn’t leave food for them at all times. Regularly measure their food intake and use the hands-on test to see if you should feed them less or more.
NOTE: How much adult cockapoos or cockapoo puppies eat every day depends on their age, size, metabolism rate, and weight.
Cavapoo and cockapoo are both descendants of poodles, which makes them very similar. They also have similar personalities and characteristics, which makes it difficult to decide which puppy to buy. The following Cockapoo vs Cavapoo comparison chart might help you make a decision.
Like any other dog, whether mixes, crossbreed, or purebred, cockapoo dogs are also prone to some health problems. They can be susceptible to the health problems of both poodle and cocker spaniel. However, there are chances that genetic diversity introduced by mixing two breeds reduces the risk of inheriting specific diseases. But, genetic variation makes it difficult to predict.
Cockerpoodles may or may not suffer from one or more of the following health problems:
Ear infections are common in cockapoos because of their floppy ears. The ears can catch debris, dirt, and moisture causing plague affliction. Therefore, it is important to check and clean the dog’s ears regularly.
It is an inherited condition in which the hip joint is partially or entirely distorted. In other words, the thigh bone does not fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs might show pain, and lameness or some may be reluctant to rise, move, jump, or run. However, there are no specific signs, and the best way of diagnosis is X-ray screening.
It is another joint problem also known as slipped stifles and most common in small dogs. It is a condition in which the knee joint slides in or out, causing pain.
It is an inherited eye condition that causes opacity in the eye lens, leading to a decrease in vision. It usually occurs in old age and can be removed by surgery to improve vision.
Cockapoo inherits this condition from cocker spaniel parents. It is a condition in which one or more heart valves do not work properly. The blood flows backward in the heart, which makes the heart less efficient. Early diagnosis can help extend life, but in later stages, the condition leads to death.
Liver diseases are becoming prevalent in cocker spaniels in two forms: copper toxicosis and chronic active hepatitis. Both conditions may or may not be genetic; no one is certain at this point. Diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, and change in behavior like depression or irritability are a few symptoms.
This health problem is prevalent in every dog breed, and cockapoo is no exception. They experience three main types of allergies:
Wondering Which F Type & What Size Cockapoo? Well, we can confirm one thing all the F-type litters can have different looks and different coats even if they are in the same litter.
NOTE: All cockapoo pups look the same until they are 5 weeks old. Never listen to a breeder who asks you to pick up your cockapoo pup until 6 weeks old or you can end up with an undesirable coat type, color, or both.
People usually acquire Cockerpoodle without having a clear understanding of what goes into owning one. And then dogs end up in one of the rescue groups for adoption or fostering. Therefore, always buy cockapoos from a reputable breeder and not from the backyard breeders who only breed them for money.
If you are interested in taking a cockapoo home then it's best to first look for them in rescue groups instead of googling terms like “cockapoo puppies for sale”, or “cockapoo for sale near me”. Here are a number of cockapoo rescue groups that specialize in cockapoos and can be contacted for adoption.
The cockapoo price entirely depends on the cockapoo breeder’s locale. It also varies from breeder to breeder and demand in your area. However, you should expect to pay somewhere between $1000 and $3000.
Some breeders may provide cheaper puppies who may not have obtained health clearance from the puppy’s parents. Without relevant health checks, cheaper puppies might cost you more in the long run.
Always make sure the puppy you are going to buy is raised by a responsible breeder in a healthy environment. Also, the puppy is from healthy parents with health clearance.
Cockapoos are well-known ESA’s all because of their friendly, sweet, and loving personalities. They are also famous as family pets and true companion dogs. They can make a great emotional support animal for their owner. They don't just have a playful and gentle temperament, but they are also suitable as watchdogs.
To make your cockapoo an ESA, get a legitimate ESA letter from a certified mental health professional. The ESA letter states your mental disability and makes you eligible to live and travel with your ESA. There are some pros and cons that you should know before getting a cockapoo.
| Pros | Cons |
| Family dog | Cannot live alone for too long |
| Very friendly, Loving, and Loyal | Require lots of exercises |
| True companion | Prone to barking |
| Clown personality | Always look for games and activities |
| Low shedding | Needs lots of mental stimulation |
| Easy to train | High maintenance |
When you decide you get a cockapoo as an ESA, just contact RealESALetter.com to get a legitimate ESA letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Three types of cocker spaniels are used to breed cockapoo:
Any of these 3 cocker spaniels is mixed with any size of the poodle to produce a cockapoo.
Cockapoos do not bark frequently as they are not territorial dogs. They have a calm and gentle temperament. However, if they are left alone for a longer period, they tend to bark due to separation anxiety.
Yes, they were actually bred to be companion dogs which is the reason they are marvelous family dogs. They have a playful, outgoing, and friendly temperament.
Yes, they can be left alone but only for a short period of time, i.e. 6 to 8 hours. If they are left alone for more than that, they will suffer from separation anxiety and that could result in destructive behavior.
The cockapoo is an energetic and lively dog breed. This dog breed’s highly intelligent nature has a downside of boredom. They should be provided with plenty of exercises and fun activities to keep them entertained. Otherwise, they may become hyperactive and choose unusual or destructive behavior to have fun.
A cockapoo is a beautiful small mixed dog breed that is born as a result of a cross between a Poodle and an English Cocker Spaniel.
Yes, cockapoos are one of the Hypoallergenic dog breeds that dont produce a lot of dander or hair. These small dogs are a blessing for people who suffer from allergies.
Wondering how big miniature cockapoos get? A mini cockapoo can grow 11 to 14 inches tall.
Wondering how big do full grown toy cockapoos get? A toy cockapoo can reach a little less than 10” inches tall at max height.
Wondering how big full-grown standard cockapoos get? The standard cockapoo is the most unpredictable when it comes to size and weight. They can reach a height of 18” inches and weigh around 20 to 26 pounds.
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