Cockapoo Dog Breed - Grooming, Temperament, and Lifespan

Cockapoo Breed Overview

Cockapoo is a sweet and affectionate little comedian with a nice temperament and a zest for life. As with any type of hybrid dog, the appearance of 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 miniature poodle.

The appearance of the coat, color, and odor are also hard to predict. They come in various colors ranging from black to white or a combination of colors and patterns. The coat style also varies; it could be long, medium, short or wavy, curly, or straight.

The following are the basic characteristics of a cocker poodle:

Cockapoo Puppies History

The cockapoo is the very first designer dog breed that came into existence by accidental breeding in the 1960s. The designer breed in the United States wanted a perfect family dog who is not just beautiful but a good companion. So, they crossed 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, easy-going, loving, and sweet 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 cockerpoodle a purebred.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t recognize cockapoo as a pure breed, but consider them a mixed breed dog. However, to establish the standards and get the breed recognized as a true breed, many efforts are underway by cocker poodle breeders. To create some breeding consistency, the Cockapoo Club of American was formed in 1999.

The club created a breed standard and promoted breeding multigenerational cockapoos while opposing to create a new first generation. This technique is believed to help puppies maintain the desired qualities that are not seen in all first-generation dogs.

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.

Many organizations and clubs want cockapoo to be accepted as more than just a mixed breed. They want this exceptional dog to be recognized as purebred. And, also be accepted into higher circles like elusive pure-bred classification.

Cockerpoodle’s popularity has increased over the decades. However, it may take years of careful breeding to get them recognized as a true breed. But, one thing is certain for sure. This true companion and family dog breed continue to win people’s hearts with their loving and sweet-natured personality.

Variations in Cockapoo

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.

Cockapoo Sizes and Weights

The size of a cockapoo depends on the poodle parents’ vital stats. Whether the parent poodle is a miniature, small, large, or toy poodle. Cockapoo is bred in the following four size categories:

• Teacup Toy: Less than 10 inches in height and weigh less than 6 pounds
• Toy Cockapoo: Maximum 10 inches in height and can weigh up to 12 pounds
• Miniature Cockapoo: Height ranges between 11-14 inches and weight ranges between 13-18 pounds
• Standard or Maxi Cockapoo: Minimum 15 inches in height and weigh more than 19 pounds

Cockapoo Coat Color and Appearance

The cockapoo has a single coat with different variations, and it comes down to which parent breed’s genes are dominant. The coat could be short, medium, or long, straight, curly, or wavy, but it is always soft. It is believed, but not yet guaranteed, that cockapoo inherits the low shedding quality of a poodle’s coat.

However, their coats do not need to be cut like poodles. But, they do need regular brushing to remove debris and prevent matting. Their hairs need to be trimmed to two to three inches and clipped occasionally. The hairs around the eyes should be trimmed to allow visibility.

Most of the 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, soft or tight curls. They can be groomed to look like cocker spaniel or poodle.

Cockapoo comes in a variety of colors, including:

• Red
• Black
• Brown
• White
• Blonde
• Sable
• Tan
• Cream
• Beige
• Merle

However, their coloring can be a combination of colors and patterns that can be seen in cocker and poodle.

Cockapoo Temperament and Personality

Cockapoos were bred more for temperament than for appearance. Their temperament depends on what traits they have 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 have an outgoing nature and usually get along with almost everyone. As they are companion dogs from both sides of the pedigree, they should be kept indoors with the family.

Cock-a-poos are also hunting dogs from both sides of the pedigree, so they need continuous physical activity and games. They need early training and socialization like every other dog breed. It ensures that the puppy grows to be a well-rounded dog. They need exposure to different sights, people, sounds, and experiences while they are young.

The dog loves to be with the family and can panic when left alone for a long period. They hate to be left alone, so they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They are very easy to train, but that totally depends on the parent’s temperament. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train them in manners and achieve a high level of obedience.

Cockapoo Lifespan

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.

Therefore, 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 tend to live more than those between standard poodles and American cockers.

Interesting Facts About Cockapoo Dog breed