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Black Cockapoo: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Dogster Team

Black Cockapoo: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)

There are so many dog breeds out there, it can be hard to pick a favorite. One breed that you should take a look at is the Black Cockapoo.

Breed Overview

Height:

16 – 22 inches

Weight:

25 – 40 pounds

Lifespan:

12 – 15 years

Colors:

Red, apricot, cream, white, chocolate, black, merle, tri-colored, tuxedo

Suitable for:

Active families, children, apartment dwellers, those looking for a social dog

Temperament:

Loving, friendly, intelligent, laid-back, easy to train

This designer-breed dog has a great personality, and their history is full of interesting details. So, how long have these dogs been around, are they an AKC-recognized breed, and what are unique facts about them?

We answer all those questions for you here and teach you more about these adorable pups along the way.

Cockapoo Characteristics

Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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The Earliest Records of Black Cockapoos in History

The earliest records of the Cockapoo start in the 1960s. Many people refer to the Cockapoo as the “earliest designer dog,” but most “purebred” breeds started as designer dogs at some point.

While the Cockapoo started to grow in popularity in the 1960s, Poodle and Cocker Spaniels were likely bred together before that time. The Cockapoos simply weren’t viewed as desirable until then.

Black Cockapoo
Image by: Olle August, Pixabay

How Black Cockapoos Gained Popularity

While the first known Cockapoo came about by accident in the 1960s, it’s not hard to see why this breed is so popular today. They come in many color variations, but black is one of the most prevalent.

These dogs are soft, cuddly, hypoallergenic, and extremely friendly, which are all great traits g. They’re also small dogs with low exercise requirements, making them excellent for those who want a companion animal and not a working dog.

Formal Recognition of the Black Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a crossbreed between the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel, and while both of those breeds have received formal AKC recognition, the Cockapoo has not.

The Cockapoo is a “designer breed,” which simply means it’s a highly sought-after crossbreed that doesn’t have any formal recognition. Still, with so many Cockapoos out there, it’s common to have a Cockapoo that came from multiple generations of “purebred” Cockapoos.

But unfortunately, without any formal recognition, this can be a challenging thing to keep track of. Also, even though the Cockapoo is an older designer breed, it doesn’t look like any formal recognition of the breed is on the horizon.

Close up portrait of beautiful black cockapoo
Image by: Stephm2506, Shutterstock

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Top 5 Unique Facts About the Black Cockapoo

1. Cockapoos Are Hypoallergenic

Since both Poodles and Cocker Spaniels have hypoallergenic traits, it doesn’t matter much which parent the Cockapoo takes after more, as they’ll be hypoallergenic too.


2. Cockapoos Are Extremely Intelligent

This is another case where it doesn’t matter what parent the puppy takes after more. While Poodles are well-known for their intelligence, Cocker Spaniels are smart dogs too.


3. Cockapoos Can Have Different Traits

This is a big reason that the Cockapoo doesn’t qualify for AKC or any other type of formal registration. Cockapoos can take more after their Poodle or Cocker Spaniel parent, making it hard to know exactly what you’re getting.

This is especially true for first-generation Cockapoos. As the generations continue, the breed does become more homogenized.

Black cockapoo running
Image by: Marla White, Shutterstock

4. Cockapoos Are Quiet Dogs

If you want a dog that doesn’t yap much, the Cockapoo is generally an outstanding choice. Compared to many other dog breeds out there, they tend to be a little quieter. But keep in mind that your dog’s personality plays a big role in this, so it’s possible to get a noisy Cockapoo.


5. Cockapoos Range From 12 to 65 Pounds

Cockapoos take after the different traits of their parents. There are miniature and full-size Poodles, and this makes for a wide range of size possibilities for Cockapoos. They can be as small as 12 pounds, but you can also find 65-pound Cockapoos out there!

Whether you want a small or big dog, you can still get a Cockapoo.

A black cockapoo puppy lying down in a garden on a sunny morning with a chew between it's paws
Image by: Chris JG White, Shutterstock

Does Black Cockapoo Make a Good Pet?

Yes! Not only are Black Cockapoos extremely adorable, but they’re also sought after because of their good temperament and behavior. They make great family pets, and they can even do well with people with pet allergies. While no dog is completely allergy free, since Cockapoos don’t shed, they can make a great hypoallergenic choice.

Other traits that make the Black Cockapoo a great family pet are their high intelligence, desire to please, and relatively minimal exercise requirements. They still require a great deal of attention, though, so only get a Black Cockapoo if you have the time to devote to these loving dogs!

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Summing Up

If you’re looking for a great addition to your home, consider getting a Black Cockapoo. They are extremely adorable and make great family pets that you’ll love having around!

People have adored them for about 80 years, and they’re not going to become less popular any time soon!


Featured Image Credit: Kimberley Rennie, Shutterstock

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