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Home > Dogs > Dog Breeds > Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel & Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More!

Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel & Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More!

cockapoo

If you’re looking for a friendly and playful dog who’s also happy just to snuggle on the couch with you, meet the Cockapoo. A mix of a Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle, the Cockapoo carries a huge personality in a medium-sized body.

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

Known for being great with kids and other animals, these popular dogs enjoy walks, jogs, swimming, and interacting with their owners. Getting the affectionate and loving aspects of their personality from their Cocker Spaniel parentage combined with intelligence and loyalty from the Miniature Poodle, they make wonderful additions to any family. If they receive adequate exercise through walks or active playtime in a well-secured area, they can thrive in apartments and don’t require much space to be happy.

If you like the idea of a smart and loving dog who also resembles a teddy bear, read on for more information about this charming breed.

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 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.
Lifespan:
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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.
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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Cockapoo Puppies

Cockapoos
Image By: drone.studio, Shutterstock

The Cockapoo requires a moderate amount of exercise each day to stay healthy and ward off boredom. Usually, two 30-minute sessions of walks or playtime should be sufficient. Training these intelligent dogs tends to be easy, as they are eager to please and love learning new things. These social dogs don’t like to be left alone for long periods. Your dog will be happiest with you, either having an outdoor adventure or settling in to watch your favorite show. Their long lifespan will give you a loyal companion for many years.

Cockapoos are generally healthy, although they are still prone to their parent breed’s health issues. With enough exercise, a high-quality dog food, and lots of love, your pup will grow into a happy and healthy dog.

Parent_breeds_Cockapoo
Image Credit: Pixabay

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cockapoo

They are sweet, loving, playful, and affectionate dogs who are very intelligent and quick to learn. The Cockapoo is a social dog who wants nothing more than to be with people. The combination of sweet and smart make this a highly-desired dog for single people, couples, and families with children.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?👪

The Cockapoo is an ideal family pet. They are known for being gentle and calm around children and love their family members. They want nothing more than to be in the mix with everyone, whether it’s playing outside in a yard or park, going for walks, or just hanging out and enjoying everyone’s company. They’re happy to run around with the kids or snooze next to them on the couch. They’re also very silly and entertaining, a trait they inherit from their Miniature Poodle parentage. Their antics will likely keep the family laughing.

Cockapoo Family-Pixabay
Image By: Pixabay

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

They’re easy-going and inquisitive, so they tend to get along well with other pets. Cockapoos are often the social butterflies of the dog parks, so they enjoy playing with other dogs and don’t seem to mind other animals (like cats) in their homes. Their gentle and laid-back attitude allows them to be very accepting.

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Things to Know When Owning a Cockapoo:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

It’s so easy to reward your Cockapoo with food and treats but be careful! Avoid feeding your pup too many calories because this breed is prone to being overweight. They also tend to be allergic to certain grains, so a high-quality, grain-free kibble is best. Allergies to their food present as itchy skin, gastrointestinal troubles, and skin or ear infections. Make a trip to the vet if you think your dog may be having allergic reactions to food.

A typical adult Cockapoo should be eating around 1-2 cups of food per day, divided into two meals. The correct amount is determined by the dog’s weight. Puppies will need more food, ranging from ¼  to ½  cup of puppy kibble 3-4 times per day. If you’re concerned about what to feed your dog and how much, we always recommend asking your vet, as different dogs can require different dietary choices.

Cockapoo-Pixabay
Image By: Pixabay

Exercise 🐕

A moderate amount of exercise is required to keep your Cockapoo happy and healthy. If they become bored and have energy that they can’t burn, they will resort to their own devices. Destruction, being overly vocal, and other undesirable behavior can occur if your dog isn’t properly exercised. Luckily, you don’t have to be an avid jogger or hiker to keep this pup satisfied. A brisk 30-minute walk in the morning and evening will be enough. If you wanted to throw a ball for 10 or 15 minutes, even better. Your Cockapoo will love a game of fetch almost as much as they love you.

Training 🎾

The Cockapoo is a social dog, but this doesn’t mean you can skip socializing your puppy. Proper socialization is important to help your dog thrive and be the life of the party they were meant to be. Since your dog is naturally friendly and super smart, training and socialization classes should be fun and effective.

Cockapoo Exercise-Pixabay
Image By: Pixabay

Grooming ✂️

Get your puppy used to grooming while they’re still young by brushing them once a day for a few minutes with a soft brush. As they grow older, their coat will grow longer. To avoid matting, grooming is required. If your dog has a curly coat, the matting is even more of an issue. Haircuts, baths, nail trimming, and teeth brushing are all parts of the grooming routine for a Cockapoo. Haircuts keep your dog cool and comfortable and stop painful matting, which can irritate the skin. Baths not only clean your dog’s fur but also keep their skin hydrated and soft. Nail trimming will keep your dog’s nails from becoming overgrown and causing damage to the paws. Teeth brushing will help keep dental disease at bay. You can learn to do all of this yourself or take your dog to a professional grooming salon where they will provide the necessary services. And, as mentioned above, always make sure you regularly keep your dog’s ears clean and dry to avoid infections.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Cockapoos don’t have to suffer many of the health conditions of their parent breeds, but they aren’t completely free from genetic health issues. In addition to bringing your dog to the vet for their yearly checkup, keep an eye out for signs of the following conditions.

Minor Conditions
  • Glaucoma
  • Obesity
  • Hyperthyroidism
Serious Conditions
  • Luxating Patella
  • Hip Dysplasia

Glaucoma, obesity, and hyperthyroidism are some conditions that can affect your dog over time. Your vet will check your dog’s eyes and weight during an exam and tell you if a diet change is necessary or any vision changes are noted. A blood test will check your dog’s thyroid function to make sure that isn’t the cause of any fluctuations in weight.

The Cockapoo is susceptible to Luxating Patella and Hip Dysplasia. Your vet will use radiography to check your dog’s joints and monitor them if you notice any limping, stiffness, or inability to walk for long periods.

Male vs Female

The decision to add a male or female Cockapoo to your household is up to you, with a few key factors to keep in mind. Females tend to be slightly smaller than males. Aside from that, the main difference is personality.

Every dog, no matter the gender, is going to have his or her unique personality. There are some specific differences though in male and female Cockapoos. Both are extremely loving and affectionate, but females can have more of an independent nature. Females also tend to be more stubborn than males.

Males can become aggressive as they age and begin to mark their territory – including inside your home.

The good news is these characteristics can be curbed by spaying or neutering your dog. By eliminating the hormonal desire to act in certain undesirable ways, you can let your dog’s true personality shine through. If you aren’t planning to breed your dog, always spay or neuter to not only avoid adding to the overpopulation of dogs, but to avoid certain health problems for your dog in the future.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Cockapoo

1. While they are considered a “designer” dog breeding, they’re not new.

The Cockapoo came on the scene in the United States back in the 1950s. People loved their sweet nature and the fact that they were low-shedding dogs. While the first breeding between a Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle was thought to be accidental, the resulting puppies were so pleasing that the breeding then became intentional.


2. They may be relatively low-maintenance but their ears are not!

They have long, heavy, droopy ears that cover the ear canal and can significantly block airflow. Trapped dirt and moisture in the ear can lead to ear infections. It’s very important to thoroughly dry your Cockapoo’s ears after they’ve been swimming or had a bath. Regular cleaning can help remove dirt and earwax. By paying attention to your pup’s ears, you can help them avoid this painful condition as much as possible.


3. They aren’t recognized by the AKC.

While a breed itself, the Cockapoo is still considered a mixed breed by the AKC and therefore unable to be registered with them. This fact doesn’t make them any less desirable. They’re proving to be more popular than many pure breeds.

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Final Thoughts

The Cockapoo is a wonderful dog to add to your home if you’re looking for a loving companion who is good with children and other pets. This affectionate and intelligent dog is happy, silly, and will keep you entertained with its antics.

Cockapoos were bred to be companion dogs because of their temperaments and low-shedding coats. While they will require some grooming to keep their coat and skin healthy, they are a very popular breed choice.

Requiring only moderate exercise each day to be happy, the Cockapoo is a dog that easily fits into any lifestyle. You can play outside all day or curl up on the couch together. Your dog is happy just to be with you. If you want a sweet, good-natured, laid-back dog that loves everyone, the Cockapoo is right for you.


Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock

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