Cockapoo: Breed Information
Fact sheet
- Breed name: Cockapoo / Spoodle
- Classification: Poodle-cross or ‘oodle’
- Size: small - medium
- Coat: long
- Colour: gold, cream, black, brown, red, apricot, white or a patchy/freckled mix
- Personality: friendly, playful
- Family-friendly: yes
- Friendly with other pets: yes
Cockapoo Background
The Cockapoo is a gentle, intelligent dog breed that belongs to the poodle-mix classification, like the Cavoodle and Labradoodle. The breed is a mix between the Miniature Poodle and Cocker Spaniel and was first bred in the USA in the 1960s.
Like most of the oodle family, these outgoing dogs have become increasingly popular in the past decade as family-friendly pets.
Physical Appearance of the Cockapoo
Cockapoos really vary in size depending on the build of their parents, but the four main categories are:
- The teacup toy (weighing approximately 2 kg),
- The toy Cockapoo (weighing approximately 5 kg),
- The miniature Cockapoo (weighing approximately 7 kg)
- The standard Cockapoo (weighing approximately 9 kg)
The appearance of the Cockapoo is tricky to pin down, as they can look either more like a Cocker Spaniel or Poodle. Furthermore, they come in a rainbow of colour combinations - from black to cream, to red or a patchy combination. Their coat can be soft and feathery, or more curly and thick.
The Cockapoo has a solid body and teddy-bear face, with long ears that droop downward. Their tail is also long, and most breeders leave it undocked.
Cockapoo Behaviour and Temperament
Cockapoos are family-friendly companions that get along well with all members of the household. For example, most Cockapoos get along swimmingly with children, other dogs, and even cats. However, as with all dogs, it’s important to socialise your Cockapoo from puppyhood so they grow into confident and friendly adult dogs.
The Cockapoo loves to cuddle and relax, but also has a curious and inquisitive nature. As such, these dogs love training and mental challenges.
Training and Exercising Cockapoos
Cockapoos are high-energy dogs that need daily exercise in the form of a run or walk. They love romping around with other dogs, so a trip to the dog park is a good way to burn some energy.
This breed loves to please, and makes an ideal candidate for training, although some more Poodle-like Cockapoos can be a little headstrong. However, with patience and persistence, your Cockapoo will pass with flying colours!
Living with a Cockapoo
One of the most appealing features of the Cockapoo breed is its hypoallergenic coat, which is perfect for allergy sufferers. Furthermore, they don’t shed, so you won’t need to constantly vacuum and brush out your clothes! However, the payoff is that they do need regular grooming to keep their gorgeous coat in check.
The Cockapoo is a very sociable breed and is best not left alone for long periods of time. They are also happy to live in small or large homes, as long as they have a chance to access a decent garden or park every day. Furthermore, they can have a tendency to bark (but not attack), making them good guard dogs.
Finally, these dogs love their food and are prone to weight gain if you don’t keep their diet in check. As such, chat with your vet about feeding them a healthy diet.
Cockapoo Health
First-generation Cockapoo don’t have a ton of major health complaints and can live up to 15 years of age. However, you should be aware of the following issues that might come up:
- Dental issues such as tooth decay
- Eye problems, such as cataracts
- Allergies
- Hip Dysplasia
- Liver disease
- Ear infection
- Dislocating knee-caps
Grooming
Whilst Cockapoos are low maintenance in many areas, grooming isn’t necessarily one of them. However, the level of grooming needed may vary between individual dogs and the length of their coats.
Either way, you can expect to give your Cockapoo a decent brush a few times a week, especially if they have long fur. Those that resemble a poodle might also need clipping every six weeks or so.
It’s also important to clean your Cockapoo ears to keep them clean and free from infection. Likewise, the area around their eyes will need a gentle wipe daily to prevent tear stains. And finally, keep your pup's teeth clean using dental chews and a doggy toothbrush.
Are you worried your Cockapoo isn’t getting enough stimulation during the day? Why not hire a friendly pet sitter to keep them company? Search for a pet sitter near you to get started.
