11 min
110
Medium Size Poodle
Cockapoo
Written by Kerstin S.
© mountaintreks / stock.adobe.com
Cockapoos are friendly and quite sporty dogs that need plenty of activities.
Large, round, button eyes, floppy ears and shaggy hair: it’s no wonder the Cockapoo, with its teddy bear charm, has swiftly captured the hearts of pet lovers. But why is this friendly and sporty crossbreed best suited for experienced dog owners? Learn all about it in our breed profile.
Table of contents
- A Surprise in Store: What Does a Cockapoo Look Like?
- Temperament: Adores People – And Hunting
- Is a Cockapoo a good dog for a family-friendly neighbourhood?
- Care: How Often Does a Cockapoo Need Grooming?
- Exercise: How Much Activity Does a Cockapoo Need?
- Health: Good Genes are Key
- History and Origins of the Cockapoo
- Breeders: How Much Does a Cockapoo Cost?
- Conclusion: Cockapoos are Friendly Dogs for Experienced Owners
A Surprise in Store: What Does a Cockapoo Look Like?
The Cockapoo (also known as a Cockerpoo or Spoodle) is a mix of Poodle and English Cocker Spaniel. As a mixed-breed dog, there’s no breed standard, and so their appearance can vary. Some may inherit the Poodle’s curls, while others have smoother fur. The typical Cockapoo look includes:
- Longer, lightly wavy fur
- Almost all colours possible, from black to cream or white
- Small to medium-sized, standing 25 to 45 centimetres at the shoulder (depending on the Poodle’s size)
- Weighing around ten kilograms, with variations depending on size
- Floppy ears
- Long tail
© Simon / stock.adobe.com
Temperament: Adores People – And Hunting
The Cockapoo’s temperament is a blend of the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel. The way it’s been socialised and raised by the breeder plays a huge role, too. Both Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are affable breeds that connect closely with their humans. The latter, in particular, is a passionate hunter, which is hardly surprising given its centuries-long breeding for bird hunting.
Training a Bundle of Energy
The Cockapoo forms a tight bond with its people – a great starting point for training. However, this pup can be quite strong-willed when it comes to making decisions. It pays to be consistent right from puppyhood, making later stages like the ‘teenage’ years smoother. Even dedicated beginners can manage a Cockapoo but should not take its training lightly.
Ambitious Hunter
Cockapoos are suitable for training in hunting activities. If you’re not a hunter but want to let your Cockapoo enjoy off-leash time, consider an anti-hunting training. Strong recall training, for example, is essential.
The same goes for barking. Start early with consistent training as many Cockapoos can be avid and loud barkers.
Despite its cute appearance, this mixed-breed dog has tonnes of energy and requires several hours of daily engagement. Without this, it will find its own tasks to keep busy.
Is a Cockapoo a good dog for a family-friendly neighbourhood?
This designer dog fits excellently with active families. Cockapoos usually get along well with cats, especially if they have grown up together.
Although a Cockapoo can be happy in the city, it truly thrives on nature. It needs plenty of daily exercise outdoors to feel content, even in a smaller flat.
However, keep in mind that due to their Cocker Spaniel lineage, many Cockapoos are exceptionally bark-happy. It’s likely they will comment on everything from the neighbour’s door closing to children’s shouts from an upstairs apartment. If you live in a very sound-sensitive place, this is worth bearing in mind.
Care: How Often Does a Cockapoo Need Grooming?
Living with a Cockapoo demands attention to two things: grooming and embracing its love for the great outdoors.
Often Elaborate Coat Care
Dog lovers often ask if Cockapoos shed much. This varies, but generally, the curlier the fur, the less likely the Cockapoo – much likely due to its Poodle heritage – is to shed. However, it is not a hypoallergenic dog.
Most mixed-breed dogs need a lot of grooming. If they don’t shed, they’ll need to be clipped three to four times a year. Their fur also tends to matt easily, collecting burrs, tiny twigs, or dust. Depending on the fur type, you should brush a Cockapoo thoroughly every few days.
Checking the Floppy Ears
Simultaneously, check their floppy ears for dirt. The warm and moist environment within can lead to infections fast.
Some may even need regular ear hair plucking. If in doubt, ask your vet if this is necessary for your pet.
Exercise: How Much Activity Does a Cockapoo Need?
With sporty parents like the Poodle and English Cocker Spaniel, adult Cockapoos are fit for extensive hikes. You can try jogging with grown dogs, though your Cockapoo might miss sniffing around.
With the right training they can even accompany you on horse rides. Keen running alongside a bicycle, however, should be limited to short distances as their size doesn’t make them suited for long cycle rides.
Enthusiastic Sniffer
Cockapoos also enjoy fetching and, thanks to the Cocker Spaniel’s excellent nose, sniffing games and scent work of all types. How about a relevant course at a dog school, perhaps for mantrailing or searching for small objects? We have selected some important accessories below.
In short, these little dynamos need abundant stimulation. But ensure to include intentional breaks to prevent them from becoming overstimulated.
Health: Good Genes are Key
Are mixed breeds healthier than purebreds? Not necessarily, as breeding should focus on maintaining the breed’s health.
If mixed-breed breeders are negligent – largely because health checks are expensive and proper documentation isn’t provided – Cockapoos may inherit the genetic disorders of Poodles and Cocker Spaniels.
Potential Genetic Diseases:
- Hip dysplasia (an abnormal formation of the hip joint)
- Patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap)
- Progressive retinal atrophy (degeneration of the retina)
- Von Willebrand’s disease (a blood clotting disorder)
- Degenerative myelopathy (spinal cord degeneration)
Cockers may also suffer from the so-called “rage syndrome”, characterised by baseless aggression, particularly common in golden or red dogs.
The differing coat structures and occasional skin issues in Cocker Spaniels might lead to similar problems in Cockapoos. Both breeds also tend to have more frequent ear canal inflammations.
Diet.
Regarding diet, a healthy Cockapoo has no peculiar nutrition needs. However, it may inherit the Cocker Spaniel’s hearty appetite, so keep an eye on its weight.
Lifespan of a Cockapoo.
A healthy Cockapoo typically lives to around 15 years old.
© mountaintreks / stock.adobe.com
History and Origins of the Cockapoo
Both the Poodle and the English Cocker Spaniel are venerable breeds that have been aiding humans in hunting for centuries. Poodles originally aided in hunting waterfowl along coastlines.
English Cocker Spaniels have traditionally hunted for birds, particularly the woodcock—sometimes American Cocker Spaniels are used in Cockapoo breeding.
In Vogue: Designer Dogs
The Cockapoo represents a fusion of tradition and trend – they’re part of the modern designer dog movement. Dog owners strategically mate two purebreds to create them. The Labradoodle led the way, sparking an array of fashionable hybrids with catchy names like Golden Doodle, Aussiedoodle, and Cavapoo.
Because these breeds are fashionable, but breeding is unregulated, many pseudo-breeders are cashing in.
That’s why Wally Conron, the “inventor” of the Labradoodle, regrets setting off the designer dog trend, the CNN World reported in an article based on an interview for the ABC podcast.
Which Dogs Resemble a Cockapoo?
Without a standard, the Cockapoo resembles many other mixes. Poodle mixes like the Labradoodle or the Golden Doodle may look similar but are usually larger.
A Poodle with a sporting cut might also look like a Cockapoo, and you’ll find more reputable breeders in the Poodle world.
Water breeds like the Spanish Water Dog have a similar appearance. They don’t shed but require owners who enjoy outdoor adventures, no matter the weather.
© PixieMe / stock.adobe.com
Breeders: How Much Does a Cockapoo Cost?
Cockapoos, as hybrids, are not recognised by any major dog associations, impacting the quality of breeding. Therefore, it’s tough to find a reputable breeder.
Much like the Labradoodle, Cockapoos are often sought after as allergy-friendly dogs, reflected in steep prices of £950 or higher. If considering purchasing a Cockapoo, look for organisations or Clubs that offer guidance on acquiring puppies responsibly.
Attention: You may encounter waiting lists. It’s better to wait than to compromise on your dog’s background.
Other Hybrid Breeds to Love
If you’re fond of Cockapoos, you’ll also adore these hybrid dog breeds:
Conclusion: Cockapoos are Friendly Dogs for Experienced Owners
Cockapoos are charming and affable dogs. But their friendly looks and nature shouldn’t mask their need for abundant activity, committed training, and intensive grooming. Therefore, Cockapoos are best suited for experienced dog lovers who can devote ample time to them.
Sources:
- Eva-Maria Krämer: “250 Dog Breeds”, Stuttgart 2012
- cockerclub.de
- deutscher-pudel-klub.de
The zooplus forum was my entry into freelance writing: Here, interested cat lovers came together in 2011 to develop their own print magazine called "Pfotenhieb." In addition to my German studies, I was allowed to write some articles for the "Pfotenhieb". Today, as a happy dog owner, I devote myself mainly to animal and health topics.
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