All About Cockapoos

Cockapoos are kind, sprightly, and intelligent dogs, so it’s no wonder that so many families are excited to welcome these dogs into their homes.

What is a Cockapoo?

Characterized as a “designer dog,” Cockapoos are a mix between Cocker Spaniels and Poodles—some Cockapoos may have both Cockapoo parents. Originally bred to have the intelligence of Poodles and the jovial personality of Cocker Spaniels, Cockapoos can be wonderful little dogs that make for the perfect addition to your family.

It is important to note, though, since Cockapoos are a mixed breed, there will be variances from dog to dog. These variances can appear through the dog’s personality traits, behaviors, size, and appearance. Due to this variability, it is not always easy to predict how these hybrid dogs will behave and how they will appear when they become full grown.

Rest assured, though. In the majority, a Cockapoo’s temperament is happy-go-lucky, with some added spunk in their step.

Breed History

In the world of Poodle mixes, most of these dog types are fairly new—some only becoming more popular in the last few decades. However, many believe that the Cockapoo is one of the oldest Poodle mixes, dating back to the 1950s.

There is not one person to credit for the creation of this adorable dog. In fact, some people believe that the initial mixing of these two wonderful dogs could have been an accident.

Either way, the popularity of these happy pups took off almost immediately after they were created. Not to mention, their popularity hasn’t really diminished throughout the decades. If anything, these dogs have become even more popular, since the recent increase in other Poodle mixed dogs.

Whether it be their joyful personality or their charming appearance, Cockapoos have been winning over the hearts of families for as long as people can remember.

Attributes of the Cockapoo

Before introducing a happy-hearted Cockapoo puppy into your family, most pet parents find themselves asking these common questions:

Are Cockapoos hypoallergenic?

There is no one type of dog that is truly hypoallergenic. Since Cockapoos are a mix of two breeds, it is difficult to predict which parent’s coat your dog will inherit. While it is not a guarantee, many pet parents of Poodle mix dogs have found that allergic reactions are not as common around these types of dogs.

Do Cockapoos shed?

Since they are a mixed dog, it is not easy to say how much your dog will shed. On average, though, Cockapoos have been known to shed very little.

What colors are common for Cockapoos?

A Cockapoo’s coat appearance will vary from dog to dog, so it is always a fun surprise! Common colors among these dogs include black, tan, white, auburn, brown, sable, cream, silver, brindle, and roan. Cockapoos may also have a solid colored coat, or they can have a multi-colored or patterned coat. It is not unheard of to find these dogs with a merle coat, with a white coat covered in colored patches, or with various colored freckles and spots.

How big do Cockapoos get and how much do they weigh?

Cockapoos are known for being a small dog, but their size can vary. Oftentimes their size is determined by the size of their Poodle parent.

A Teacup Toy or just Teacup Cockapoo will typically weigh around 6 pounds and be less than 10 inches. A Toy Cockapoo will weigh between 6-12 pounds, be about 10 inches in height, and are sturdier than a Teacup Toy. A Miniature Cockapoo will weigh near 13-18 pounds and be between 11-14 inches in height. Lastly, the Standard or Maxi Cockapoo will weigh 19 pounds or more (typically not going above 30 pounds), and they will be 15 inches or taller.

Toy and Miniature Cockapoos are the most common.

How long do Cockapoos live?

On average, Cockapoos live to be 12-15 years old. However, some have been known to live until their late teens or even until the age of 20. The lifespan of your Cockapoo can be affected by many factors, such as their diet and exercise plan, their living situation, and whether they have any pre-existing health conditions.

Grooming and Caring for Your Cockapoo

Although they may not shed as much as other breeds, Cockapoos still require regular grooming. Since not every Cockapoo is the same, your dog’s grooming routine and requirements will be determined by their coat type.

It’s possible for Cockapoos to have the traditionally tight curl appearance of a Poodle or the long, wavy look of a Cocker Spaniel. Most Cockapoos have a coat that falls somewhere in the middle, appearing as a large curled or wavy coat.

Besides regular brushing and bathing, if you have a Cockapoo with curlier, Poodle-like hair, they will need to visit the groomers about every six weeks for a trim.

It is additionally important to check and clean your pup’s ears on a regular basis. Floppy ears have a higher chance of becoming dirty and infected since they don’t always dry out properly. Weekly cleaning can help prevent infections.

Talk to your veterinarian or groomer about ear cleaning products. They can additionally show you how to properly clean the ears without causing any discomfort to your dog.

All other grooming requirements are fairly regular and common for any other dog breed. Your dog’s nails should be trimmed about once a month, or whenever you can begin hearing them click on the floor. Their teeth should be brushed on a regular basis as well—many people recommending multiple brushes a week. Beginning these grooming habits at a young age will help your pup become comfortable with each task.

Training Your Cockapoo

In addition to grooming, exercise and training are other vital elements to your dog’s happiness and overall well-being. Cockapoos are known to be fairly energetic, so they require daily exercise. Either a walk, a run around in the yard, a game of fetch, or a combination of all three, will typically provide enough exercise for your dog.

Besides being happy balls of energy, Cockapoos are also known for their intelligence. This means your dog will not only enjoy, but they will also thrive from being trained. Just as it is important to give your dog physical exercise, dogs also require mental exercise. Remember, a bored dog will oftentimes become a destructive dog.

Cockapoos are known to be easy-to-train dogs, so you can teach them a long list of commands in a fairly short amount of time. When it comes to training, it is helpful to begin with basic commands, such as sit, stay, and down. Don’t be surprised when your Cockapoo masters these commands in no time! Some more difficult commands to then try include: roll over, play dead, spin, jump, speak, and high five.

When it comes to training any dog, it’s important to remain consistent and positive. Just like people, each dog learns at their own pace. It is helpful to reward your dog with either toys or treats in order to encourage a positive experience while training.

Taking the time to train your dog is truly a gift that will keep on giving. Training can provide your dog with mental stimulation, it can encourage better overall behavior, and it can help strengthen the relationship between you and your dog.

Being aware of the symptoms of these issues will help you stay proactive with your dog’s health. If you notice any reoccurring symptoms, it is important to take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

One of the easiest ways to look after your dog’s health is to ensure that they are on an appropriate diet and exercise plan. Overweight dogs are more prone to developing health issues. If you are unsure what a healthy weight looks like for your four-legged companion, then talk with your veterinarian. They can help advise you if any changes need to be made to your dog’s food or exercise routine.

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_{The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.}