Cockapoo – The Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix

Thinking of bringing home a Cockapoo puppy?

Want to know whether this is the right type of dog for your family?

We’ve got you covered.

Cockapoo FAQs

Here are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Cockapoos.

• Are Cockapoos good family dogs?
• Do Cockapoos bark?
• What is the average life of a Cockapoo?
• Do Cockapoos have any health problems?
• Are Cockapoos hypoallergenic?

In this guide we will take an indepth look at the Cockapoo mix.

Helping you to get to grips with his training and care.

As well as knowing what to expect from his personality.

Breed At A Glance

• Purpose: Companion or Assistance Dogs
• Weight: 6 – 30 lbs, depending upon the size of the Poodle
• Temperament: Energetic, sociable, happy

Cockapoos come in a variety of coats and sizes.

And a range of personalities too.

Let’s take a look at what we can know with confidence about this mix.

Cockapoo Breed Review: Contents

• History and original purpose of the Cockapoo
• Fun facts about Cockapoo
• Cockapoo appearance
• Cockapoo temperament
• Training and exercising your Cockapoo
• Cockapoo health and care
• Do Cockapoo make good family pets
• Rescuing a Cockapoo
• Finding a Cockapoo puppy
• Raising a Cockapoo puppy
• Popular Cockapoo breed mixes
• Cockapoo products and accessories

The Cockapoo is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.

But why did breeders begin to combine these two different dogs?

History and original purpose of the Cockapoo

A Cockapoo is a cross-breed dog that has two parents of different breeds.

Either the father or mother is a purebred Poodle.

They can be a standard or miniature or toy size.

The remaining parent is a purebred Cocker Spaniel (American or English).

Here, it doesn’t matter which parent is which breed.

It only matters that each is purebred in their breed.

Cockapoos are not a “new” cross-breed, either.

They are actually one of the most established of all such dogs, and have been popular since the 1950’s!

Fun facts about Cockapoo

Celebrities are clearly not immune to the Cockapoo’s charms.

Lady Gaga, Ashley Judd, Minka Kelly, Harry Styles?

They are all regularly spotted across the globe with the same sidekick.

Their beloved Cockapoo dogs.

Sometimes Cockapoos are called by different names.

• Cockapoodle
• Cockerpoo
• Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix
• Spoodle
• Cocker Spaniel Poodle
• Cocker Poodle
• Cock-a-poo
• Cock-a-doodle

Although we think this last sounds more like a good name for a rooster!

Whatever you choose to call him, the Cockapoo is a cute dog.

Cockapoo appearance

This mix tend to have a broader head than your average Poodle.

Their fur varies between long and scruffy and tight curls.

And comes in a huge range of colors.

Cockapoo size and Cockapoo weight can vary greatly.

Depending on a given puppy’s parents.

A fully grown adult Cockapoo can range anywhere from 6 pounds all the way to 30 pounds or more.

At the tiny end, the teacup Cockapoo will weigh less than 6 pounds.

The toy Cockapoo will weigh less than 12 pounds at adulthood.

A mini Cockapoo will weigh in at anywhere from 13 to 18 pounds.

A maxi Cockapoo will weigh 19 pounds or greater.

Is the Cockapoo hypoallergenic?

The entire “designer dog” craze began with a gentleman named Wally Conron.

He made his best effort to produce a hypoallergenic guide dog.

This was for a blind woman whose husband was highly allergic to dogs.

But Conlon couldn’t find a single purebred dog that fit the bill.

So he crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle.

And the “Labradoodle” was born.

But even this dog wasn’t truly hypoallergenic.

Allergies are caused by pet dander.

All pets, regardless of breed, produce some dander, however minimal.

Potentially low allergy dogs

Certain dog breeds produce far less dander than other dog breeds.

The Poodle is one of those dog breeds, although the Cocker Spaniel isn’t.

So, you have a chance of getting a dog that may produce less dander.

But not a certainty.

Even the Cockapoo is not a truly hypoallergenic dog.

Avoid any Cockapoo breeder claiming to have truly hypoallergenic pups.

Cockapoo shedding

All dogs do shed at times, regardless of what some experts may claim.

But poodles as a breed tend to shed far less than most other dogs.

The coat of a Poodle is very short and wiry.

While the hair (fur) will shed out from time to time, it doesn’t fall to the floor in most cases.

Rather, the loose hair will stay in the coat until you brush it out.

This way, you can collect it in a dog brush or comb and dispose of it all in one fell swoop.

Which means less chances of encountering it on your pillow or couch cushions.

Cockapoos can shed

Conversely, Cocker Spaniels tend to shed more than many dog breeds.

They have long, silky hair that molts regularly.

You cannot predict which coat the Cockapoo will inherit.

Or whether it will be a combination of the two.

It is likely that grooming your pup will be a big task.

If a breeder tells you their litter will be hypoallergenic, walk away.

It’s a sign that they don’t understand the mix, or that they are misleading people.

Cockapoo temperament

Overall, the Cockapoo personality is known to be reliably happy, fun-loving, energetic, and sociable.

Check out the 2011 winner of Britain’s Happiest Dog contest.

See a familiar face?

“Alfie the Grinning Cockapoo” won the contest without even breaking a sweat.

Cockapoos are usually friendly.

There are exceptions within every breed, but you can avoid these by being careful.

Your pup’s parents should both be friendly.

And you should socialize your puppy well.

The general consensus is that Cockapoos by nature are happy, friendly, family dogs.

They respond very well to training coming from a pair of intelligent parent breeds.

Some even call Cockapoos “big clowns.”

Training and exercising your Cockapoo

Trainability can be a huge influence in which dog breed (or cross-breed) you choose.

Most people aren’t looking for a challenge here.

Rather, they want to know their new furred partner will be eager to learn and train!

The good news here is, Cockapoos as a whole are people-centric and eager to please.

Your Cockapoo will likely want to be where you are, doing whatever you are doing.

These dogs are social and people-oriented.

The closer your bond is, the easier Cockapoo training will become.

Throughout training, positive reinforcement will be your key to success.

Cockapoos are particularly sensitive to punishment, so you will want to avoid this at all costs.

Focus solely on positive reinforcement during training sessions.

Do Cockapoos Bark?

Any dog has the capacity to bark.

Cockapoos come from two breeds, and one of those is better known for it’s noise than the other.

Cocker Spaniels are a hunting dog and some of them can be a bit yappy.

This is not necessarily a cause for concern.

Just be aware from day one that you must not reward barking.

Not even accidentally.

You can train a dog not to bark.

You don’t need to punish noise, just ignore it completely.

If you accidentally show them that barking gets results, you could end up with a rather loud companion.

Cockapoo health and care

As with all purebred dog breeds, both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles have certain genetic inherited health issues.

A Cockapoo puppy should come from parents that have both been health tested.

Cocker Spaniels

Overall, Cocker Spaniels are vivacious, loyal, loving dogs.

They have great personalities and can live up to 15 years with proper care.

Cocker Spaniels can develop these congenital health issues:

• Blood diseases.
• Lymphoma.
• Melanoma.
• Intervertebral disc disease (IDD).
• Eye diseases related to this breed’s naturally bulging eyes.
• Heart valve disease.
• Hip dysplasia

Poodles

These gorgeous, intelligent and social dogs range in size from mini and toy to standard.

They can live for 12 to 15 years with proper care.

Poodles and Cocker Spaniels share some inherited health vulnerabilities.

While others are specific to the Poodle breed:

• Diabetes.
• Lymphoma.
• Melanoma.
• Squamous cell disease.
• Intervertebral disc disease (IDD) (for toy and mini Poodle breeds only).
• Immune-related blood disorders.
• Eye issues.
• Kidney disease.
• Slipped kneecap (patellar luxation) (for toy and mini Poodle breeds only).
• Mitral valve heart disease.
• Cardiomyopathy.

Poodles tend to have a higher incidence of occurring congenital health issues than Cocker Spaniels.

But all this can shift in Cockapoo puppies.

Depending on which parent most heavily influences their DNA.

And it’s not something you can predict from litter to litter.

Only use breeders who health tests both parents for the diseases relevant to their respective breeds.

Cockapoo life expectancy

This is definitely the case with the Cockapoo, who can live from 14 to 18 years.

Although this is dependant upon several factors.

Including weight, activity level, diet, and overall lifestyle.

Size at adulthood can also be a factor.

Smaller dogs tend to live longer than their larger cousins.

Do Cockapoos make good family pets

A well breed, well raised Cockapoo can make a wonderful addition to most families.

Socialization and meeting the parents are key.

Nice dogs generally produce nice puppies.

Once your pup comes home, make sure you have lots of visitors.

And that you get started with your positive reinforcement training straight away.

An excellent recall will help to keep family life peace and stress free.

These intelligent dogs need lots of company, so aren’t ideal for people who are away from the home a lot.

But if you have a family life where a dog can join your activities, this mix is a good choice.

As long as you don’t mind grooming or regular poodle parlour visits!

Rescuing a Cockapoo

Cockapoo rescue can be tremendously satisfying.

You are giving a relinquished dog a loving forever home – what could feel better?

Plus, your cost will likely be quite a bit lower.

Even with adoption fees and possible spay/neuter fees.

Of course, there are also some trade-offs in pursuing Cockapoo puppies rescue.

There is no guarantee that you are getting a pure cross-breed Cockapoo.

Even if the dog you are considering looks and acts like one.

You also won’t likely know much if anything about your new puppy’s parents or background.

You may also discover that rescued Cockapoo puppies can be harder to find than adult dogs.

For many reasons, some owners choose to start from puppyhood.

Finding a Cockapoo puppy

Purchasing a Cockapoo puppy from a reputable breeder can reduce risks.

A reputable breeder is one that will let you meet and spend time with BOTH parents.

Provide a certification of good health for 6 to 12 months and review parental health issues and lineage.

They will ensure any puppy released to a customer has had all required vaccinations.

And run a clean, efficient operation that is clearly “dog health and safety first.”

Along with offering referrals to past and current customers.

They will also have carried out genetic testing on both parents to reduce the chances of the puppies inheriting diseases.

In nearly all cases, however, you will likely find the price of breeder-born Cockapoo puppies clearly reflects these valuable extras!

Cockapoo cost generally begins at $1,000 and can run as high as $3,000 for show quality stock or rare colorations.

In some cases, simple demand in a given local area can also raise prices.

Raising a Cockapoo puppy

Raising a puppy in the right way is not a small job.

It requires some knowledge and a lot of time.

Fortunately, we’ve got lots of free guides to help you along the way.

Cockapoo products and accessories

Life with a dog is always easier when you’ve got the right kit:

• Best Harness for a Cockapoo
• Top Cockapoo Toys
• Best Shampoo for a Cockapoo
• Cockapoo Brushes
• Best Food for Cockapoos

Pros And Cons of Getting A Cockapoo

There are pros and cons to any breed, or breed mix!

Let’s summarize those main points for your adorable Cocker Spaniel Poodle cross.

Cons

You will need to spend a lot of time with them.

They require lots of mental and physical activities.

Their coat is high maintenance.

They can be prone to barking

Pros

They are clever and active.

Your pup will be loyal and loving.

Their curly coat may shed less than some other dogs.

They are easy to train using positive reinforcement methods.

You can reduce the chances of them barking by ignoring noise from puppyhood.

Comparing the Cockapoo with other breeds

Torn between two different cute mixes?

You can compare the Cockapoo vs Cavapoo here.

Similar Breeds

Is a Cockapoo just not quite right for you?

Here are some similar breeds and mixes you might like to consider:

Miniature Poodle

Toy Poodle
Labradoodle https://thehappypuppysite.com/labradoodle/

Yorkipoo

You can find lots more Poodle mixes in this complete guide.

Resources

• Coren, S., PhD, DSc, FRSC, “A Designer Dog-Maker Regrets His Creation,” Psychology Today, 2014.
• Collins, R., et al, “Allergy-Free Dogs,” Healthline, 2016.
• Kane, J., “10 Reasons You Need A Poodle Crossbreed In Your Life,” The Huffington Post, 2015.
• Lambrecht, K., DVM, “Your Cocker Spaniel,” West Towne Veterinary Center, 2014.
• Shuler, S., et al, “Your Poodle,” Northwest Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital, 2010.
• American Kennel Club