Even though they instantly draw the attention of dog lovers with their mascot-like looks, Cockapoos should be chosen by rather more experienced canine aficionados. In this article, you will find the reason why. We will also cover essential dog breed information such as the dog’s physical appearance, temperament, care, breeding and more.
Cockapoo – what is it this dog breed like?
Small size, cute face, lovely personality – these are just a few phrases we can describe a Cockapoo with. It is one of the oldest designer breeds. The hybrid is the combination of the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. Breeders aimed at creating a people-oriented, intelligent, trainable and hypoallergenic dog. Considering the popularity of this modern breed we can conclude that they have succeeded.
Cockapoo – appearance
It is natural that there is a lot of variation in terms of physical appearance in hybrid dogs. Typically, Cockapoos have a sturdy and square built. Due to their adorable facial expression they are frequently compared to teddy bears. Their brown, perfectly oval eyes are sometimes covered with unkempt fur. Your groomer can accentuate that charming look by the typical “teddy bear” Cockapoo haircut. How can you not smile when you see such a bundle of fluffy joy?
Cockapoo – coat
Cockapoo’s hair is very dense yet soft at the same time. You can enjoy cuddling this silky pooch at all times. The three possible coat types for this cocker spaniel poodle hybrid are:
- a tight curly coat;
- a loose wavy / ringlet coat;
- a straighter coat.
The type of fur influences the shedding and grooming intensity.
Cockapoo – coat color
There is a variety of colors this dog breed may come in. It’s important to remember, however, that a particular shade can change due to the “fading gene” Cockapoos may inherit from their Poodle parent. Not that we love our pets for colors, right? A few color possibilities include:
- black (solid or fading);
- chocolate (solid or fading);
- red (solid or fading);
- white (solid or / and fading);
- tri-color.
Cockapoo – coat pattern
It’s not only the colors that you can choose but also the fur’s markings. Possible coat patterns of a Cockapoo are:
- tuxedo (darker color with a white patch on the chest);
- phantom (darker coat with light coloring on the eyebrows, muzzle, legs or feet);
- tricolor (three-color combination);
- sable (the tips of fur are colored differently);
- parti (50% white and 50% of any other color);
- roan (a base color decorated with lots of white hair).
Cockapoo – size
This friendly companion dog comes in four sizes:
- Teacup Toy (weight: less than 6 pounds, height: less than 10 inches);
- Toy Cockapoo (weight: up to 12 pounds, height: up to 10 inches);
- Miniature Cockapoo (weight: from 13 to 18 pounds, height: between 11 and 14 inches);
- Standard or Maxi Cockapoo (weight: more than 19 pounds, height: at least 15 inches).
Cockapoo – character and temperament
The primary quality of the Cockapoo’s temperament is its loyalty. These companion dogs will join you during the morning walk or on the couch in front of the TV. It is a friendly and sociable pup that gets along with people and animals. A Cockapoo is an intelligent dog that is easy to train. However, he can be a bit stubborn sometimes so an experienced and patient owner is needed. Be careful when you go away for longer. Your affectionate pooch may miss you so much that he will suffer from separation anxiety that can further lead to behavioral issues.
Therapy dogs
The role of therapy dogs is to accompany people who are going through crisis, are lonely or disabled. The presence of dogs facilitates the treatment that patients are undergoing. Examples of group type facilities they visit are nursing homes, schools, hospitals and orphanages.
Cockapoos as therapy dogs
Cockapoos are considered to be one of the best choices to serve as emotional support animals. They learn quickly, fancy being touched, can read human emotions and develop a strong with their owners. A distressed or depressed person will definitely find consolation in the presence of a cute furball lying on her lap. Before you start training your Cockapoo to become a therapy dog remember that he should be predisposed for that role. A perfect emotional support dog should be:
- well-balanced;
- calm;
- friendly;
- resistant to stress;
- tolerant of touch;
- obedient;
- leash-trained.
Cockapoo health
Hybrid breeds are generally healthier than purebreds. However, they are not entirely free from problems. Some health issues they can potentially deal with are:
- Cataracts – appear in old age; the dog’s cloudy eyes result in his vision deterioration;
- Patellar Luxation – a knee joint that slides out of place causes pain;
- Hip Dysplasiasia – another heritable joint disease;
- Elbow Dysplasia – similar to Hip Dysplasia but in a different body part;
- Allergies – food, contact and inhalant allergies have to be well-diagnosed to introduce medication or proper lifestyle changes;
- Liver Disease – there are two forms that this condition materializes itself: chronic active hepatitis and copper toxicosis (poisoning);
- ear infections – dust, dirt and bacteria can easily accumulate under these floppy ears so make sure to clean your Cockapoo’s ears on a regular basis;
- Hypothyroidism – a common endocrinological condition in dogs that can be controlled with medication, if it is untreated, however, it can end in the dog’s death; some symptoms of the condition are apathy, weight gain, and skin problems;
- von Willebrand’s disease – a blood disorder that results in improper cells clotting;
- Thrombopathia – a hereditary platelet disorder.
Cockapoo – exercise
These skillful dogs will enjoy being active on an agility course. You can take him to your favorite dog park or create an obstacle race indoors. Your attention and praise is extremely motivating for these loyal creatures. If you don’t have any equipment at your disposal, you can simply teach your Cockapoo new tricks. As always, positive reinforcement will give the process an extra boost.
The right food for a Cockapoo
It goes without saying that both the quality and quantity of food matters. If you buy nourishing dog cans from the top shelf, you will need fewer of them for your pooch to feel full. The amounts you feed your dog depend on a few factors:
- your pet’s size;
- its activity levels;
- age;
- metabolism;
- build.
The recommended daily amount of high-quality dry food is from 1/4 to 3/4 cup a day, divided into two meals. Avoid free feeding as it can lead to obesity in no time.
Is my Cockapoo in good shape?
Our pet’s condition heavily or sometimes exclusively depends on our choices. There are two tests to conduct at home to make sure your dog is not overweight:
- the eye test – when you look down on your dog, you should be able to see the waist;
- the hands-on test – place your palms on your pup’s back while keeping your thumbs on its spine, if you can feel the ribs without pressing hard it means that your dog’s weight is optimal.
If you have any doubts and the abovementioned tests are not enough to sleep soundly, consult your veterinarian.
Dietary supplements
There are numerous products on the market which can be added to your dog’s diet. Some vitamins and minerals worth including are:
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin because they contribute to your dog’s hip and joint health;
- Omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA because they support a healthy skin and coat that additionally becomes sleek and shiny; they positively affect the brain, heart and eyes;
- Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K and a balanced mix of minerals to boost your dog’s health and immune system.
Life expectancy
The Cockapoo’s life expectancy can to be relatively long. The average lifespan of this cocker spaniel and poodle hybrid is around 13-16 years. This estimate can be prolonged even further if you provide your Cockapoo with plenty of exercise, healthy diet, mental stimulation and a lot of love!
Cockapoo – care and grooming
These dogs have moderate activity needs but a couple of daily walks and one intense 15-minute play session indoors are recommended. Because Cockapoos are loving companion dogs, caring for them is all about quality time. They can suffer from separation anxiety if you leave them alone for too long. Solitude may lead to behavioral issues such as excessive barking. Depending on the coat type and length they inherit, more or less brushing will be needed. Additionally, if their fur is curly, the groomer has to trim it every 10 weeks. Other standard procedures you have to include in your dog care schedule include:
- nails clipping (as needed);
- ears cleaning (as needed);
- teeth brushing (once a week).
Cockapoo – breeding
The Cockapoo mother has from two to four puppies during the first pregnancy. Later on, the litter size can grow up to seven furry cuties. Breeding should take place when parents have achieved sexual maturity but are still young and healthy. In case of dogs, it can happen around 6-12 months of age. Every reputable breeder should be equally concerned with the puppies’ and the mother’s health. Provide the mum with all the necessary prenatal and postnatal care and guarantee access to high-quality food.
Cockapoo – price
Cockapoos are for real connoisseurs and true fans of these companion dogs. They are one of the most pricey designer dogs. The cost ranging from $1,600 to $5,500 depends on a few factors:
- the reputation of the breeder;
- the pedigree;
- the bloodline of the parents;
- the desired physical features for example a merle coat;
- the desired temperamental qualities for example being cuddly.
How to find a good breeder?
If are planning to buy a Cockapoo puppy, find a reputable breeder. You can do the research, read opinions online or talk to people who have purchased a dog from a particular breeder before. Don’t trust all the reviews on websites or social media as they can be falsified.
Health clearances
Find a breeder who doesn’t shy away from showing you all the necessary health clearances for both your puppy’s parents: an English Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and healed from a particular condition (sometimes impossible in case of a genetic disease). Mandatory health clearances you need to acquire before buying a Cockapoo should be released by the following institutions:
- the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease;
- from Auburn University for thrombopathia;
- from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) for any vision abnormalities.
If you have any doubts about the breeder’s truthfulness, you can get the certificates’ confirmation on the OFA website (offa.org). Remember that it’s impossible to diagnose certain conditions until a dog reaches full maturity (over 2 years of age). To be sure that your dog will be free from serious diseases, you have to adopt an adult pet.
History of the Cockapoo
Cockapoos have been popular since the 1960s. There is no one particular breeder who would take responsibility for that fortunate mix. What came out of this hybrid was happy luck. Cockapoo puppies were adorable. When they grew up, an intelligent, sociable, low-shedding, easy-going dog came into life. Additionally, they were more hypoallergenic than purebred dogs.
Cockapoo – for whom?
Cockapoo dog breed is for people who would love to have a loyal companion for years and are willing to devote their time and care to this lovely animal. These wonderful family dogs get along with children, although they prefer slightly older once. It’s probably due to high-energy levels of the youngest that may be a bit overwhelming. Especially with early socialization, Cockapoos get along with other animals. If you are a fan of different species, these dogs will accept passion.
Cockapoo – trivia
Leo is an internet famous Cockapoo that loves grooming. Many dogs do. What is unusual about this one is that his owner – Jennifer Fuchs – makes lovely art from the leftover fur. After the piece is done, Leo gladly poses for the picture with the final product.
Are you in two minds about either getting a Poodle or a Cocker Spaniel? Hopefully, after reading this article, you have found the solution. By adopting a Cockapoo, you will enjoy the company of a furry teddy bear that combines physical and temperamental qualities of both breeds.
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