Cockapoo Characteristics
Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Adult weight: 20 – 25 lbs.
Adult height: 13 – 15 in.
Origin – United States
Designer dogs are the result of cross-breeding two purebred dogs with the goal of creating an offspring that features the best qualities of both parents. Cockapoos are one of these designer dogs, a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Here, better health was the outcome of this mix-breeding.
Cockapoos are like small dogs with big clown-like personalities. Also called the Cockapoodle, Cockerpoo, or Cock-a-poo, these dogs are very intelligent and joyous. Regarding the best of both worlds, these spaniel poodles enjoy the looks of a poodle without the same heavy grooming requirement. The intelligence and free spirit of a Poodle with the sturdiness and field action of a Cocker Spaniel are what these mixed dogs enjoy.
You can use an American or English Cocker Spaniel to breed a Cockapoo, but when you use the British version, the name will change to Spoodle. Irrespective of this difference, they are going to be sweet, adorable, gentle, and playful dogs who spread joy around everywhere.
What is the price of a Cockapoo?
Several factors go into deciding the price of a dog. Cockapoo’s price range is dependent on the puppy’s coat color, coat type, health, and bloodline, to name a few. Since these dogs are crossbred, not all Cockapoos will be the same. When it comes to the cost of owning a Cockapoo, we will break down the price by categorizing it by initial buying/adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, and grooming.
According to the OVMA and Made in CA, here are the average costs of puppy ownership in Canada.
Adoption: $100 – $300
If you decide to buy from a breeder, a Cockapoo’s average price is about $1350, as the price range is around $800 to $2000. However, there are some coat colors that are rarer than others and can cost more. For e.g., Merle and phantom could be priced anywhere between $2000-$3200. At the same time, White and brown coats are usually less expensive. The rarest and most demanded coat color is Blue.
Puppy farms are another way you can get a C-Poo, but the health of the pet cannot be guaranteed. An alternate cost-efficient option is to adopt from a rescue shelter. There are several organizations with online platforms like Rocky Mountain rescue, Poodles and Pals, Adopt a pet, etc. which can help you find and adopt Cockapoo puppies for under $500. Most shelters will charge an adoption fee of around $100-$300, which usually covers the cost of care administered to the pet prior to adoption.
Monthly costs for a Cockapoo
Diets: $30-$80
There are no special food requirements for a Cockapoo, but it is recommended you give your pet high-quality, vet-recommended kibble. Biologically appropriate proteins, healthy fats, ground bones, and vegetables, along with raw dog food, can be added to the diet. These can cost around $30-$80 a month.
Grooming: $60-$80
Cockapoos enjoy fewer grooming requirements than their parent Poodle due to their flat coat. At-home brushing two to three times a week would be sufficient. A good quality brush can cost around $20. You’ll also need a nail trimmer, teeth cleaning kit, and ear cleaning kit, among some other grooming tools. These could cost you another $60-$80. Recurring costs for the shampoo could add another $10-$15 a month. If you opt for a professional groomer, each session could cost about $50-$60.
Medical Costs: $400-$700
During the first years, it is recommended you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times annually. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300 and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests, among other recommended preventive care treatments. Other examinations and tests could cost you another $300-$400.
One-time costs for a Cockapoo
Initial Costs: $500-$550
When you decide to bring your dog home, there are some initial items you will need to buy, especially if this is your first dog. These items include a dog bed, crate, a leash or two, collars, toys, food, and water bowls, among other items. You can expect these initial costs to be around $400-$500.
Vaccinations: $250-$300
There are certain core vaccinations that a Cockapoo would need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus, type 1, Adenovirus, type 2, and rabies. All of these could cost you around $150-$200.
There are certain non-core vaccinations as well that are recommended by most vets for a Cockapoo. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.
Microchipping: $60-$80
The cost can vary depending on where you live, but the average cost is around $60. Along with a dog license, it could cost an additional 10-20 bucks.
Neutering or Spaying: $200-$500
It is recommended that you get your dog spayed or neutered to help protect them against health conditions. Neutering can cost around $200, and spaying can cost around $500.
Lifetime Cockapoo Price
This lifetime cost of a Cockapoo includes the buying/adoption cost, initial set-up costs, and annual costs of around $2000 in the first year and then $1500 in later years. These designer dogs can cost you around $18,000 to $20,000 in your lifetime. This estimate does not include the cost of medical emergencies or illnesses, should they happen to your pet.
Conclusion
Happy, intelligent, lively, energetic, adorable, and generally low maintenance, these Cocker-Poodles are deservingly among the most popular breeds in the U.S. The costs associated with getting one can feel a little high, but with the amount of joy they will bring to the family, it’s going to feel worth it!
Happy Parenting to you and Lots of Love to your Pup!
“Annual Cost of Owning a Puppy,” OVMA, https://www.ovma.org/assets/1/6/CostOfCare%20PuppyDog%202022.pdf, n.d.
“Pet Spending Statistics in Canada,” Made in CA, https://madeinca.ca/pet-spending-canada-statistics, Jan. 4, 2024.