Cockapoo
It’s no surprise that the friendly, devoted, and charming Cockapoo is loved around the world. These beautiful, sunny dogs are great companions with a wonderful disposition.
Breed Profile
Height
10-15
Inches
Weight
6-20
Pounds
Life Span
12-15
Years
Health
health
Cataracts
What is it?
Cataracts are a common condition in dogs affecting the eye(s). A cataract is a cloudy or opaque lens caused by a hereditary disease, injury, or another disease. Sometimes there is no discernible cause at all.
An affected eye loses vision capabilities over time or even becomes permanently blind.
Clinical signs:
Eyes become cloudy or opaque, poor eyesight (including slow/careful movements, difficulty navigating new areas), pawing at the affected eye
Treatment:
Surgery or eye drops (anti-inflammatory)
Other risks:
Eye drops are used to reduce symptoms when surgery is not an option, but they can not cure cataracts. Left untreated, cataracts often cause blindness.
Eligible vet bill
$3,700
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Friendly
Cockapoos are incredibly friendly. This becomes immediately obvious to anyone they meet, although proper socialization should still be part of training from a young age.
Affectionate
Cockapoos love to show affection – from following you around the house to cuddling on the couch and playing fetch. Some might even find their affection to border on pushy or clingy, but this can be perfect if you want a close companion and have lots of time and love to give.
Playful
The playful nature of the cocker spaniel shines through in this mixed breed. The hybrid dogs have high activity levels and love to play, especially fetch.
Intelligent
From their poodle parentage, cockapoos inherit exceptional intelligence. Poodles are the second most intelligent breed, surpassed only by Australian shepherds, so it’s no surprise cockapoos come through with a good portion of that trait.
Well-Rounded
Overall, the cockapoo has a well-rounded, balanced personality. The cockapoo’s temperament is one that most people enjoy and easily fits almost any lifestyle.
Lifetime Care
Coat:
Cockapoos have long, curly coats. Depending on the type of parents your mix comes from, they might have longer or shorter coats and nearly any variety of colors and markings. Their coats are somewhat prone to matting.
Cockapoos are commonly called hypoallergenic, but it’s essential to understand that no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic. Cockapoos and other poos are low-shedding dogs, but they still produce dander, saliva, and other allergens.
Colors:
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Grooming:
Cockapoos have a luxurious coat that requires regular grooming to keep healthy, including combing and haircuts. Bathing should be every two months – more frequent bathing could cause skin issues.
Training:
As mixed breed dogs descending from poodles, one of the most trainable breeds, and from cocker spaniels, who are eager to please but sometimes easily distracted, these dogs have a good disposition for training.
From tiny apartments to large homes, this breed can easily accommodate most living situations. Larger individuals may need a yard to run around in more frequently, and all cockapoos should be given regular outdoor exercise.
Cockapoo: Breed Information Guide
Not all mixed breeds gain traction and popularity, but the cockapoo is an example of a mix that thrives at the highest level.
In fact, multiple organizations vie to make the cockapoo mix its own distinct breed in the coming years. So what makes these dogs so special?
Today, our Spot Pet Insurance Guide is all about the cockapoo breed. We’re talking through health concerns, temperament, grooming, training, and more – things a responsible pet parent should know before bringing a cockapoo into the family.
Meet the cockapoo
A curly coat and cute face, often compared to a teddy bear, create the ever-lovable appearance of the cockapoo mixed breed. A crossbreed between an American cocker spaniel or English cocker spaniel and a poodle, this designer dog is an ideal companion dog for families.
When you meet one for the first one, you’re likely to be greeted by a friendly but gentle approach, denoting the breed’s temperament overall. Cockapoos are quite popular due to their balanced personality and their relatively moderate care needs.
Where does the cockapoo breed come from?
The cockapoo is a designer breed descending from the controlled breeding of cocker spaniels and poodles. The type of poodle bred can vary, which is why the range of physical characteristics for this breed also varies so widely.
Some of the most common cockapoo varieties are:
The maxi cockapoo
The miniature cockapoo or toy cockapoo, a toy poodle mix
The purebred standard cockapoo, a mix of a standard poodle and a cocker spaniel
The first deliberate cockapoo breeding occurred during the height of cocker spaniel popularity in the mid-20th century, in part thanks to Lady and the Tramp, a beloved Disney film.
As time progressed, the mix became even more popular. Dedicated lovers of the cockapoo, such as the American Cockapoo Club, began working towards establishing the mix as its own, distinct breed.
While those efforts are ongoing, the American Kennel Club does not list the cockapoo as a recognized breed. Nonetheless, this mix remains quite popular across North America and other parts of the world.
What are the potential health conditions for cockapoos?
Cockapoos have a life expectancy in the double digits, as is common for smaller dogs, but can unfortunately also be predisposed to a number of health conditions. Typically these predispositions can be traced to their parent breeds.
The most common areas of concern are eye, hip, heart, skin, and ear issues. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), common in cocker spaniels, is one of the more serious conditions to watch for.
One of the best tools available to a potential pet parent is to ensure you only use responsible breeders. You should request proof of health screenings to show whether your dog was bred with any known hereditary health issues. Shelters can sometimes provide this information as well.
In addition, this breed is sometimes prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long. You may hear excessive barking if you leave your cockapoo alone in a room for long periods of time.
Cockapoos are also prone to the following health problems:
Ear infections
Hip dysplasia
Patellar luxation, a patella or kneecap issue
Are cockapoos affectionate with family?
Affectionate and loving are two of the first qualities anyone familiar with cockapoos would use to describe them. These dogs tend to love anyone they meet, but no one receives more love than their close family.
If you’re looking for a dog that will smother you in affection, the cockapoo could be your perfect pet. Just make sure you have the time and drive to return their affection – cockapoos certainly struggle if left alone for long periods of time.
Are cockapoos intelligent?
Cockapoos are a highly intelligent mix, thanks mostly to their poodle heritage but also to their cocker spaniel side.
This intelligence shines through most in training and less so in mischief. Your cockapoo isn’t likely to become an escape artist or open doors seeking food.
Do cockapoos do well with children?
Children mix well with this family pet thanks to the gentle, friendly disposition they naturally have. To that extent, seniors are also a great fit for cockapoos. Anyone looking for a sweet-natured small dog to love and play with has a friend in a cockapoo.
As always, you should supervise any interaction between a dog and young children.
How are cockapoos with strangers?
Socialization is crucial for all breeds, but it’s an easier process for cockapoos thanks to low aggression. These pups tend to be friendly to everyone they meet.
Do cockapoos get along with other pets?
Just like easy introductions with new humans, cockapoos also get along easily with other pets, provided all parties involved were properly socialized from a young age.
How to be the best pet parent for a cockapoo
Caring for a cockapoo is a fun and rewarding process, but it’s also one full of responsibility. The best approach is one of understanding, which is why we offer plenty of learning resources in our Spot Pet Insurance Blog! Check it out to find help with all kinds of pet parent topics.
Basic training and behavior etiquette for your cockapoo
Training is easiest when it starts at a young age. Socialization should be a top priority to ensure new encounters go smoothly throughout your cockapoo’s life. Even with their friendly disposition, they still need some guidance.
Behavior training is very achievable, as is higher-level training such as tricks or sports. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool, especially for such an intelligent breed.
What types of foods should cockapoos never eat?
Cockapoos should avoid certain foods that are toxic to dogs in general. Here are some examples:
In general, dog owners should stick with feeding dog food to their pups.
Exercising tips to keep your cockapoo staying fit and healthy
Cockapoos have moderate energy levels, as both their parent breeds are also active dogs. Due to their intelligence, pet parents should combine exercise time with mental stimulation.
Interactive games or organized sports are a great way to keep your cockapoo fit and thriving. A simple game of fetch in a secure backyard is also a favorite for playtime.
Most cockapoos are a bit too small to run alongside you as you run or bike, but they’re great walking partners. They also tend to enjoy swimming!
Their high energy levels make daily exercise and mental stimulation essential. Aim for a minimum of 15 minutes of exercise per day.
Cockapoo life stages and lifespan
Cockapoo Puppy: 0 - 1 year
Adult: 1 year - 11 years
Senior: 11 years - end of life