Cockapoo

In my own words

 

Are you busy right now? Could we perhaps play a game? Or maybe I could help you do your chores, I don’t mind what we do, as long as I’m with you! I love my family so much you see, that’s what I was bred for – to be your best friend! And look at my super coat too, I’m like a cuddly teddy bear, don’t you think?

When do you the children come home from school? I can’t wait to play with them. They give me lots of cuddles and attention which I like the most. I hate being left on my own. I am sorry for chewing your slipper the other day but I was just lonely. I missed you so much! As long as I’m always with you, I’m happy. Now, how about a cuddle?

 

Information essential about the Cockapoo

 

Kennel Club Group:

Crossbreeds are not recognised by the KC

 

Size:

The size of the dog will vary depending on the size and breed of the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle used but on average these are the height and weight of a Cockapoo.

Small: Weight 12 – 24 lb (5.4 – 11 kg)

Height 10 – 15” (25 – 38 cm)

 

 

Popularity:

Breed History:

 

Cockapoos are cross breeds, bred from pure bred Cocker Spaniels and pure bred Poodles and it is believed that they originated in America in the 1950s. It is thought that they have been in the UK for the last ten to fifteen years. The Cockapoo is known as  the very first ‘designer dog’.

Usually American Cocker Spaniels are used to create a Cockapoo but some are created using a Poodle and English Cocker Spaniel which is often called a Spoodle. There have been efforts in the last decade to separate Cockapoos and Spoodles of which there has been some success. The Cockapoo has been bred solely as a companion dog and as such, there is no breed standard with the focus being on creating a healthy, hypoallergenic dog with a good temperament. Over the years, the popularity of this breed has steadily increased.

While not recognised by any purebred associations, unaffiliated clubs have been formed for the Cockapoo. The Cockapoo Club of America formed in 1999 and created a breed standard to encourage consistency within the breed. They promote multigenerational breeding of Cockapoos to maintain desired qualities not always seen in first-generation dogs.

The American Cockapoo Club was formed in 2004 and created their own breed standard. These members do not mix generations or breed Cockapoos back with Poodles or Cocker Spaniels. There is also the North American Cockapoo Registry working to make the Cockapoo into a viable breed. The registry, formed in 1999 certifies Cockapoos that are a result of first through to sixth generation breedings.

 

Character:

 

The Cockapoo is intelligent and easy to pleased with an outgoing and friendly nature. This breed is very happy and gets along with everyone. They have the intelligence and spirit of the Poodle combined with the sweet and affectionate ways of the Cocker Spaniel. The Cockapoo is loyal, affectionate and very sociable. They thrive on human attention.

 

 

Temperament:

 

This breed is friendly and easy to please making it a good companion dog. They are lively and outgoing and generally good with children and other animals. They are affectionate and have a very sweet disposition. However, due to the parentage, this breed can have problems with aggression if not dealt with at a young age. This breed can suffer separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.

 

Conformation:

 

As this new breed is not fully recognised by the AKC and the breed is still developing, there is not a set breed standard yet but the Cockapoo should have a good temperament and good health while maintaining the intelligence of a Poodle and sturdiness of the Cocker Spaniel.

 

 

Coat:

The Cockapoo is a low-shedding breed and hypoallergenic, often favoured by allergy sufferers. The coat can vary between very curly like a poodle or loose and wavy.

 

Colour:

 

The coat can vary in a wide range of colours such as black, tan, beige, red, apricot, brown varying from light to dark, sable with black shading, cream, white, silver, brindle, phantom. The Cockapoo can be affected by the greying gene carried by the Poodle which means that a black coated Cockapoo may turn silver as they mature.

 

Training:

 

The Cockapoo is a very intelligent breed that is easy to train and eager to learn. They learn very quickly and benefit from early socialisation and obedience training. Due to the mix of Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, this breed can become aggressive if not given proper training and requires a firm but fair and consistent trainer.

 

Care:

 

Despite being a low-shedder, this breed does require a good daily brush. The coat is not usually clipped but if you do decide to clip the coat, it should only be trimmed to two to three inches in length. Hair around the eyes should be trimmed to allow visibility. Bathe only when necessary. The ears should be checked and cleaned on a regular basis to prevent infection.

 

 

Health:

 

The lifespan of a healthy individual is between 13 and 15 years. If you buy from a reputable, responsible breeder, health problems should not occur. Being a crossbreed means that the Cockapoo is generally a healthy breed that doesn’t suffer many ailments but be aware of possible diseases or ailments inherited from the parents so ensure the parentage is free of genetic problems when buying a puppy. Both the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel can suffer Patella Luxation which can be passed on so be sure to get the dog check. Both parent breeds can also suffer Progressive Retinal Atrophy alongside other eye disorders so the parents should be tested before breeding. The Cockapoo can also be subject to ear infections so ensure to check and clean the ears regularly.

 

Exercise:

This breed requires a moderate amount of exercise and can do well in an apartment provided they have access to a sufficiently sized yard and regular walks. They thrive on human attention and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they can become destructive and bark excessively. They do enjoy lots of playtime with family. This breed has a tendency to overeat so a good amount of exercise will keep this breed fit and healthy. This breed prefers a cooler climate.

 

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