Cockapoo

Temperament:

Outgoing, Loving, Intelligent
Size: Medium
Height: 45 cm
Weight: 3-8 kg
Lifespan: 12-17 years
Coat: Longhair
Colors: White, Red, Brown, Beige, Black and White, Black

If you are looking for a beginner's dog, the Cockapoo is just right for you. The Cockapoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel and is an unrecognized dog breed that is becoming increasingly popular.

Cockapoo
Artboard 26

Characteristics

The Cockapoo usually has a shoulder height of around 40 cm. However, it is bred in four different sizes. The smallest are no higher than 25 cm and the largest (standard) are between 38 cm and 45 cm tall.
The weight also varies greatly depending on the parent and ranges from under 3 kg to over 8 kg.

The life expectancy of the dogs is relatively high at 12 to 17 years. They are also characterized by a low susceptibility to hereditary diseases.

The fast-growing coat of the Cockapoo is rather long and can be smooth to slightly curly. However, it should not be very curly. The color covers all combinations that also occur in the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle.

The coat of a Cockapoo that does not belong to the first generation should ideally be almost odorless. The floppy ears of the Cocker Spaniel have prevailed in this crossbreed.

As far as the character of the dogs is concerned, they have inherited the best characteristics of their parents. Above all, the Cockapoo's friendly nature - an inheritance from the Cocker Spaniel - has made it increasingly popular. This breed is also very docile, which is probably due to its ancestor, the poodle.

The Cockapoo loves children. It is a sociable family dog that feels particularly comfortable when all its people are gathered around it. The breed is very affectionate and conveys a feeling of constant closeness. They like to sit on their human's lap.

They are also very playful and intelligent, which makes training these dogs much easier. They also generally get along well with other dogs.

The Cockapoo is not known as a noisy breed. However, if someone approaches the house, the dog may raise the alarm. Nevertheless, it is not particularly suitable as a guard dog.

However, you must bear in mind that these characteristics are not exactly predictable, as it is a mixed breed. If you want to get a Cockapoo, you should go to a reputable breeder. They should also be able to show you the health certificates of the parent animals.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

The Cockapoo has no special dietary requirements. However, as with other breeds, it is important that the food consists of high-quality ingredients and is balanced.

When it comes to the amount of food, you can follow the manufacturer's recommendations, which should be adjusted according to age, weight and activity.

A puppy should have between 4 and 6 meals a day, for adult dogs it can be up to 2 meals a day.

If you are not sure whether your dog is overweight, run your hand loosely over his body. You should be able to feel the ribs easily.

Health & Care

Fortunately, the Cockapoo does not shed very much and belongs to the non-hairing dog breeds. To prevent the coat from matting, the Cockapoo must be combed daily. It should be accustomed to this as a puppy.

Some owners prefer to give the dog a haircut. This is not absolutely necessary and should only be shortened to 5 cm. However, it is important to check whether the long hair is affecting the dog's vision. If this is the case, the coat around the eyes must be shortened at least a little.

The Cockapoo does not need to be bathed regularly unless absolutely necessary.

As with many small dogs, attention must also be paid to the length of the Cockapoo's claws. Often the claws do not wear down sufficiently and need to be shortened. If you have no experience with this, you should leave it to a vet or dog groomer. If your dog's claws rattle on the floor, they need to be trimmed again.

Cockapoos' ears should be cleaned or at least checked once a week to prevent ear infections. Signs of an infection are an unpleasant odor or reddening of the ears. Constant shaking of the head or scratching of the ears can also indicate an infection.

Suitable accessories

Cockapoos are very active dogs that love to fetch and learn new tricks. To motivate the dog, you can give it treats. These should also be given after brushing. This can make grooming much easier.

For grooming, you will need a brush, possibly a small bathtub and dog nail scissors. A cotton ball soaked in cleaning fluid is recommended for the eyes and ears. Ask your vet which cleaning agent is suitable for your dog.

Cockapoo history

Origin & History

The Cockapoo is a relatively young dog breed. Its origins probably lie in America in the 1950s. However, the breed was not mentioned in the Oxford English Dictionary until 1960. The first cross between an American or English Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle is said to have been accidental.

The Cockapoo soon enjoyed great popularity. Breeders repeatedly tried to have it recognized as a purebred dog. So far, however, these applications have always been rejected by the breeding associations. Despite this, the Cockapoo is now the most popular mixed-breed dog in England.

Initially, the standards of breeders were very different. While some kept breeding new first generations, others wanted to breed purebred Cockapoos.

In 1999, the Cockapoo Club of America was founded, which introduced a breed standard. Its task is to maintain this standard. The club advocates a multi-generational mix, as this reinforces the desired characteristics of the dogs.

The American Cockapoo Club was founded in 2004. Its aim is to breed Cockapoos whose roots can be fully traced back to their purebred American Kennel Club or Continental Kennel Club ancestors.

Nowadays, dogs are often used in therapy for sick and elderly people and children.