Cockapoos are one of the oldest and most popular designer dog breeds. They have existed since the 1960s and are a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle.
Super cute and friendly the Cockapoo is the perfect balance between these two breeds. They have the Cocker Spaniel’s love of life and sweetness with the intelligence of the Poodle.
These charming puppies are ideal for families with children and other pets. They are complete social butterflies that will make friends with anyone. They have big hearts and an infectious energy that will make anyone want to play with them.
Want to know why these pups are one of the most beloved mixed breeds? Keep reading to check out all there is to know about what makes the Cockapoo so wonderful…
Table of Contents
What Is A Cockapoo?
Cockapoos are one of the oldest and most popular mixed breeds in the United States. They are loved for their zest, smart and sweet nature, friendliness, intelligence and low-shedding fur.
These incredibly cute pups are loved dearly because of how ideal they are for families and first time owners.
Cockapoos are one of the sweetest dogs that you could ever bring home. They are very loving and accepting of everyone. Because of their playfulness and calm nature they are also great for children. The Cockapoo was bred to be the perfect pet dog for families and first time owners. They are also especially great for families with children who suffer from dog allergies
All they need is your love and some time to play with you and they are very happy. One of the reasons they are so easy to take care of is because they are so intelligent. This helps them to adapt well to any home and family environment.
These adorable pups are a mix of the Poodle and either the American or the Spanish Cocker Spaniel. Because the Poodle can come in Standard, Miniature and Toy sizes there are actually three types of Cockapoo sizes:
- Cocker Spaniel and Standard Poodle mix makes a Cockapoo.
- Mini Poodle and Cocker Spaniel makes a Miniature Cockapoo.
- Cocker Spaniel and Toy Poodle makes a Toy Cockapoo.
Because of their many sizes you can have one whether you live in an apartment or in a big house!
Cockapoos not only come in different sizes, they can also be many different colors.
It is possible for them to inherit any of the colors of their Cocker Spaniel and Poodle parents. Their coats can also vary widely depending on the genes they inherit. Cocker Spaniels will donate straight hair genes, while Poodles will donate the curly hair gene. The coat of a Cockapoo can be straight, wavy or curly and short, medium or long in length.
History
The Cockapoo is one of the oldest designer dog breeds that combines the best qualities of the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle into one charming puppy. It is thought to have been created by accident in the United States around the 1960s.
Since its creation the Cockapoo has just continued to win-over the affection of people for its charming temperament and appearance.
The fact that a Cockapoo was low-shedding, intelligent, well-natured and endearing quickly drove breeders to intentionally breed these puppies.
Currently there are various dog clubs that recognize this breed. These include the American Cockapoo Club, the International Designer Canine Registry and the International Designer Breed Registry.
It is not yet registered with the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club because it is a mixed breed.
Fun Facts
- They are known by many other names including the Spoodle, Cockadoodle and Cockapoodle.
- While only three sizes of Cockapoo are recognized by the American Cockapoo Club there is a fourth type. The Teacup size is a mix between the Teacup Poodle and Cocker Spaniel. They will be even smaller than the Toy Cockapoo and are less than six pounds.
- Some breeders take two Cockapoos and breed them together to get F1B or F2 Cockapoo puppies, while others simply cross Poodles and Cocker Spaniels to get F1 Cockapoos.
- If you want to keep your dog in the backyard then this mix is not for you. They are truly meant to be indoor dogs and love being around you at all times. While they do best inside as a lap dog, it is still important to take them out every day to exercise.
- They are amazing therapy dogs. This breed is so people-oriented and caring that they are able to help people through tough times. They love to cuddle, are very calm and are great at listening to commands. A Cockapoo therapy dog even made the news when Duchess Kate and Prince William visited a local British hospital.
Cockapoo Dogs Info
| Parents | Poodle and Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|
| Size | Toy: 10 inches or less Mini: 11-14 inches Standard: 15 inches or taller |
| Weight | Toy: under 12 pounds Mini: 12-20 pounds Standard: 20 pounds or more |
| Coat | Can be straight, wavy or curly |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes, low shedding |
| Colors | Black, gray, white, brown, gold, tan, sable, cream, apricot, red, chocolate, party, phantom, tri-color, merle, roan |
| Temperament | Friendly, outgoing, energetic, affectionate and sweet |
| Family Friendly | Yes, very family friendly |
| Barking | Low |
| Training | Easy to train and very intelligent |
| Walking | At least 15 minutes |
| Grooming | High |
| Lifespan | 14 to 18 years |
| Price | $600 to $3,000 |
Appearance, Size and Colors
What Does A Cockapoo Look Like?
Some Cockapoos look more like a Miniature Poodle with their curly hair and thin, long muzzle. It is also possible for some pups to look more like a Cocker Spaniel with their big “dreamy eyes”, square muzzle and flowing straight hair.
There is a lot of variability in the appearance of Cockapoos because they can come in a variety of sizes and colors.
Cockapoos can be a lot of colors, but apricot is one of the most popular. This color made them famous!
Apricot Cockapoos have fiery red hair that is often very curly like the Poodle. With big round dark eyes and small black noses, these puppies often remind you of a sweet teddy bear! This is especially true if their hair is groomed to have the teddy bear cut. This kind of hairstyle is designed to make their heads look bigger like a cute plush toy.
The apricot can come in Standard, Miniature and Toy sizes, but the most common is Miniature. They are small dogs without being too tiny and have a well compacted and proportioned body that is just right for any kind of home.
Many more Cockapoo colors exist than just apricot.
Some other popular coat colors include black, gray, cream, golden, white, chocolate, phantom, sable, merle, roan, parti and tri-color. This huge variety of coat colors is because they can inherit any of the colors of their parent breeds.
When Do Cockapoos Stop Growing?
When a Cockapoo puppy stops growing will depend on the type of Poodle parent that was used to breed them. Usually smaller dogs reach their adult size faster than larger dogs. A Toy Cockapoo might reach its adult height three months before a Miniature or Standard.
All Cockapoos will be fully grown before their first birthday.
Generally you can find puppies between 3 and 11 pounds when they are four months of age. You can use the Cockapoo size chart below to track the growth of your puppy:
| Age | Toy | Miniature | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 1 pound | 3 pounds | 4.5 pounds |
| 4 months | 3 pounds | 8 pounds | 11 pounds |
| 8 months | 5.3 pounds | 12.5 pounds | 17 pounds |
| 12 months | 6 pounds | 14 pounds | 19 pounds |
Full grown Cockapoo size depends on the kind of Poodle that is crossed with the Cocker Spaniel. The three types of Cockapoo sizes are standard, miniature and toy.
A Standard is 15 inches or taller and weighs over 20 pounds.
Miniature Cockapoos are between 11 and 14 inches tall and weigh 12 to 20 pounds.
The smallest of them all is a Toy Cockapoo which is 10 inches tall or less and weighs under 12 pounds.
RELATED: Mini Golden Retriever: 10 Must Know Facts
Cockapoo Breeders
Finding a good breeder is important because you want a Cockapoo puppy that has the right temperament and is perfectly healthy. Reputable breeders tend to follow breed standards to produce a puppy that won’t have any behavioral issues and will grow up to be healthy.
A good place to start looking for good Cockapoo breeders is with the American Cockapoo Club.
They have a list of breeders that all follow the official standards so you know you will be getting a good quality puppy.
Some of the important standards that a breeder should follow are size and personality traits. It is important that Cockapoos have a well-proportioned body and that they are not too small. A puppy that is too small could be a runt or not as healthy as its siblings.
A Cockapoo should be very intelligent and trainable, curious and eager, people-oriented, outgoing and happy. A puppy that does not show these qualities is a red flag. It might indicate underlying problems like incorrect or over breeding.
In general a good breeder can certify that their puppy is healthy and can show you proof for all of the genetic tests they have done on the parents. If a breeder does not allow you to see the puppy and mother before adoption then they probably are not very trustworthy.
Once you find a good breeder you will need to make sure the Cockapoo puppy is healthy.
How Much Are Cockapoos?
The demand for Cockapoo puppies is high, but there are plenty of breeders too. A Cockapoo puppy from a pet shop can cost as low as $600 and be as much as $3,000 from a reputable breeder. The average price of a Cockapoo puppy in 2021 was $2,450.
Their price is similar to another very similar and popular designer breed, the Goldendoodle. Goldendoodles can cost between $1,000 and $2,800.
No Cockapoo puppy will look exactly the same because of how diverse they can be in their size, coat and color. Some puppies will be smaller than others. Some will have curly coats and others will have wavy or straighter hair. What is common to all puppies is their big round eyes and floppy ears that just scream cuteness.
What you want from a puppy all depends on you.
A healthy puppy is one that shows a friendly character and has no genetic abnormalities. A Cockapoo puppy should be incredibly sweet and affectionate. It should not shy away from you when you first come to visit. Most pups will always want to play with you.
All puppies are a bit different and some can be a bit shier than others, but in general a Cockapoo puppy should be eager to be your new friend and wants to love you.
Before you purchase your puppy a vet should evaluate it to make sure that it has healthy hip joints and can see just fine. A health certificate will guarantee that the puppy has visited the vet and is in good health.
Temperament
If there is one thing that all Cockapoos have in common it is their personality.
Breeders tend to focus more on the temperament of the Cockapoo than their appearance. This means personality-wise most puppies will be the same.
All Cockapoos will be incredibly calm and sweet dogs. They love people, children and other pets and will quickly make friends with anyone. They are mischievous and merry like the Cocker Spaniel and smart and energetic like the Poodle. They are truly a well-balanced breed that know exactly how to balance spiritedness with gentleness.
| Breed Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Family Friendly | ★★★★★(5) |
| Energy | ★★★★★(3) |
| Training | ★★★★★(5) |
| Loyalty | ★★★★★(4) |
| Barking | ★★★★★(1) |
The sociability of Cockapoos does not exclude other pets. They are not overprotective and see other dogs as friends.
Do not expect them to be aggressive or bark excessively at other dogs or people, that is just not their thing. They might playfully chase after a harmless squirrel because they do come from two hunting breeds!
Are Cockapoos Good With Families?
Cockapoos are incredible family dogs because of how caring and playful they are. They are a zesty breed that just wants to spend time with you and have fun. They are people pleasers and every moment they get with you is an opportunity for them to put a smile on your face and show you unconditional love.
Because of their sweet and gentle nature they make great pets for children. They have just the right activity level for families that need a playful dog but won’t be running around all day. Their enthusiasm also makes them great playmates as the calmness of the Cocker Spaniel balances out with the high energy of the Poodle.
The intelligence they get from the Poodle also makes them great at learning. Families will appreciate how easy it is to train their Cockapoo. Your puppy will amaze you with how quick it is to learn and how eager it is to show their new tricks.
Cockapoo Care Guide
Diet
Feeding your Cockapoo a healthy diet is one of the most important things to keeping your puppy healthy. They need the right nutrients and calories to grow normally and maintain their active lifestyle.
How much you feed a Cockapoo depends a lot on their age and energy level. The size of your Cockapoo will also influence how much they should eat. A Toy Cockapoo will be eating less than a Standard because it is smaller and doesn’t need as many calories.
An adult Cockapoo will need about one cup of kibble each day. This can be split into two meals serving 1/2 of a cup in the morning and 1/2 in the evening.
Miniatures will be fed around 3/4 of a cup each day, while a Toy should be fed about 1/3 of a cup.
Training
Poodles are one of the most intelligent dogs in the world and Cockapoos are just as smart as their parents. Their incredibly smart brain makes them easy to train. Combining that with a need to please and you have a dog that is very happy to do obedience training. Anyone can train them, even a first-time owner.
Cockapoos do best with positive reinforcement training. This method involves rewarding your puppy every time it shows a behavior you want. These dogs are quick learners and they will come to understand what you want from them if you reinforce that behavior with delicious treats.
Make sure you start socializing your Cockapoo as soon as you bring it home.
Once your puppy is ready to meet other dogs, take it to dog parks so that it can learn how to behave around other dogs. Your Cockapoo will especially love this because of how sociable it is.
Walks
Cockapoos love to play and chase a ball, but they do not need to be out playing all day. Walks and playing fetch are great ways to exercise them. Swimming is also a great option because they inherit a love of water from their Poodle parent.
In general they should get at least 30 minutes of walks each day.
Smaller Cockapoos like the Teacup and Miniature versions will need less exercise because they burn more energy faster and have smaller legs!
This mix does not need a lot of intense exercise, but they do need to work their muscles. If not they can get a bit anxious and even destructive. You should never skip on your walk or daily play session.
Cockapoos are ideal for non-active families as their energy levels are not too high. If you want an active Doodle breed then take a look at the Australian Labradoodle.
Health
The average lifespan of a Cockapoo is 14 to 18 years, but some have been known to live longer than this. Unfortunately their long lifespan does not mean that they cannot get sick. Cockapoos can inherit some of the genetic diseases that affect their parents. The most common ones are hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, allergies, liver disease and eye problems.
Grooming
One of the traits that many families love about the Cockapoo is its low shedding fur. Most puppies are considered hypoallergenic as breeders select for Cockapoos that shed very little. They can still shed a bit of hair because of their Cocker Spaniel genes, but they are very low shedding dogs.
The grooming needs of your Cockapoo will vary based on the type of coat it has.
Grooming these dogs is not as involved as grooming a Poodle. Whether they have straight or curled hair you want to make sure that their coat does not get matted. A simple brush every day is all they need.
Bathing your Cockapoo should not be done too frequently. Too many baths can remove the natural oils from their hair and irritate their sensitive skin.
Cleaning the ears of your Cockapoo is also very important as they are prone to getting ear infections. You should check and clean their ears weekly to prevent any infections.
Summary
If you are looking for a sweet, caring, intelligent and family-friendly dog breed then stop! The Cockapoo meets all those criteria and more.
Cockapoos are famous for their charming personality and hypoallergenic fur.
Living with a Cockapoo will make your life taste as sweet as honey. Every time they are in the room they will bring a smile to your face and brighten your day.
These dogs are great family pets. They are incredibly friendly with everyone and that includes kids, strangers, and pets. They are not rowdy, but love to play and will cuddle with you at the end of the day.
Because Cockapoos come in different sizes and colors you can have a completely unique puppy. The three kinds of Cockapoos are Toy, Miniature and Standard. Their coat type can be short to long and they can have hair that is straight, wavy or curly.
Miniature apricot Cockapoos with curly coats are the most popular. These fiery red puppies will remind you of a sweet teddy bear with their big dreamy eyes and flowing curly hair!
