Cockapoo

One of the most well-liked designer dog breeds is the Cockapoo, which is renowned for its loving and lively disposition. This cute cross, which is a cross between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel, has the best traits from both parents, which makes it an excellent companion for seniors, single people, and families. The Cockapoo is a great companion for anyone seeking an energetic playmate or a cuddly lap dog.

The Cockapoo’s coat is one of its most distinctive characteristics. This breed is an excellent choice for those with allergies because of its hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat, which is a result of its Poodle parent. Their charm is enhanced by the variety of colors and textures found in their curly or wavy fur. They can maintain a soft and manageable coat with regular grooming.

It is well known that Cockapoos are intelligent and eager to please. They are very trainable due to these characteristics, which they share with the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel. Training is rewarding and enjoyable because they love to learn new tricks and thrive on positive reinforcement. However, because of their loving disposition, they develop close relationships with the members of their human family.

If you’re thinking about bringing a Cockapoo into your house, you’ll discover that they make wonderful companions and sources of joy. They do well in a variety of living environments, including big homes and apartments, as long as they get lots of love, care, and exercise. The Cockapoo is a devoted and energetic companion that will add charm to any home, beyond just its adorable appearance.

Characteristic Description
Breed Type Crossbreed between Cocker Spaniel and Poodle
Size Small to medium, typically 10-15 inches tall
Coat Soft, curly or wavy, often low-shedding
Temperament Friendly, playful, affectionate
Exercise Needs Moderate, daily walks and playtime
Life Expectancy 12-15 years
Trainability Intelligent and eager to please, responds well to training
Good with Children Yes, generally great with kids
Health Concerns May be prone to ear infections and allergies

Characteristics of the breed

History of the origin of the Cockapoo breed

The initial purebred puppies emerged relatively recently, as the development of the new breed started in the 1950s. Cocker spaniels and miniature poodles were crossed by breeders in the USA and England with the aim of creating a brand-new breed that would combine the ancestors’ good looks, moral character, and overall health.

Even though the first purebred line of puppies lacked some desired traits, dog breeders were still eager to purchase their shaggy companions.

In 1999, the first club to be officially registered was established. Breed standards were documented during this time and remain in force today. Only purebred cockapoos were permitted to breed in order to produce offspring, though some breeders still mix cockers and poodles.

However, designer puppies—which come from various breeds—do not qualify as purebred. Even though cockapoos were very popular, the breed was not recognized as a separate breed by international cynological organizations.

Distinctive features

In cynological organizations, all breed standards are deemed invalid because cocker poodles were not recognized officially. However, there are set guidelines that provide a detailed description of the cockapoo in breed-fancier clubs.

Unique attributes:

  • Head. The shape is rounded with a well-defined stop, the muzzle is of medium length with a straight top line, the bite is scissor-shaped.
  • Eyes. The iris is dark brown or hazel (rarely) in color, the shape is round.
  • Ears. The ear is long, set low, hanging ears (the edge of the ear is located below the cheekbones by 5-8 cm).
  • Nose. The nostrils are wide, well-defined, according to the standards the color of the earlobe is black, but in light colors brown is allowed.
  • Body. The back is straight, the withers are pronounced, the chest is quite wide and deep.
  • Tail. In a calm state, lowered below the hock joints, the tip is slightly curved upwards. In an active state, raised slightly below the level of the back, takes a sickle shape. Well-furred.
  • Limbs. The paws are muscular, set straight, the pads are rounded in a lump, the claws are strong, black, less often white.
  • Wool. The coat is soft, curly (less often straight), silky and thick. The hair on the body is long, on the muzzle and limbs it is shorter. There is a well-defined beard on the muzzle and whiskers.

The cockapoo’s body structure is more like that of a poodle, and its cocker ancestry is where their stylish muzzle and drooping ears originated.

Color variations:

  1. beige;
  2. white;
  3. brown;
  4. black;
  5. silver;
  6. fawn.

Dogs with two or more coat shades are among the breed’s representatives. Color can be zonal; for instance, the ears and muzzle may be one color, while the remainder of the coat may be a different hue. It is acceptable to have spots on the limbs and chest.

Varieties

There is no single canine standard for cockapoos; instead, the breed consists of four variations that vary in size and weight. However, dog lovers clubs recognize them all as the standard.

Cockapoo types:

  • Dwarf: weight no more than 3 kg.
  • Toy: body weight from 3 to 5 kg.
  • Miniature (mini): weight from 5 to 9 kg.
  • Standard (maxi): from 9 to 30 kg.

Photo adult dog



Photos of Cockapoo puppies



Characteristics and behavior of the Cocker Poodle

It’s evident from reading Cockapoo owners’ reviews that the breeders’ objectives have been met. Every dog has an outgoing, gregarious personality. Breed members are not aggressive, make good members of any "shaggy and feathered team," and get along well with kids and other family members.

Seniors and people used to active leisure can both benefit greatly from the company of cockapoos. Dogs are adaptable to any owner’s lifestyle; they will run in the park in the morning to warm up and then lounge on a plush couch until lunchtime.

They are extremely loyal rather than envious. The dog will be depressed and longing for a long time if his owner changes. Busy people who spend the majority of their day outside the home should avoid getting a cocker poodle because they do not tolerate extended periods of loneliness. They will be content to have company even on a lengthy trip because they can handle public transportation travel well.

They make loving, social, energetic, and calm pets in general. They enjoy company and love being the center of attention. However, cockapoos need early socialization just like other dogs do; otherwise, the puppy will grow up shy and cowardly.

Video with Cockapoo

Advantages

Representatives of the breed now possess many positive traits that have been developed over many years of work by amateurs and breeders. Nowadays, hypoallergenic wool is one of the most important since it essentially doesn’t shed.

Advantages:

  • Complete absence of aggression.
  • Compatibility with other pets.
  • Developed intelligence, good trainability.
  • Relatively long life expectancy.
  • Sociable, calm, friendly temperament.
  • The coat does not have a pronounced doggy smell.
  • Dogs get along well with children.

Cockapoos also have a funny appearance, a cute face, and an attractive exterior in addition to the aforementioned traits.

Disadvantages

While no breed is perfect, cocker poodles have minimal drawbacks that, with the right training, are almost invisible.

Drawbacks:

  1. Tendency to bark.
  2. Easy excitability.
  3. Intolerance of loneliness.
  4. Predisposition to congenital pathologies and hereditary diseases.
  5. Tendency to gain excess weight and overeating.
  6. Increased sensitivity to cold (freezes in winter), easily catches colds.
  7. Needs regular walking, although other decorative breeds do not like long walks in the fresh air.
  8. Requires careful grooming.

The shortcomings won’t bother true connoisseurs of the breed because most can be eliminated with excellent training and long hair can be styled for the appropriate season.

The popular mixed-breed dog known as the Cockapoo combines the gentle, laid-back disposition of a Cocker Spaniel with the intelligence of a Poodle to create a friendly and playful canine. Cockapoos are beloved for their curly coats, low shedding, and versatility, making them excellent family pets in a variety of settings. They are great companions for children, the elderly, and other pets because of their gentle and sociable nature, and they love to play and cuddle. For first-time dog owners, Cockapoos are a great option because they are low-maintenance and easy to train.

Care and maintenance

The Cockapoo is regarded as an easygoing breed that doesn’t require its owner to have any particular training. However, this does not negate the need to provide the pet with care and attention. It’s critical to realize that an animal’s character, appearance, and overall health are all influenced by its diet and level of education.

Nutrition

Due to the breed’s tendency toward overeating, begging, and weight gain, you must create a diet plan for your dog that takes these traits into consideration. The Cocker Poodle needs a diet and carefully chosen food items; you cannot spoil your pet by feeding it food from the table.

The advice of breeders:

  1. It is necessary to adhere to a feeding schedule and give out portions at the same time.
  2. You cannot feed your dog with table food or give it unplanned snacks between main meals.
  3. It is recommended to use ready-made rations for feeding, as they are balanced and exclude an imbalance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
  4. Additional feeding and treats are allowed to be given only during training as a reward, but the total number of treats should not exceed the weight (volume) of one portion.

Puppies should be fed six times a day until they are two months old, five times a day until they are three months old, four times a day until they are six months old, and three times a day until they are a year old. Dairy products can be included in the baby’s diet for up to six months; if the puppy has a lactose intolerance, fermented milk food can be given in place of milk. Adult pets and puppies under a year old now have two meals a day—in the morning and the evening.

In the event that the dog is given prepared food, you must adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions, which are listed on the packaging. When an animal is fed naturally, its age and weight are used to determine the daily rate.

Dietary estimates for natural feeding:

  • Basis of the diet: lean meat (boiled, raw) chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, veal, lamb.
  • Fish (can be used to replace meat or alternate): pollock, hake, navaga, capelin.
  • Offal: liver, lung, stomach, cartilage, veal and lamb noses, heels.
  • Cereals: rice, buckwheat, rolled oats, millet.
  • Vegetables and fruits: carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, apple, cabbage.
  • Fermented milk products: low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat sour cream, natural yogurt without additives, kefir, fermented baked milk.

It is also necessary to give vitamin and mineral supplements when feeding naturally. Premixes are not required when feeding prepared food because all necessary ingredients are present in the recipe.

Not Allowed:

  1. fatty meat, lard;
  2. raw river and sea fish;
  3. baked goods;
  4. sweets;
  5. carbonated drinks;
  6. citrus fruits;
  7. smoked, canned foods;
  8. tubular bones;
  9. fried, salted.

Cocker poodles can put on extra weight because they are highly sensitive to dietary changes. You can give dried or raw offal, meat, fish, or store-bought treats to your pet to show them how much you care.

Health

Cockerpoos are thought to be long-liver pets, with an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years; however, in order to stay healthy, your pet needs to receive the right care.

Vaccinations

Cockapoos require vaccinations, routine checkups, and parasite treatments just like other dogs.

  1. The first vaccination is recommended at the age of two months, the vaccine should include enteritis, plague of carnivores, leptospirosis.
  2. Re-vaccination is carried out after 2-3 weeks (according to the instructions), then a mandatory rabies vaccination is given (sometimes it is included in the general composition of the complex vaccination).
  3. Further vaccinations are carried out annually according to the schedule.

Diseases

Because breeders were unable to create a breed free of inherited illnesses, cockapoos are susceptible to every illness found in the poodles and cockers who came before them.

Typical illnesses

  • obesity;
  • volvulus of the intestine and stomach;
  • epileptic seizures;
  • dysbacteriosis;
  • cataracts, partial or complete loss of vision;
  • subluxations and dislocations of the knee joint;
  • otitis (due to hanging ears);
  • dermatitis;
  • allergies;
  • liver disease.

Because cockers can get cold easily, it’s best to walk them in clothing during the winter. Preventing hypothermia, overheating, and drafts is crucial.

Walking

Although a Cockapoo can be trained to use a toilet at home (a tray or diaper), walking the dog is still necessary. Like all living things, cocker poodles require sunlight, fresh air, and exercise. It is best to take your pet for a 20–30 minute walk twice a day in addition to spending time playing active games.

Breed representatives don’t need special loads or intense training, but if the pet has gained weight, walking should be increased and exercise should be increased (jumping, running, playing outside games).

Coat care

The long, curly hair of the cockapoo practically never sheds, but it does need to be carefully maintained. Three times a week, the pet needs to be combed, with special attention to the hair on its chest and muzzle.

A summertime haircut will make maintaining the dog’s coat easier and prevent it from overheating. Cockapoos can go without frequent baths because they don’t smell particularly like dogs. To ensure that the pet’s coat dries completely overnight, it is preferable to schedule water procedures for the evening. Bathing the dog should only be done once a month.

Mating

It is permissible for dogs two years of age and older to breed. The parent couple needs to be in good health and possess all necessary documentation. Only purebred cockapoos (within the breed) are permitted to breed in modern clubs; litters produced by crossing a poodle with a cocker are not recognized as purebred and are not permitted at shows.

Key points in training

Cokapoos are intelligent dogs that genuinely enjoy learning. Classes that combine play and motivational training will be the most effective way to train these dogs. Treats, verbal compliments, and petting are great for both adults and children. Dogs will do anything to get their owner’s attention because they enjoy it.

Cocker poodles are adept at learning new skills, memorizing simple commands, and mastering specialized training. You cannot yell at a dog or use strong tactics of persuasion when working with one because cockapoos are sensitive to mood and intonation.

How to choose a Cocker Poodle puppy

When selecting a puppy, it’s crucial to take into account factors like the puppy’s health, activity level, breed (parents’ documentation available), heredity, and group (adults’ height and size). It’s crucial to realize that puppies are miniature versions of their parents, so the youngster should resemble them.

Examine the entire litter and consider the feeding and housing conditions before making a purchase. It is best to decline the purchase if the bitch gives birth for the second time in a year. The dearth of documentation, the parent couple’s health certificate, the puppies’ worn-out appearance, and the unfavorable conditions for raising and developing are the reasons for the rejection.

Price

It is very challenging to determine the average cost of puppies because there are divisions even within the breed. In Russia, puppies "for the soul" are priced starting at 10,000 rubles; show class puppies are more costly, with prices starting at 40,000 rubles.

Where to buy a Cockapoo in Russia

There is just one kennel in Russia that is dedicated to this breed. There are also dog-loving and breeding clubs; although they are unregistered, their puppies are fairly good.

  1. Kennel "DiDog" g. Moscow www.didogs.ru/nashi-pomski
  2. Club of lovers "Kokapoo-Cockapoo" https://vk.com/club188990049.

With the best qualities from both of its parent breeds—the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle—the Cockapoo is a loving, perceptive, and active dog. Their affectionate and playful dispositions make them great companions for seniors, single people, and families.

Their friendly disposition makes them excellent with kids and other pets, and their hypoallergenic coats are a huge bonus for those who suffer from allergies. To stay healthy and happy, Cockapoos require consistent exercise and regular grooming.

All things considered, the Cockapoo is a low-shedding, adaptable dog that works well in a range of dwelling types, including larger homes and apartments. They will be a devoted and happy addition to any home with the correct upbringing.

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Daria Lebedeva

Dog lover. I constantly study the characteristics of different breeds, their character and needs. I publish articles on how to choose the right breed that suits you and how to provide the best living conditions for your pet.

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