The cockapoo is an adorable companion dog that can thrive in any family setup. As from its name, the cockapoo results from breeding the spoodle and the cocker spaniel.
This mix has the loyalty of the poodle and the affectionate nature of the cocker spaniel. With such a combination, you get an all-around sweet pet who is friendly and easily trainable.
Consequently, the cockapoo boasts itself as one of the oldest hybrid dog mixes. Other names for the cockapoo include Cockerpoo or the Spoodle.
With that said, whether you desire to own a cockapoo or you have an interest in this breed, this article is for you.
You will learn more about cockapoo temperaments, size, grooming needs, and much more regarding this breed.
The Origin of the Cockapoo
A hybrid dog that has its origin tracing back to the 1960s. Breeders in the USA accidentally bred a cocker spaniel and the poodle. The resultant was a breed mix that was intelligent, alert, and hypoallergenic.
This hybrid mix became much of interest to many breeders and many pet enthusiasts mainly because of its remarkable attributes.
The Cockapoo Club of America was created in 1999 to promote the breeding of second-generation cockapoos.
Cockapoo Size and Appearance
The size and the weight of the cockapoo depend on the size of the parent poodle. Nevertheless, the cockapoo has four size categories.
- The teacup
- Toy
- Miniature,
- Standard/maxi
Teacups don’t grow beyond 10 inches and often weigh below 6 pounds. When it comes to Toy cockapoo, they don’t grow beyond 10 inches and weigh up to 12 lbs.
The miniature has lengths ranging from 11-15 inches and weighs between 13-18 pounds. The fourth group is the maxi cockapoos. They can reach lengths of 15 inches and weigh 19 lbs.
Furthermore, the cockapoo can have a straight or curly coat. Overall it entirely depends on the parent with the stronger genes.
Coat colors of the cockapoo can vary from one individual to the other. That said, the coat coloration can either be solid or patterned.
However, the common colorations include black, silver, red, and apricot.
Cockapoo Personality and Temperament
The temperaments of the cockapoo can be hard to forecast. It all trickles down to how this hybrid mix is trained and socialized by a breeder.
Nevertheless, the cockapoo is a joyful, affectionate, and cuddly pet that will keep you and your family entertained.
If you desire to own a clown dog in your house, then you should consider the cockapoo as it’s playful and has lots of tricks under its paws.
As earlier discussed, the personality of any dog the cockapoo included depends on its upbringing. If you desire to own a well-balanced dog who’s friendly and affectionate to everyone, enroll the dog in socialization and obedience classes early.
Additionally, it would be best if you don’t leave your dog for long alone as it is susceptible to separation anxiety.
So if you are the kind of person who leaves the house for more than 2 hours a day, this dog shouldn’t be your priority.
If you’re persistent on owning a cockapoo and you have to leave your house, consider seeking the services of a pet sitter or pet walker.
Training Your Cockapoo
Picking from its parent’s intelligence and eagerness to please nature, the cockapoo is an easy-to-train companion dog.
Training sessions should start when the puppy is eight weeks. Consider starting with potty training, then later introduce other commands for your dog to learn.
Also, endeavor to enroll your puppy in obedience classes, where it will learn how to interact with other dogs.
Such obedience classes help mold a well-balanced dog who is acceptable by the community.
Worth noting, the cockapoos are sensitive to the kind of tone you use on them. Don’t shout or reprimand them. Be considerate and use a positive disciplining method on your cockapoo.
Exercise Needs For Cockapoo
The cockapoo has moderate energy levels. Above all, it requires 30-60 minutes of less demanding exercise daily.
Exercises like swimming and playing fetch can help keep your dog far from weight-related diseases. Besides physical stimulation, engage your dog in mentally stimulating exercises.
Meeting your lovely canine exercise needs will help you achieve a well-balanced dog who is physically and mentally healthy.
Cockapoo Grooming and Care
Does the cockapoo have vast grooming needs? Are they high demanding pets? No! Since it’s hypoallergenic, it requires fewer grooming sessions.
However, that doesn’t warrant you not to groom your cockapoo regularly. You will have to brush your dog’s coat daily. Daily brushing will help undo any mats and also helps spread the natural oils on your cockapoo coat.
Besides keeping your cockapoo’s coat clean, ensure you check those ears.
Its semi-flopped ears can trap moisture, thus harbor bacteria. So, check anything out of place, whether it’s a foul smell or any discharge emanating from your dog’s ear.
Trim those hairs around the eyes as sometimes they block a cockapoo’s view. Additionally, trim those claws. However, don’t cut the nails too short.
Also, brush your cockapoo teeth with a veterinary-approved toothbrush and toothpaste. Regular brushing will help remove the buildup of plaque and also distance your dog from dental issues.
Point to note: don’t trim your dog’s coat below 3 inches.
Cockapoo Diet
Cockapoo has no special diet. All it requires is a balanced diet with plenty of water. The amount of food you will give your cockapoo will depend on its size, age, and energy levels.
A couch potato dog will feed less as compared to an active dog.
Overall, a cockapoo should take 700 calories in a day. You can also calculate your cockapoo daily calorific need by multiplying its weight (pounds) by 25.
As a rule of thumb, don’t free-feed your dog. Free feeding may predispose your dog to obesity. Two daily servings of ¾ cup of dry kibble will be sufficient to keep this dog moving.
Common Health Conditions in Cockapoos
Even though the cockapoo is a designer dog, this breed mix is susceptible to some health conditions.
These diseases can either be inherited or not.
Here are some of the diseases that your cockapoo is likely to contract.
Patellar Luxation
A joint disorder that often hits small breeds like cockapoo.
Patellar luxation occurs when the knee cap slips out of place. Such a condition is painful and may immobilize the dog.
Cataracts
A condition that causes blindness in most dogs, the cockapoo being one of them. It occurs when the lens of the dog’s eyes becomes cloudy.
Allergies
Like every other dog, the cockapoo can develop allergies. Common allergies are contact, inhalant, and food.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an inherited disease that affects the knee joint of a dog. It occurs when the knee joint moves out of place and grinds on the knee joint instead of gliding smoothly.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are often rampant because of their flopped ears.
Cockapoo Lifespan
The cockapoo has a lifespan of 16-20 years.
However, its lifespan all depends on the care you give to this dog. Ensure you give it optimal grooming, proper diet, and proper health care if you want to cherish the moments you share with the cockapoo.
Cockapoos With Children
The cockapoo does well with children. They thrive and interact well with children. Since the cockapoo is small and fragile, care is vital on how children handle this furball.
Cockapoo and Other Pets
The cockapoo does well in a family with other pets, whether it’s another dog or cat. They are affectionate and selfless to other animals, just as they are to humans.
What is The Best Home For a Cockapoo
Cockapoo can do well in an apartment-though a home with a small yard where the dog can flex its muscles is preferred.
Cockapoo Price
The cockapoo can cost as low as $300 and as high as $2000. It all depends on where you have sourced your dog.
The cost of rescuing or adopting a cockapoo will be less as compared to purchasing from a breeder.
Where to Get a Cockapoo
You can get a cockapoo from an animal shelter, rescue group, or breeder. Always as a first choice, consider getting one from a rescue center. The reason being you will give another dog a chance to live life to the fullest.
Also, rescue centers charge less as compared to breeders.
If persistent on purchasing from a breeder, be diligent. Consider asking for the parent’s health clearance certificates. Also, avoid Back Yard Breeders (BYB) or puppy farms as they lack the dog’s interest in heart.
Consider checking here for your next cockapoo.
Cockapoo Dog Breed Summary
That’s all about the cockapoo. It’s a lovely dog breed that lives its life to the fullest. Its charming looks and affectionate nature will make your house look lively and brightened up.
Always consider checking at a rescue group for your next cockapoo. There is a lovely rescue dog somewhere waiting for a new home like yours. Adopt your next pet, don’t shop!
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