The cockapoo is an endearing crossbreed between a poodle dog and a cocker spaniel that dates back to the 1960s . Because of their poodle parent , cockapoos do n’t shed much ( if at all ) , making them a popular option for frump proprietor with allergies . And while no dog is 100 % hypoallergenic , cockapoos can be a serious scene for those who sneeze around pups .

At their pocket-size , cockapoos can be 6–9 pounds fully grown . At their bighearted , they ’re still notthatbig ; they can be upwards of 19 pounds , intend they ’re good for a couch snuggle but can also keep up with bigger playmates . tender and well-chosen , cockapoos will give love to everyone they meet . concealment is n’t in their vocabulary — they’ll follow their favorite house member everywhere , even into the lavatory .

" When selecting a dog , a likely favored parent should consider their own personalities , those of their sept members include children and other pets , and lifestyles so as to find the dog who is the veracious fit for them , " says Alison Gerken , DVM .

Red Cockapoo standing in front of green foliage

mountaintreks / Adobe Stock

Appearance

A cockapoo ’s nerve could make anyone smile . Born a real - life-time teddy bear and raised into quite the dapper dog , cockapoos draw all type of blackguard fan with their dear smiles . They come in several size , thanks to the variety of poodle dog meridian and weight . Atoy poodlewill breed a cockapoo that ’s between 6–12 pound and less than 10 in in top . The miniature cockapoo , who has aminiature poodleparent , weighs up to 18 pounds and is between 11–14 inches in height . A standard , or maxi , cockapoo is bred from astandard poodle . She weighs more than 19 pounds and farm at least 15 inch tall .

Cockapoo coats most unremarkably have long , at large curl thatneed to be brush daily . They can come in chocolate , flushed , black , blue , emollient , white , and different combination of multicolor coats . They have the floppy ears of a English cocker spaniel spaniel to frame their cunning faces .

Cockapoos can sometimes be throw forCavapoos . It ’s no surprise ; both breed could evaporate a heart of stone with one loving look . Despite the difference in their lineage ( a Cavapoo resultant from cover a poodle and aCavalier King Charles spaniel ) , they ’re almost identical . you’re able to evidence them apart because the cockapoo has a longer gag and stands grandiloquent than the Cavapoo . And while both breed are very overbold ( thanks to their poodle inheritance ) , the Cavapoo run topick up trainingmore quickly than the cockapoo . Cockapoos have a shorter attention couplet , especially as puppies , and they ’re generally the more playful and active of the two .

young puppy sitting in grass

Purple Collar Pet Photography / Getty

Temperament

With an extroverted nature , cockapoos get along easily with everyone they meet . They ’re a happy , friendly breed that will devote their lives to loving their family line . Depending on how they ’re raised , a cockapoo can be a sofa Solanum tuberosum or favour cavort out of doors . Theyenjoy playtime with childrenor other dogs , and will always be quick for some excoriation after wearing themselves out . These pawl do n’t know apart , stranger or not , and love to get aid and will give it right back .

Cockapoos are happiestwhen they ’re with and near their owners , so leave them home alone all day is n’t the unspoiled theme . concord to theAmerican Cockapoo Club , " These dogs may expose lovesome doings that borders on being ' pushful , ' such as poke at your hand to be petted or ' worming ' their way onto the furniture to be close to you . " This may also meanfollowing their ownerto the kitchen , couch , or bathroom with great eye .

Sarah Wooten , DVM , veterinary expert forPumpkin Pet Insurance , aver the cockapoo ’s " clingy " nature can intend theydevelop breakup anxiousness easily .

Black and White Cockapoo

" If a dog is pass on alone during the day , crateful grooming is recommended , " Wooten say . " If the dog is allow alone , however , it is crucial to make certain they are let out for physical exercise at least every four hours . If a cockapoo develop anxiety when depart alone , talk to a veterinary surgeon to get assistant as soon as possible . " She also recommends doggie day care or a pet sitter if you have to on a regular basis leave your cockapoo home alone .

A cockapoo can be very centripetal to preparation , especially withpositive reinforcementfrom her favorite human race . She adores being praised , andtreats make her happy , too . While the cocker spaniel side of her can be a little distracted , herpoodle side is extremely reasoning . She will be eager to please with some repetition and reward .

Gerken says training should start as soon as you convey your cockapoo puppy home . socialise your puppyfrom an early long time — before she ’s 12 workweek quondam — is vital for her to be comfortable around new people , animals , andnew situationsduring adulthood .

Cockapoo running on beach

" It is vital that puppies interact with a diverseness of the great unwashed and animals , explore unlike environments , and gain exposure to different sounds , textures , objects , locations , and other environmental stimuli during this point , " Gerken say .

Living Needs

Lucky for everyone , the cockapoo find felicity in almost any home . So long as theirexercise needsare meet , they’llthrive in an apartmentjust as well as a house . However , the standard or maxi - size of it cockapoo is happiest in a planetary house with asmall fenced - in yardto guide around and dally .

Cockapoos are happy with other dogs orcats as fellow . Like any dog , they ’ll need right socialization as puppies to translate how to live with multiple animate being . But their happy - go - lucky nature makes it easier to desegregate them into a home .

This strain is idealistic for anyone with love to give . Cockapoos adore families — children , elder , and everyone in between . small children will have tolearn the proper way to address a puppy , and the cockapoo will pay back them with a lifelong familiar . Never go out a tyke unsupervised with any dog .

Cockapoo running on beach with the water

mountaintreks / Adobe Stock

Cockapoos do n’t mind water system — in fact , many finish up loving to swimand accompanying their families to the lake or the beach . Their poodle parent were breed to retrieve diminished biz from water , so cockapoos are born with some urine - loving tendencies . Expose them to swimming early to " try the waters , " and you may have a lake house dog-iron on your hands .

Care

Cockapoos have a coat that must be brush day by day to prevent matting . They ’re grim - exuviate pups , so there ’s no hazard of finding fur Ball throughout your house . But the curlier the coat , the more often they ’ll take to see the groomer . return every four to six week will keep a cockapoo ’s curly pelage in checkout . If they have more of a straightforward head of hair that imitate their cocker parent , a cockapoo likely wo n’t necessitate to see the groomer as often . Bathe themonly when utterly necessary — they are relatively odourless , and their pelage needs to keep oils that are essential for a healthy head of hair .

Those floppy cocker spanielears must be checked often , Gerken say , as they can trap moisture andcause auricle infection . " Cockapoos tend to delight swimming , which , because of their drooping spike and haired ear canals , may lead to piss becoming immobilize in the auricle canal , resulting in an ear infection , " she pronounce . " Also , cocker spaniel may produce more wax in their ears , increasing the danger of developing ear inflammation . " Gently study and clean their ears once a week .

Brushing their teetha few time a week can prevent tartar buildup andbad doggy breaththat ’s more common in small breeds . A cockapoo also needsher cop trimmeda couple of time a calendar month . If you may hear her nails clack on the trading floor , it ’s time for a trim .

Close up of Cockapoo in front of windo

Nick Hopper / Getty

Cockapoos love to draw close up on the sofa , but they also require some substantial free rein sessions orwalks to stay healthy . Most will only need 15 minute of exercise a twenty-four hours , whether it ’s a romp in the backyard or a snappy trot around the locality . She ’ll more often than not lovemeeting other dogs at a domestic dog parkor having playfellow at home .

" preparation and patience are required early on , " saysAdam Christman , DVM . Cockapoos inherit a high horizontal surface of intelligence from their poodle parent , but they can also be very excitable thanks to their cocker parent . Always use overconfident reinforcement with a cockapoo , and she ’ll be emotional to show off what she can do .

Health

Cockapoos typically live between 12–15 years , but can be susceptible to sure wellness issues that appear in their parent breeds , Gerken says . These include eye disorders includingcataractsandprogressive retinal atrophy , hip dysplasia , luxate kneepan , epilepsy , andheart disease .

Like English cocker spaniel spaniel , cockapoos might develop skin disorder include seborrheic dermatitis , which causes dry , flaky skin , Gerken say . They can alsodevelop skin allergic reaction .

Wooten says cockapoos can have hormonal issues as well , includinghypothyroidism , Cushing ’s syndrome , andType I diabetes .

As one of the " designer " dog breeds , likemany poodle hybrids , it ’s crucial to find a reputable stock breeder when look for for a cockapoo puppy to bring in place . Be on the lookout for cockapoos who could potentially make out from acommercial dog breed adroitness , and always ask your cockapoo breeder for health showing and certificate on their dogs so you are aware of any health issues .

When search for your cockapoo , be wary of breeders who :

History

A cocker spaniel was first intentionally bred with a poodle dog in the sixties , making the cockapoo the first designer hotdog breed . Dog lovers want a humble " hypoallergenic " domestic dog with a loving temperament , and stock breeder answered with the cockapoo . The cocker spaniel was already growing in popularity thanks to Disney ’s " Lady and the Tramp , " which was released in 1955 and stars a dignified cocker named Lady .

In 1999 , the Cockapoo Club of America was forge in an effort to tell apart the breed as a purebred with its own breed touchstone . The society promotes education generation of cockapoos rather than the original cocker spaniel - poodle commixture to help make a more predictable appearance and disposition . Today , several clubs exist to promote cockapoos as an single breed .

Fun Facts

Cockapoos Are terrific Pets!American Cockapoo Club .