The cockapoo is one of the most sought-after crossbreeds in the U.S. since it combines the intelligence of a poodle with the affection of a cocker spaniel. Several colors and sizes are available to suit any family’s taste in these low-shedding, easy-to-love dogs.
Cocker spaniels and poodles are a crossbreed that dates back to the 1960s. A cockapoo’s poodle parent means that they have little (if any) hair to shed, which makes them a popular choice among allergy sufferers. The cockapoo can also be a good choice if you sneeze around pups, although no dog is hypoallergenic 100 percent of the time.
Despite their small size, cockapoos can grow to weigh up to 9 pounds. In their largest size, they’re still not that big; they can be up to 19 pounds, which means they can snuggle on the couch as well as play with bigger pups. Cockapoos are friendly and affectionate, giving love to everyone they meet. Whenever they see a friend or family member, they’ll follow them everywhere, even into the bathroom.
“A potential pet parent needs to consider their own personality, that of other members of their family, as well as their lifestyle in order to find a dog that will be a great companion,” advises Alison Gerken, DVM.
Cockapoo History
Cockapoos are crossbreeds produced by mating a Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle or by crossing two Cocker Spaniels with Poodles. Their popularity dates back to the 1950s.
By 1998, Mary D. Foley had founded the Cockapoo Club of America. This breed of dog is the perfect pet for the family.
Cockapoo Temperament.
Breeds like the cockapoo, which is actually a cross between an American cocker spaniel and a poodle, are among the oldest designer dog breeds. Cockapoodle, cockerpoo, and cock-a-poo are all names for the offspring of a cocker spaniel and a poodle.
The appearance of cockapoos can be hard to predict, as it is with any mixed-breed dog. The size and weight of poodles are largely dependent on the type of poodle used for breeding. Compared to the offspring of a standard poodle, known as maxi cockapoos, a toy poodle’s offspring can weigh as little as 5 pounds. Teacup cockapoos can weigh as little as 2 pounds, depending on the breeder. Cocker spaniels and miniature poodles are commonly crossed to produce cockapoos, which are sturdy, medium-sized dogs that are around 15 pounds and stand about 14 inches at the withers.
Also, the coat of the puppy is hard to predict or control depending on which of the parents’ genes is dominant. It can be long, medium or short, and straight, wavy or curly. Cockapoos have the trait of being low-shedding, which is inherited from a poodle, yet this is not guaranteed. The cockapoo also does not tend to have a very strong odor and does not need frequent bathing. It is not necessary to cut their coats like a poodle, but regular brushing will allow them to avoid matting and reduce the accumulation of debris.
Additionally, their colors vary widely. Poodles and cocker spaniels can have any color you’d expect in a cockapoo pup, including white, black, red, brown, and tan, as well as a combination of colors and patterns.
Cockapoo Health
In the same way that all people have the potential to inherit certain diseases, all dogs, no matter whether they are purebreds, crossbreeds, or mixes, can have genetic health problems. Avoid breedings from breeders who do not offer a health guarantee, who claim their mixed breeds are healthy with no known health issues, or who tell you that the puppies are isolated from the household due to health concerns. Health problems in mixed breed dogs and the incidence of them occurring in her lines will be openly disclosed by a reputable breeder.
Despite the fact that Cockapoos may exhibit health issues similar to those of Poodles and Cocker Spaniels, there’s a chance that the mix of two breeds may lower the risk of inherited diseases. This is difficult to predict in a mixed breed dog due to the very nature of genetic variation. An overview of some of the inherited diseases reported in these two breeds can be found in the breed guides for Cocker Spaniels and Poodles.
There are inherited conditions that are difficult to detect in a growing puppy, and it can be difficult to predict whether an animal will be free of them, which is why you should find a breeder who is committed to breeding healthy animals. Genetic testing of the parents (and grandparents, etc) of the dog should be conducted by an independent certifier. A puppy’s breeder should be able to show proof that both parents have health certificates, such as those issued by Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.
The Canine Eye Registry Foundation and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals must annually certify the breeding stock of those breeding the Cockapoo Club of America. On its website, the CCA provides further details about its star ratings.
Beware of bad breeders’ lies. Breeders who claim that the tests aren’t necessary because their dogs have been “vet checked,” or for any other reason, should walk away from dog genetic testing as soon as possible.
