The cockapoo is, like many other breeds of hybrid dogs, one of the trend crosses in recent years. Its engaging appearance, like that shown by pomsky or maltipoo, shows that, more and more, people are looking for a partner with personality, whatever their breed.
Despite this, it is true that this particular hybrid breed is very popular, the result of the cross between a standard poodle and an English Cocker Spaniel.
Cockapoo photos
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Physical characteristics
The Cockapoo is a medium-sized dog, because although there is great variability between certain specimens and another, the average body weight is between 5 and 10 kilograms, with its usual size between 25 and 40 centimeters. It is a dog with a great longevity, since its average life expectancy varies from 14 to 18 years.
The appearance of this dog basically depends on the predominant genetic load in him. In this way, there will be specimens that are almost identical to a poodle or an English Cocker Spaniel, for example having the square muzzle of the cocker spaniel or the white fur of poodles. There are also specimens in which the balance between the two parental breeds is perfect, having the characteristics of both in equal measure.
In general, the most uniform characteristic shared by all the Cockapoo specimens, is that they are of medium size, with long ears and which fall on their cheeks and that their fur is long and wavy. They are also considered to be one of the ideal dog breeds for people allergic to dog hair, as they hardly lose any hair and are considered hypoallergenic.
Character and behavior
Cockapoo are generally dogs with a very good character. They are sociable, extremely affectionate, enjoy company and attention, intelligent and active. They are popular as therapy and assistance dogs due to their kindness and balanced character.
These are dogs that establish close ties with their loved ones, and not only with people, but also with other dogs or pets. This makes them show behaviors that show their love for their owners, such as following them around the house, sitting on their feet, or demanding affection and attention in the most engaging and fun way.
But that also doesn’t make them tolerant of loneliness, so they’re not a good choice if we generally spend a lot of time at work or away from home in general. In these cases, the cockapoo usually develops problems such as anxiety, depression or even exhibits destructive or aggressive behavior.
Health
The cockapoo stands out for being one of the hybrid breeds with generally good health. However, the tendency to suffer from certain congenital diseases can inherit both poodles and cockers.
One of these conditions is the greatest tendency to suffer from hearing infections such as otitis. This condition is also painful, quite dangerous if not treated in time, as it can cause permanent deafness. Therefore, if we notice symptoms that make us suspect an ear infection, such as scratching the area more than normal, showing pain or being agitated, we should go to the veterinarian, who can recommend us to do hearing cleanings, using a special product.
Other conditions that can occur are dislocation of the knee, inherited from the cocker spaniel and affecting the health of his knees, or eye problems such as progressive atrophy of the retina, common in poodles. Therefore, we recommend veterinary visits every 6 or 12 months to help us follow an adequate preventive medication, also strictly monitoring the vaccination schedule and performing periodic deworming, internal and external.
Life expectancy
It is a dog of great longevity, since its average life expectancy varies from 14 to 18 years.
Care
Pay special attention to grooming the Cockapoo’s coat. To preserve its beauty, you need to comb it regularly. To avoid tangles, it is worth doing the procedure 3-4 times a week.
Take your pet to a dog beauty salon and get it professionally groomed every year. Of course, you will have to spend money, but the result is worth it.
You need to trim the claws twice a month.
Daily clean and treat ears, teeth and examine eyes.
Exercise
Cockapoo are energetic and intelligent dogs, which in short means that they need the right amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation to be truly happy, well-balanced and obedient dogs.
They should be given 40 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. A shorter walk in the morning would be nice, but a longer and more interesting one in the afternoon. These dogs also like being able to walk around in a back yard as often as possible so that they can really let off steam. However, the fence must be extremely secure to keep these dogs active and curious, because if they find a weakness in the fence, they will soon escape and have all kinds of problems.
Cockapoo Dog Highlights
- No shedding. Cockapoo dogs do not shed and are hypoallergenic, therefore they are suitable for people who suffer from allergies.
- Lack of characteristic odor. Unlike other breeds, the Cockapooes do not emit a specific smell, even when there is a long break between bathing.
- High level of activity. This is one of the dogs with which you can spend a long time outdoors, play, swim, and at the same time the pet will do all this with pleasure and will not get tired.
- Nice look. Looking into their eyes, you cannot resist. Their gaze is a merciless weapon, capable of breaking even the most severe master.
- Friendliness. Representatives of the breed always want to know everything; they get along well with people and animals.
- Companion dog. Cockapoo love for you will grow with every beat of his little heart, this dog will always be there.
- Get along well with children and animals. Cockapoo are peaceful, social and gentle creatures, wonderful companions. If you have a kid who has just begun to explore the world, the cockapu will gladly help him with this.
History of the breed
The first recognized cockapoo specimens were born in the 1950s. They made it in the United States, where they became very popular in no time. They were beautiful and striking puppies, so they quickly arrived in other countries, until they were present all over the world. The breed is not officially recognized by international cynological organizations, which mention it as a hybrid or mixed breed. This fact means that there is no official breed standard, so all individuals that result from a cross between an English cocker spaniel and a standard poodle can automatically be considered a cockapoo.