With just one look, this fluffy and friendly fur ball will steal your heart, and have you begging to take him home. One of the earlier designer dogs, the Cockapoo came on the scene in the 1960s when hybrids were looked down on and purebreds were all the rage, but this cross-breed presented the best of both worlds to their owners. They are friendly, affectionate and very intelligent which makes them easy to train, and they are very energetic and playful.
Though this dog is ideal for many lifestyles, because it is a crossbreed, you never know which parent is going to be more dominant in this hybrid. In order to be sure what type of dog you’re going to have, it’s important to study both parents, the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle to understand the features that your Cockapoo might inherit.
The Poodle
Poodles are naturally vigilant, smart, loyal and very active, all of which makes for an easily trainable companion. They tend to respond to instructions well, which make them ideal candidates for dog shows and competitions. Housetraining for poodles is also a breeze compared to many other dogs, and they normally catch on very quickly, so there’s no need for a dog trainer.
The Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel has a reputation for being eager to please his companion, and truly takes on the notion of dogs being man’s best friend. Bred to be a hunting dog, this purebred is prone to excessive barking if not properly socialized, but is also easily trainable and very intelligent. Perhaps the only disadvantage of having a Cocker is its labor intensive and potentially expensive grooming, as they require daily brushing and a grooming treatment every 6 weeks.
A combination of these two dos form the perfect family oriented hybrid, but to ensure the Cockapoo is ideal for you and your lifestyle, here are some features that highlight all you need to know.
Cockapoo Appearance and Size
These dogs come in four main sizes, the first of which is the Teacup Toy Cockapoo. Teacup Toys are very small and normally don’t exceed 6 pounds in weight, and 10 inches in height. The next size is referred to as the Toy Cockapoo, and normally weigh a little under 12 pounds. They are more well built than Teacup Toys, and averages the same height of 10 inches. The third and very popular size is the Mini Cockapoo, averaging anywhere from 13 and 18 pounds in weight, and in height 11 and 14 inches. The fourth and largest is the Standard or Maxi Cockapoo, weighing over 19 pounds, and growing to 15 inches in height.
They vary in their coat textures from having straight hairs to having wavy and more curly type hair. They also vary in colour from being parti coloured, to having different variations of phantom, merle, and roan among others. The colors of their noses vary between brown and black, depending on the color of their coat, and their bodies are normally sturdy despite the size they come in.
Characteristics and Personality
Naturally a dog for companionship, the Cockapoo is sure to boost your mood everyday. They are loving, caring and very very happy. They tend to be very well natured and affectionate, and enjoy cozying up to their owners on the couch or in their lap. From his poodle heritage, he adopts his intelligence and smarts, which is a major reason why he is so popular among families of all households.
It’s imperative to get this pup socialized early, to ensure that he has no problems later on in his life. This means making sure he is exposed to many different situations, including other dogs, animals, environments, a variety of sounds and lots of people. They make excellent pets for small children, teenagers and adults alike.
Because he is very close and attached to his owners, he may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods of time. Using positive reinforcements during house training allows your cockapoo associate good behaviour with rewards, resulting in a well rounded pup. It’s not advisable to leave the Cockapoos on a leash or in the backyard, but instead, keep them indoors as house dogs.
Grooming and Maintenance
All Cockapoos need daily brushing, despite their type of hair. This trait is adopted from the Cocker Spaniel, and perhaps may be the most major disadvantage of caring for these dogs.They also need to be trimmed regularly, which can be done at home or at the groomers, and can become very expensive to take care of. Skin infections may arise if the coat is not properly taken care of, resulting in it become matted and dirty.
They require bathing as regularly as any other dog, and their faces can be kept clean by wiping with a washcloth or wet wipe. Be sure to wipe away from the eyes to prevent infections and irritations. They like daily walks which keep them from becoming overweight, though playing with them for a good 30 – 45 minutes serve as enough physical exercise to keep them satisfied.
Health Issues and Lifespan
Their average lifespan ranges from 12 – 15 years. Because of their purebred parents, they are prone to adopting a range of health issues, but the chances of them getting are relatively slim. Still it i important to know these illnesses, in case they develop. These issues include but are not limited to:
- Ear Infections – Because of the size of their floppy ears, it’s easy for Cockapoos trap dirt and debris easily, making them prone to ear infections. In order to prevent this, make sure there ears are regularly cleaned and checked.
- Allergies – Like most dogs, Cockapoos suffer from three main types of allergies, food allergies, contact allergies and airborne allergies. Food allergies come from the quality of dog food they consume, contact allergies from contact with other animals and airborne allergies from things in the air such as dust and pollen.
- Cataracts – These are easily identifiable by a cloudy appearance in the dog’s eyes, and may cause blindness if left untreated. Be sure to take your dog to the veterinarian regularly to avoid and detect these issues early.
Cockapoos are ideal for a large number of persons, whether young or old, and with proper care and socialization, they will add lots of joy to your home.
