| Breeds: | Cocker Spaniel, Poodle |
| Registries: | Cockapoo registries (see appendix) |
| Occupation: | Companion |
| Size: | Varies; usually 14 to 16 in tall; 20 to 25 lbs |
| Longevity: | 14 to 16 years |
| Exercise: | Daily walks and games |
| Training: | Easy; hard to keep focused |
| Grooming: | Moderate to difficult |
Other names: Cockerpoo, Spoodle, Cockerdoodle (AU)
A Cockapoo can be the result of mating either the American Cocker Spaniel or English Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle. They have been known in the United States since the 1950s. The earliest known dictionary reference was a 1960 OED citation
Dog name synonym: Cockerpoo & Spoodle
HISTORY
Being developed in the United States, in the 1950s, the Cockapoo is considered to be the first so called ,,designer dog,,. It is not very clear whether they were created as a result of planned interbreeding or accidental outcross between either the American Cocker Spaniel or the English Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle.
Today the Cockapoo is a well-known breed, with a contantly growing popularity. Famous Cockapoo dog owners include actress Ashley Judd, who has two cockapoos named Buttermilk and Shug. Cockapoos make excellent family pets and loving companion dogs. They are often appraised to be hypoallergenic.
PERSONALITY
Cockapoos are very friendly breed and show immense affection not only for family members, but for strangers too. They love people and have clownish personalitiy, which makes them always ready to entertain. Cockapoos are energetic and playful. They are loyal to their owner but will not turn down an opportunity to make a new friend.
Cockapoos believe that their people should be with them all of the time and if left alone tend to develop separation anxiety, manifested with chewing, barking and destroying items.
Cockapoos get along very well with other dogs and cats. They show great tolerance for children and are very well known for their understanding nature.
TRAITS
Since the breed standard is not fully defined, there is a range of cockapoo appearances. Some individuals can have higher resemblance to poodles, while others exhibit more cocker spaniels traits. However, all Cockapoo members have soft but intelligent expression.
The Cockapoo’s coat is long and straight or with loose curls. It can come in any color of the canine rainbow. It can be solid color or with complex markings.
The Cockapoo is bred in four different sizes. The Teacup Toy is less than 6Ib (3kg) in weight and less than 10’’ (25cm) in height. The Toy Cockapoo is just under 12Ib (5kg) in weight and 10‘’ (25cm) tall. The Miniature Cockapoo weighs 13-18Ib (5.5-8kg) and ranges between 11-14’’ (28-35.5cm) in height. The Standard or Maxi Cockapoo weights more than 19Ib (8.5kg) and can be at least 15’’ (38cm) tall.
HANDLING
Naturally, Cockapoos are quite sensitive and do not respond well to harsh treatment, heavy handed training methods and corrections. They do respond well to positive reinforcement and delicious treats. Cockapoos are very ,,vocal sensitive,, which means they understand the different voice tones the owner uses. Since they are exquisitely intelligent, if the owner is strong enough to impose himself as pack leader, training them will be a piece of cake. When raising a well-behaved Cockapoo, socialization plays an important role.
Unsocialized, untrained and neglected Cockapoos have a tendency of developing undesirable behaviors, such as possessiveness over furniture, refusal to commands obeying, excessive barking and digging.
HEALTH
Although Cockapoos are considered to be a fairly healthy breed, they are known to suffer from a few hereditary health issues such as luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and ear problems. Luxating patella is common musculoskeletal disorder in which the knee becomes loose and wobbly. Progressive retinal atrophy is manifested with retinal deterioration followed by vision difficulties and ultimately blindness. Ear problems include ear mites, bacterial and yeast infections and are due to their soft texture and floppy anatomy.
In some individuals there is an increased incidence of glaucoma, secondary glaucoma and Von Willebrand disease.
The average life expectancy of a Cockapoo, if properly cared for, is between 14 and 18 years.