Cockapoo

Cockapoo is one of the most popular mixed-breed dogs in the UK and the US. It is believed that the first breeding between a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle was accidental, but the outcome produced a low-shedding, even-tempered dog.

Today, the breed can be produced by crossing an English Cocker Spaniel or American Cocker Spaniel with a Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, or Toy Poodle.

The Cockerdoodle breed became popular as people loved this cute family pet that is intelligent, loving, and virtually odourless. Up to this day, he is still considered a hybrid and not a fully-fledged dog breed.

There are dividing philosophies amongst Cockerdoodle breeders whether multigeneration crossing or basic Cocker/Poodle cross-breeding should be used. In fact, purebred dog breed associations such as the Kennel Club still have not officially recognised this breed.

How big do Cockapoos get?

Since breed standards have not been set by breeders, enthusiasts, and clubs, the appearance of the Spoodle greatly varies. The size and weight will depend on the type of parents used to create the offspring, so the crossing could result in the following sizes: Regular, Toy, or Miniature Cockapoos.

The Cockapoo’s sizes range from 25 to 38 centimetres in height and 5 to 11 kilograms in weight. The coat also differs from one dog to another in terms of length, thickness, or whether he has straight or curly coat. Like most hybrid dogs, the offspring tends to be somewhere in between.

Cockapoos often come with ‘F’ designations such as F1 and F2. It determines the exact crossing used to produce them. Knowing what the designations mean allows you to understand the ancestry of your Spoodle. Below is an overview of the different generations:

• F1 Cockapoo – first-generation cross-breeding between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle
• F1b Cockapoo – an offspring between Cocker Spaniel or Poodle and an F1
• F2 Cockapoo – an offspring between two F1
• F2b Cockapoo – an offspring between a Cocker Spaniel or Poodle and an F2 or an offspring between an F1 and an F1b
• F3 Cockapoo – an offspring between two F2
• F4 Cockapoo – an offspring between two F3

The ‘F’ designations can go indefinitely. A tenth generation of the breed, which is produced by crossing two F9, is called F10. Understanding the breed designations can get a bit complicated if two Cockapoo dogs from different generations mate.

If a Cockerdoodle has a generational gap between his parents, he will have the middle ‘F designation. For instance, cross-breeding an F1 and an F3 yields an F2.

On the other hand, if there is no generation gap between the parent breeds, the highest number is used for the offspring’s ‘F’ designation. So, mating an F1 with F2 results in an F2.

Are Cockapoos hypoallergenic?

The Cockerdoodle inherited the odourless and hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle. He has also taken on various colour combinations seen in the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, such as white, black, tan, red, brown, and brindle.

Do Cockapoos shed?

The Cockapoo is a moderate shedder, and requires minimal grooming, his hair is typically kept in its natural state.

Cockapoo does not require regular trips to the groomers, unlike his parent breed Poodle. All he needs is daily brushing to avoid matting. He can be bathed once every few months or as needed. Some choose to have the coat clipped, but it should only be trimmed a few inches around the eyes.

The Cockerdoodle dog is known for his sweet, happy, and gentle personality. A multigeneration crossing offspring usually takes the sweet disposition of the Cocker Spaniel and the intelligence of the Poodle.

Cockerdoodle is a people-oriented dog that thrives in the presence of his family. He can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.

Although an adaptable designer dog, the Cockapoo should live inside the house since he was bred as a companion dog.

The Cockerdoodle dog can be active, but also enjoys lazing around with his owners. He gets along with humans and other pets. He generally loves children but would thrive with older kids who know how to handle dogs.

The Cockapoo breed is generally smart and eager to please, making him easy to train. He excels as a service or support dog because of his intellect and temperament. He can easily retain the lessons learned.

Although each breed may have a certain predisposition on temperament and intelligence, one must remember that a unique personality can also be exhibited.

Many factors play significant roles in shaping a dog's character and skills. These factors include the dog's living environment and training.

Give your Cockapoo dog the love and patience that he deserves, and you will be guaranteed to get a loyal, well-balanced canine companion in return.

As a guide, a typical food serving size for an adult Cockapoo is a ¼ to ¾ cup of high-quality dry dog food per day. The exact feeding quantity depends on the dog's age, size, build, activity level, and metabolism.

An adult Cockapoo has the following daily calorie need:

• Senior and less active: up to 450 calories daily
• Typical adult: up to 550 calories daily
• Physically active/working dog: up to 880 calories daily

The Cockerdoodle needs a high-quality diet comprising of wholefoods. Try to avoid dog-food brands with low-grade fillers and by-products.

Since this Poodle cross-breed is prone to eye problems, he could benefit from adding carrots, blueberries, eggs, and kale in his diet.

To help your Spoodle avoid joint problems and to maintain a healthy coat, try to include food and supplements that are high in omega-3 fatty acids in his diet. Just remember that the additional treats should not exceed 10% of his total daily diet.

How long do Cockapoos live? And what problems do cockapoos have?

As a small dog breed with a long lifespan, on average, the Cockapoo can live up to 14–18 years. He is generally a healthy breed, but he can be predisposed to certain health problems of his parent breeds. These include:

• Patellar luxation
• Liver disease
• Hip dysplasia
• Allergies
• Cataracts
• Ear infections

The Spoodle has a moderate energy level and requires sixty minutes of exercise daily. This could be in the form of short walks or games in the garden. As an agile dog, he will also enjoy a good swimming session and regular training sessions.

How much is a Cockapoo?

If your heart is set on getting a well-bred Cockapoo puppy, be ready to spend £600 to £1500 or more if he is from a reputable breeder.

The initial essentials that Cockapoo owners need when welcoming the Cockapoo puppy home include a dog bed, crate, lead, collar, bowls, toys, puppy pads, and grooming accessories, which could amount to £150–£200

For a Cockapoo, paying for pet insurance can cost around £20 a month for time-limited or basic cover, to £30–£40 a month for a lifetime cover. The price can vary depending on your Cockapoo dog's health and age, your location, and the exact insurance package.

Other outgoings when owning a Spoodle include food and treats, which could set you back to £30–£40 a month. You also need to factor in the veterinary bills for up-to-date vaccinations, neutering or spaying, and routine checks.

On average, caring for a Spoodle could cost £60–£100 a month depending on his susceptibility to illnesses and the type of insurance policy you opt for. You could also spend more if you pay for grooming, dog walks, or doggy day-care.