Guide to Cockapoos!

Cockapoos are a hybrid dog breed made up of a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. They were the first “designer breeds” created…

Life expectancy: 10-15 years
Height: 36-40 cm
Weight: 5-11 kg 

With three types of poodles and two types of Cocker Spaniels the different combinations of each of these breeds will result in Cockapoos of different sizes, colours, textures and personalities!

The size of the cockapoo largely depends on what poodle it is bred with. These include; standard, miniature and toy poodles. There are also two types of Cocker Spaniels: American and English. They are very similar to one another but differ slightly in their looks.

Introducing a new Cockapoo to your home

Before introducing a new Cockapoo to your home there are some factors to consider. They hate being left alone and have been known to have separation anxiety. It is important to make sure someone is around during the day to keep them company.

They are small dogs that are easy to train and well behaved. This makes them a good option for a first-time dog owner. Since they are small, they can live in apartments and smaller spaces, provided they are able to exercise and play outside at least once a day.

Temperament

They are very playful and have puppy-like behaviour even into their old age. They are friendly, loving and loyal which makes them great family pets. Generally speaking, they don’t have a problem with children or other dogs if they are trained correctly. They have a good reputation, but it is hard to predict exactly what sort of temperament the dogs will have. They could have the relaxed nature of a Cocker Spaniel or the feistiness of a poodle (especially if it is crossed with a miniature one).

Ease of training

Cockapoos are very intelligent dogs which makes them easy to train as they pick up many tricks and commands quickly. It is important to socialise them from a young age as part of their training. This will teach them manners and allow them to have the company they require. If this is not done, they can be badly behaved and adopt barking tendencies.

Exercise

They are going to require daily exercise.  At least 15 minutes every day is recommended. It is important to exercise them to ensure they do not get bored and destructive from having too much unused energy.

Grooming

Cockapoos have high grooming needs thanks to their curly coats which require trimming and brushing to prevent shedding. Wire brushes are recommended as they get through the curls, although even with regular brushing, cockapoos require trained grooming every 1-2 months. This is to trim their coats and make sure it is not matting. Removing mats can be a long and painful process for a Cockapoo so it is imperative that it is avoided.

Health conditions to be aware of

• Eye disorders: Dry eye and corneal ulceration are two potentially painful conditions. These conditions can be genetic.  A corneal ulcer can be caused by an injury to the eye. Some dogs need treatment for life to keep the eyes healthy. Surgery is occasionally required.
• Otitis: This is a skin condition in the ear. It is very common in breeds with ears that flap over. The skin inside the ear stays moist and attracts bacteria, yeast and parasites. Sometimes it is caused by allergies and occasionally it can cause an ear infection.
• Heart Disease: Some cockapoos are born with heart disease (congenital) and some develop it later in life (acquired). This describes any condition that affects how the heart pumps the blood around the body. Early diagnosis of this condition is vital to prevent or delay the progression into heart failure which could be fatal.
• Skin allergies: Many different breeds suffer from skin allergies. These allergies can be caused by inhalation from the environment such as pollen or grass, consumption such as wheat, and by direct contact, such as washing powder or flea bites.

Food

Cockapoos are prone to obesity but, luckily, they are also very energetic! It is important to monitor what they eat to ensure they are getting a healthy amount of the nutrients they need whilst not gaining an unhealthy amount of weight. Getting food that is made with natural ingredients is generally a better option and there are many choices on the market.