Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a crossbreed, not a formal breed: the offspring of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, most often a Miniature Poodle. It is also called the Cockerpoo, and in Australia and New Zealand the Spoodle.

History

Cocker Spaniels and Poodles have been crossed on purpose in the United States since the 1960s. The aim was a healthy companion dog, and supporters claim that hybrid vigor spares it many of the inherited defects of the parent breeds. A crossbreed is usually more genetically diverse than a purebred dog, and with healthy parents this can hold true, but it raises the odds of good health without guaranteeing it for any one animal. The Cockapoo Club of America was formed to promote the cross.

In 2022 the Cockapoo was among the most expensive kinds of dog in the United Kingdom, at an average of £1,336.15. Prices there had risen by 168 percent between 2019 and 2020, when demand grew during the COVID-19 lockdown.

A first-generation, or F1, Cockapoo has one purebred Poodle parent and one Cocker Spaniel parent. Two F1 dogs produce an F2 litter, and there are other combinations that breed back toward one of the parent breeds.

Appearance

As with most crosses, size and looks vary a lot. Any color or mix of colors can turn up, though white and brown are the most common, and the coat may be straight, wavy or curly. Dogs under 12 lb (5.4 kg) are called toy Cockapoos, those of 13 to 18 lb (5.9 to 8.2 kg) miniature, and those over 19 lb (8.6 kg) standard.

Temperament

Cockapoos are affectionate and lively. They are thought to be intelligent, like both parent breeds, and are generally considered easy to train, quick to pick up tricks from a patient teacher. They are energetic and need attention, exercise and training to keep them from getting bored. They are sociable dogs, and some develop separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Temperament and exercise needs differ from dog to dog.

Care and health

Cockapoos are generally healthy, but they do suffer from allergies, glaucoma, hip dysplasia and progressive retinal problems. Like both parent breeds they are prone to ear infections, probably because their long, hairy, drooping ears trap moisture.

Facts on this page were checked against Wikipedia and may have changed since.