Things About Cockapoos

A cockapoo originally began as a cross-breeding of a cocker spaniel (either an American cocker spaniel or an English cocker spaniel) and a poodle (usually either a miniature or toy poodle). You can also breed them by mating two cockapoos. Cockapoos were initially bred in the 1950s. They are a healthy breed known to live between 14 and 18 years of age. They are also known to be a dog with significant intelligence and a disposition that makes them an affable family pet.

  1. Color and Markings

    • Similar to the dogs they were bred from, cockapoos come in many different colors and markings. Typical colors for a cockapoo's fur include, black, white, cream, apricot and red. The pattern of the colors and markings separate one cockapoo from another. For example, a parti cockapoo is one that has two or more solid colors as long as one of them is white. A sable cockapoo starts out a dark color, such as black or chocolate, when born, then lightens as it gets older to a mix of gold, silver, red, brown or tan, with darker coloring around the face and ears.

    Sizes

    • The cockapoo, which has a square, sturdy appearance, is classified by five different sizes and weight classes. The teacup toy is the smallest breed of cockapoo weighs no more than four pounds and stands less than 10 inches tall at the top of the shoulders. The toy weighs between four and 10 pounds and usually stands about 10 inches tall. A mini cockapoo weighs between 10 and 20 pounds and stands between 10 and 14 inches tall at the shoulder. A standard cockapoo weighs between 20 and 30 pounds and reaches up to 17 inches tall at the shoulders. The giant cockapoo weighs more than 30 pounds and stands more than 17 inches tall.

    Trainability

    • Cockapoos are easily trainable due to their high intelligence. Their disposition makes them eager to please their master and willing to learn and perform tricks. However, cockapoos have an independent spirit that, if left unchecked, will lead to obedience problems down the road, which could include begging or possessiveness over furniture. You must establish the master-to-pet relationship early with training, as cockapoos like knowing their place within the family unit.

    Health

    • Overall, cockapoos are a healthy breed. Because cockapoos are the blending of two different breeds of dogs, the health problems associated with one breed becomes recessive when mixed with another breed. However, cockapoos do have occasional issues with luxating patellas, which is a loose kneecap condition, that occurs in both parent breeds. Like many floppy-eared dog breeds, cockapoos are susceptible to ear infections as well.