Facts on Cockapoos

Cockapoos are a hybrid breed, a combination of Cocker Spaniel and poodle. Cockapoos, and other hybrids as well, are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they do have their own clubs and organizations that arrange shows and set the breed standards. Cockapoos are one of the oldest of the hybrid dog breeds, going back to the 1960s.

  1. Breeding

    • The Cockapoo is a mix of poodle and Cocker Spaniel--either the American or English Cocker. The Cockapoo Club of America sets the standards for breeding and they encourage breeders to use AKC-registered pure breeds to produce first-generation Cockapoos. For second generations, they use unrelated Cockapoos. This will prevent inbreeding and the development of the positive characteristics of both breeds.

    Sizes

    • Cookapoos are classified like their poodle parent is. There is the less than 6 pound Teacup Toy, the 7 to 12 pound Toy, the 13 to 18 pound Miniature and the 19 pounds and over Maxi. Most breeding pairs consist of a Cocker Spaniel dam and a Toy or Miniature Poodle sire to make both as close to the same size as possible.

    Features

    • The Cockapoo will look like both the parents with the large brown eyes of the Spaniel, a curled or straight tail and ears that are longer than a poodle's and shorter than a spaniel's. A Cockapoo can be any color and the coat can be curly like the poodle's or straight and wavy like a Spaniel's.

    Temperament

    • A Cockapoo has a very even temperament and is a good choice for a family with children. They live to please their owners and are easily trained. Cockapoos are also good with visitors--they just love people. Cockapoos have a life span of more than 15 years.

    Health

    • Cockapoos have relatively few health problems because poodles and Spaniels have different medical problems. When the parents have a tendency towards different problems, they become less dominant. For instance, Spaniels are prone to cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy ear infections, allergies and elbow dysplasia. With poodles it is heart disease, skin disease, luxating patella and eye problems including cataracts and glaucoma. If the parents do not exhibit any of the problems, the Cookapoos have a very little chance of developing any.