Cockapoo Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Cockapoo?

A small, adorable dog with a big personality, a Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. It appears that this breed of dog originated in America during the '50s.

There are different variations of the breed - parents could be an English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, or a Toy Poodle, which would result in a Toy Cockapoo.

Who are Cockapoo dogs best for?

If you are looking for a dog and you have the time to dedicate to a companion that is lively and smart, a Cockapoo is a good choice. They are also good for families, as they are great with children, no matter their age. Overall, this type of dog is affectionate, loyal, and highly intelligent. 

As is the case with owning any pet, there are some negatives you need to be aware of as well. Cockapoo hybrid dogs require a secure garden. You need to make sure that this is the case so that they do not escape. If your garden is not very secure now, you should think about making some adjustments before you welcome a Cockapoo into your home.

How much grooming does a Cockapoo need?

There are a number of different benefits that are associated with the Cockapoo dog breed. These small dogs are not very high maintenance when it comes to grooming, so you are not going to need to spend a lot of money on this. They will only shed dog hair moderately throughout the year as well.

Do Cockapoo bark much?

Cockapoo dogs are not always ideal for anyone who does not want a dog that barks a lot. They are not known to be barkers, yet they can bark from time to time.

They are also better suited to households that have well-fenced and secure back gardens. If this does not apply to you, this is an investment you are going to need to make before getting this sort of dog.

These dogs are also not ideal if you have never experienced owning a dog before.

Do Cockapoo bite?

Biting should not be much of an issue for this type of adult dog. As a lovable dog, if you purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder and you train it properly, biting is not something you should have to worry about.

However, if your dog does have a biting issue, training should be able to eradicate this so that you don't have to worry about your dog around other pets and family members.

What is the temperament & personality of a Cockapoo?

It is important to recognise that playtime can get a bit boisterous with this type of designer dog breed, especially when they are young. As you may have anticipated, Cockapoos have a very low boredom threshold.

There are a number of other things that you should be aware of when it comes to this type of dog. This includes the fact that they have a high prey drive. Therefore, you need to be very careful when it comes to taking your dog off the lead and letting it run about.

These dogs also have a very high amount of energy. This means that they require a lot of mental stimulation and daily physical exercise, and so you need to make sure that you are going to be able to give them this. 

What is the weight & size of a Cockapoo?

Weight: Females 18 - 25 kg and males 18 - 25 kg

Height:  Females 46 - 56 cm and males 46 - 56 cm

How much training does a Cockapoo need?

These dogs are very trainable when they are in the right hands because they have a lot of intelligence. It is important to make sure you socialise your puppy from a young age. As you will learn, this type of dog can often suffer from separation anxiety, which is why it is important to teach your dog to be left alone for short time periods.

Of course, no dog should be left on its own for an extended period of time. If your dog is going to be on its own for a few hours, make sure some stimulating dog toys are left for them and get someone to check in with your pup.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Cockapoo?

You will probably not experience a lot of health problems with this dog, which means fewer trips to the vet and fewer expensive vet bills. However, there are some health conditions that this breed of dog is more likely to experience when compared with other dogs. This includes patella luxation, skin disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and ear disorders.

Cockapoos are susceptible to a number of common ear diseases. These can impact the ear canal, e.g. otitis, the middle/inner ear, e.g. vestibular disease, and the external ear flap, e.g. haematoma.

A Cockapoo can suffer from separation anxiety, too, so they will not like to be on their own for lengthy periods of time. They thrive on human company, and so this is very important when it comes to this type of dog. If you have a job that takes you away from home a lot, it may be better to consider a different breed.

What is the lifespan of a Cockapoo?

Lifespan: 10 - 17 years 

How much should you feed a Cockapoo?

If you are welcoming a newborn puppy, then you need to give them the proper nutrients, so they are strong and grow properly.

The best nutrition they can receive is their mother’s milk. However, sometimes this is not always possible. You may have found the pup as an orphan, or the mother may not be very well. This shouldn’t worry you. There are plenty of substitutes, and they will work just fine for your dog. You can buy a commercial milk replacement online and in pet stores.

Once you have hit the four-week mark, you will be able to feed your puppy solid food. Don’t fill the dog bowl with loads of food from the get-go. You need to start with very small amounts and gradually bring the portions up week by week.

It is recommended that you watch your puppy whilst they eat their food. You will be able to tell what type of food they enjoy the most. Not every puppy has the same taste buds, after all. And, if you notice that a meal goes uneaten, then it is highly likely that you’ve found a taste your little pup doesn’t like. 

What is the price of a Cockapoo in Australia?

The average cost of a Cockapoo puppy in Australia is $2,000. You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,600 for this mixed breed dog from a Cockapoo breeder.

You should try to ensure that the breeder you choose is registered with a Cockapoo Club.