Cockapoos are bundles of joy wrapped in curly coats, and with their affectionate nature and playful energy, it’s no surprise that they’ve become one of the most popular hybrid breeds in Australia. But before you let their teddy bear looks steal your heart, it’s important to understand the financial commitment that comes with owning one. From essential supplies to long-term care, bringing a Cockapoo into your home can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each year.
To help you prepare, we’ve put together this guide detailing exactly how much you can expect to spend so you can decide whether a Cockapoo is the right breed for you.
The price of a Cockapoo will vary depending on where you get your puppy from. If you’re purchasing from a registered breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere between $3,000 and $6,000 for a well-bred puppy. Adoption fees, on the other hand, are much lower, averaging $400 – $800.
One thing to keep an eye out for when you’re looking for Cockapoo puppies is prices that seem very low. In these instances, there’s a good chance the puppies are being sold by unregistered breeders, who won’t have prioritised their health, which can lead to serious issues later in life. Always go through a registered breeder or adoption shelter, and you’ll be getting a healthy pup.
If you’re purchasing a Cockapoo from a registered breeder, the cost of a puppy will range from $3,000 to $6,000. Obviously, this is quite a wide price range, but there are several things that determine the cost, including lineage, generation, and even coat colour, all of which we’ll look at in more detail later.
Since Cockapoos are one of the most sought-after breeds in Australia, they don’t often end up in rescue centres. However, if you do find one available for adoption, the fees usually range between $400 and $800. This isn’t really a purchase price but a payment that helps cover the running of the shelter and the puppy’s initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing, which can also save you money in the first year of ownership.
As we explained above, there are a few factors that go into determining how much a Cockapoo puppy will be priced. Let’s take a more detailed look at them below.
Registered breeders who have invested in genetic health testing to check for inherited diseases common in Cockapoos, such as hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy, will price their puppies at the higher end of the scale. This is because these health screenings come at a cost to the breeder, and they’ll need to be included in the price so they can make their money back and still make a profit.
Cockapoos come in different generations, and this also impacts the price as each “generation” refers to how far removed they are from their purebred Cocker Spaniel and Poodle ancestors. It’s easy to get confused by this when you first start looking at Cockapoo puppies, but here’s what you need to know:
It’s not just the generation passed on by their parents that plays a role in the pricing, though. If the Poodle or Cocker Spaniel used for breeding comes from a champion bloodline, the prices will be a lot higher as the puppies will have inherited the most desirable traits outlined for one or both parents in Dogs Australia’s breed standards.
Because of their generational inheritance, Cockapoos have a variety of coat colours, including straight, wavy, and curly. This also influences the price, and puppies with a more hypoallergenic curly coat tend to be in higher demand and, therefore, are more expensive. Then, there’s the coat colour, which also plays a role in pricing, and rarer colours like merle, chocolate, and phantom will be priced higher than common colours like apricot or cream.
Along with the purchase price of your Cockapoo, you’ll need to pick up some essential items so they can settle comfortably into your home. Here’s what you’ll need and how much you’ll likely spend:
You’ve got your Cockapoo home and have set up all their must-have items. But the costs of owning one don’t end there! There are also ongoing costs you’ll need to cover, which we’ll explain below.
Cockapoos are famously energetic, which means they need a good diet to keep their energy levels up! A healthy adult Cockapoo should weigh between 5kg – 10kg, depending on their sex, and they need around 300g – 500g per day. This means you could spend between $60 and $360 each month on dog food across these diets:
One important thing to note here is that these are just estimates, and the amount you’ll spend will vary depending on your dog’s age, health, and sex. Likewise, the diet type and brand you choose will affect the price. For the best advice, consult your veterinarian, who will be able to give you more information on your dog’s specific dietary requirements.
You’ll also need to take your Cockapoo to the vet at least once a year so they can have some routine preventative care. This also comes at a cost, and you can expect to pay:
Cockapoos have high-maintenance coats that require regular grooming to keep them tangle-free and healthy. You can do some of this at home, but every so often, they’ll need a trip to the groomer to sort them out professionally! Prices vary depending on the services you choose, but here’s a general idea of what to budget for:
Because they’re an absolute whirlwind of energy, Cockapoos need training from an early age. This also comes at a cost, and depending on the classes you choose, you could pay:
There’s no debating that Cockapoos are adorable and excellent family pets. But their financial costs should never be underestimated. From food and grooming to vet bills, responsible ownership means budgeting for their needs throughout their average lifespan of 12 years. If you’ve carefully considered these expenses and are confident in your ability to provide for them, you’ll be rewarded with years of loyal companionship and playful energy!
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