Dog crossbreed - Cockapoo
Cockapoo
Recognised as the curly-coated crossbreed, the Cockapoo is a playful dog who thrives on love and attention.
Cockapoos at a glance
Loving, adaptable, loyal
1+ hours of exercise a day
Life expectancy of 12+ years
Medium, between 2kg and 9kg
The personality and temperament of Cockapoos
A small dog with a huge personality, Cockapoos are known for being excitable and loving.
As a crossbreed, they have the intelligence of the Poodle and the lovely temperament of a Cocker Spaniel.
They're adaptable, energetic and keep their playfulness well into adulthood, which makes them a lovely pet for an active family.
Most of the time, Cockapoos are super keen to be involved and love to be the centre of attention! They’re cuddle bugs and want to spend all their time with their family. But this does mean they can suffer with separation anxiety and may not like to be left alone.
How to train and exercise your Cockapoo
Cockapoos are very energetic and adaptable dogs, which makes them great to train as they're super excited to get stuck into new things.
As with all dogs, you should start training them early if you can. Socialise them with other dogs, start teaching them basic commands and get them used to new experiences and people.
As Cockapoos are more prone to separation anxiety, you should also factor this into your training. Start by leaving them for short periods at a time and slowly build it up over time.
If you know you're going to be out of the house for a while, leave them with lots of stimulating dog toys or arrange for someone to check on them.
When it comes to playtime, both the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel were originally bred to be retrievers, so unsurprisingly, Cockapoos love a game of fetch!
Common health conditions in Cockapoos
Some common health problems Cockapoos include:
- patella luxation - this is when the kneecap slides out of the groove in the thighbone, causing them to limp or find it difficult to walk
- ear infections - partly because of their floppy ears, Cockapoos are more prone to ear infections like allergies or hematomas
- stomach problems - this can lead to diarrhoea and sickness, but can usually be treated relatively easily
- skin allergies (including atopy) - these can be brought on by things they eat, touch, or even inhale (for instance, pollen) and can cause the skin to be inflamed and itchy
- eye problems - they can be prone to eye issues, such as glaucoma, dry eye, and cataracts
These things can typically be managed with the right medicines and exercise. If your Cockapoo shows any symptoms of illness, chat with your vet as soon as you can to get their advice.
Feeding and nutrition
As Cockapoos are very active and alert dogs, they need to get the right calories and nutrients to keep them on top form.
They should have two meals a day of high-quality pet food, depending on their age, size and any health concerns. If you’re not sure what to feed your pet, check in with your vet to get their opinion.
Cockapoos can gain weight quite quickly, so be careful not to overfeed them. Try not to give them scraps from the table or too many treats that are dense in calories.
Grooming your Cockapoo
Cockapoos will need regular brushing, as the hair on their legs and stomach can become matted if it's not looked after properly.
As their faces tend to get very furry too, they'll need professional trims every six to eight weeks to make sure they can see properly.
Although their floppy ears are extremely cute, they can actually mean their ear canals don't get enough airflow and can get infected.
Whenever you're grooming them, make sure to check their ears for any dark-coloured wax or a bad smell. You can clean them out with damp cotton wool and an ear cleaner if your vet recommends it.
Things to know before you buy or rehome a Cockapoo
Cockapoos are a lively and loving addition to any household, and the first day in their new home is important for setting the tone and boundaries for their new life.
Make sure you're prepared for the commitment by considering the following:
- Make sure your home is a safe environment - check there's nothing they can chew or choke on.
- Make sure you're aware of their exercise needs and set up a schedule for training and exercise.
- Lay down the ground rules with everyone at home. Your new dog will need space and a routine.
- Make sure they have a soft warm bed - Cockapoos like to snuggle!
- Secure your garden, check for holes in fences and escape routes.
- Buy a collar, ID tag, lead and dog bowls. You’ll also want to decide on the best diet and get their food.
- Learn about grooming at home to keep their coat healthy and prevent matting. Although Cockapoos shed very little, they need regular grooming and care.
- Have a look at pet insurance options.
Did you know?
Insuring your Cockapoo
Find out more about protecting your Cockapoo.