Cockapoo

Last updated: March 26, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Kimberley Rennie/Shutterstock.com

Cockapoos became popular in the 1960s as a sweet, family dog.


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Cockapoo Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Cockapoo Locations

Cockapoo Locations

Cockapoo Facts

Fun Fact
Cockapoos became popular in the 1960s as a sweet, family dog.
Diet
Omnivore

Cockapoo Physical Characteristics


Cockapoo as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Low
Hypoallergenic
Yes
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Warm climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$1200
Dog group
Toy
Male weight
20-65 lbs
Female weight
20-65 lbs

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Cockapoos are related to poodles and cocker spaniels. Both of those breeds love to swim so it’s no surprise cockapoos are excellent swimmers!

The cockapoo is known for its sweet temperament and intelligence. These dogs are good with kids and very loyal.

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The history of this unique dog goes back to the 1960s. They were bred in the United States to be companions for their owners. This variety is a cross between a poodle and an American cocker spaniel. There are two types of cockapoos namely the mini and the maxi. According to the size chart, the mini cockapoo weighs up to 19 pounds while the maxi cockapoo weighs as much as 65 pounds full grown.

Despite the popularity of this breed, they aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club. They’re simply known as hybrids. No matter what, these clever, playful dogs continue to be a favorite in many families!

The 3 Different Types Of Cockapoos And Cockapoo Mixes

There are some mixes of the cockapoo including:



  • Lacasapoo – a cross between the Cockapoo and the Lhasa Apso
  • English Cockapoo – bred between an English Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle
  • American Cockapoo – bred between an American Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle

3 Pros And Cons of Cockapoos

Pros!Cons!
Low-maintenance grooming routine: This dog sheds very little and is considered hypoallergenic. It needs to be brushed just one time each week to maintain a soft coat.Separation anxiety:
These dogs like to be in the company of humans. They sometimes become destructive in a home if left alone.
Low level of barking: They do very little barking.Can be costly:
Many breeders charge a high price for their puppies. However, there are rescue organizations where someone can adopt a dog for little to no cost. The people who run rescue organizations are expert at finding forever homes for dogs!
Good with kids:
Socialized dogs are gentle and friendly with children.
Ear infections:
This dog is prone to ear infections. But cleaning its floppy ears can help to prevent them.
white Cockapoo standing on a couch

Socialized cockapoos are gentle and friendly with children.

©Maria Bell/Shutterstock.com

Health and Entertainment for your Cockapoo

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Size And Weight

This is a medium-sized dog with males and females growing to an average height of 16 inches at the withers. Males and females weigh up to 65 pounds fully grown. An 8-week-old dog weighs around 8 pounds. These dogs are considered full-grown between the ages of 9 and 12 months. Consider this size chart:

Height (Male):16 inches
Height (Female):16 inches
Weight (Male):65 pounds, fully grown
Weight (Female):65 pounds, fully grown

Common Health Issues

These dogs have a mixture of genes from poodles and cocker spaniels. So, they are prone to many of the health issues of those two breeds. One common health issue of a cockapoo is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia occurs when the femur moves away from the hip joint. Inflammation and arthritis are the results of hip dysplasia. A dog with this condition may limp or move awkwardly.

Cataracts are another common health condition of these dogs. Cloudiness in one or both eyes is a sign of cataracts. They affect this dog’s vision but don’t cause pain. Cataracts are more common in older dogs. Ear infections are another common health issue of these dogs. A cockapoo’s ears hang down. As a result, water can become trapped in the ear and lead to an infection. A dog with an ear infection may shake its head or scratch its ears.

The most common health issues of cockapoos include:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cataracts
  • Ear infections

Temperament And Behavior

cockapoo

Cockapoos love spending time with their families and were bred to be companion dogs.

©Lee Ph/Shutterstock.com

Playful perfectly describes the personality of this variety. These dogs love to spend time with their family, run around with the kids, and even take a dip in the swimming pool. They have a gentle temperament and are good with other dogs.

These dogs were bred to be companions to people, so they’ll become agitated if left alone for too long. One of the most endearing traits of this dog is its loyalty. Whether it’s on an energetic walk in the neighborhood or sitting on the sofa watching television, cockapoos love to be around people.

How To Take Care Of Cockapoos

Learning as much as possible about the health issues, dietary needs, exercise requirements, etc. of cockapoos can help an owner take better care of their pet. Not surprisingly, a puppy needs a different level of care than an adult dog. Discover more about this dog breed.

The Best Dog Food For Cockapoos

Puppies and adults need different combinations of nutrients to maintain good health. Consider these factors in a cockapoo’s diet:

Cockapoo puppy food: Protein is an important nutrient in the diet of puppies. Protein builds muscle and helps in the development of healthy tissue. Fat is another essential in a puppy’s diet. A limited amount of fat supports the development of the brain and supplies a puppy with energy for exploration. Fat also supports healthy vision. This builds up their defenses against cataracts. Vitamin E contributes to the strong development of the immune system and vitamin D helps strengthen a puppy’s bones. Be sure to make water available to puppies at all times. Water helps with proper digestion.

Cockapoo adult dog food: An adult dog needs protein in its diet as well. Protein helps a full-grown cockapoo maintain strong muscles as well as a healthy coat. Calcium keeps bones strong which can prevent hip dysplasia. A limited amount of carbohydrates gives an adult dog energy while not adding excess weight. These dogs are prone to obesity so monitoring the intake of fat is a smart idea. Omega-3 fatty acids support brain power and good vision for this active, intelligent canine. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help maintain the health of joints. Providing water is necessary for hydration and proper digestion in an adult cockapoo.

The hands-down best dog food for Cockapoos, according to A-Z Animals, is Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Deboned Turkey Freeze-Dried Kibble with High Protein Natural Dog Food, Filler Free.

This raw blend formula offers a high concentration of nutrients for Cockapoos’ full-body well-being, such as taurine, vital for long-term heart and eye health. It’s rich in glucosamine and omegas for the joints. Alongside other antioxidants, the omega fatty acids from flaxseed and salmon lead to hearty immune support to minimize and fight off ear infections.

Try out Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Kibble with High Protein, available on Chewy and Amazon.

Best Freeze-Dried with Turkey
Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Original Recipe with Freeze-Dried Turkey Dry Dog Food
  • High protein nutrient dense 100% raw turkey blend
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat
  • Glucosamine, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids for immune health
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance And Grooming

cockapoo headshot

This dog sheds very little and is considered hypoallergenic. It needs to be brushed just one time each week to maintain a soft coat.

©Lee Ph/Shutterstock.com

How much do cockapoos shed? Well, some people think cockapoos are hypoallergenic. This isn’t precisely accurate. These dogs do shed, but they shed very little. They have a curly coat like a poodle that needs to be brushed just once a week to keep them looking healthy.

A slicker brush is a great tool for a cockapoo’s delicate, curly hair. Be sure to find a slicker brush with plastic tips on its bristles. These plastic coverings protect the skin of a cockapoo as it’s being brushed. A basic comb can also help to keep the mats and tangles out of this dog’s coat.

An owner should look for any red, irritated patches of skin on their pet. These rough patches of skin can mean the dog has a food allergy or is allergic to something in the environment.

Cockapoos are prone to ear infections so it’s best to include ear cleaning in the grooming routine. A soft cloth and ear-cleaning solution specially designed for dogs can help to keep their ears clean.

Training

The intelligence of these dogs is part of the reason why these pups are so easy to train. They are also eager to please! It’s best to conduct obedience training in short sessions with lots of praise and dog treats.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel and Labradoodle are two other intelligent dog breeds that are easy to train.

Exercise

These dogs need a low to moderate amount of exercise. Specifically, they need about 15 to 20 minutes of exercise per day. This can be accomplished by taking a cockapoo for a walk. Playing ball or chase in the backyard can also be great exercise.

Taking this dog to a dog park is another way to give it some exercise. Cockapoos are laid back and get along with most other dogs.

The mini cockapoo is a good choice for someone living in an apartment. This dog’s size makes it adaptable to living in a smaller space. Alternatively, a maxi cockapoo is not a good choice for apartment living. An adult maxi cockapoo can weigh up to 65 pounds.

Puppies

tan cockapoo standing in the grass

Many breeders charge a high price for these puppies but there are rescue organizations where someone can adopt a dog for little to no cost.

©mountaintreks/Shutterstock.com

Anyone who wants to buy a puppy should make sure they deal with a reputable breeder. A responsible breeder will take pains to nurture a reputation of excellence as a breeder. In fact, there are badges an individual can earn to qualify them as a breeder of excellence. Someone who’s dealing with a breeder of excellence can rely on the high standards of the person’s breeding operations.

Cockapoos And Children

This variety is known for interacting well with children as well as adults.

Dogs Similar To Cockapoos

Some dog breeds similar to cockapoos include the Cavapoo, Labradoodle, and Yorkipoo.

  • Cavapoo: Cavapoos are intelligent and fun-loving just like cockapoos. However, Cavapoos can be a little challenging to housetrain.
  • Labradoodle: These dogs have the same curly coat and affectionate temperament as cockapoos. But, on the size chart, Labradoodles are larger than cockapoos.
  • Yorkipoo: These dogs have the same gentle temperament and curly coat as cockapoos. But cockapoos are better with children. Yorkipoos have a reputation for being hypoallergenic though they do shed a little bit.

Famous Cockapoos

This hybrid breed of dog is a favorite among many celebrities in the entertainment field today.

  • Actress Ashley Judd owns two cockapoos that travel with her on the red carpet!
  • Movie and television actress Minka Kelly has a beloved poo in her household.
  • Billie Joe Armstrong of the rock group Green Day owns a poo named Rocky.
  • In 2011, Alfie won the title of Britain’s Happiest Dog. His friendly grin says it all!

Popular names for cockapoos include:

  • Nipper
  • Pip
  • Peanut
  • Dinky
  • Midge
  • Bonnie
  • Penny

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

Melissa Bauernfeind was born in NYC and got her degree in Journalism from Boston University. She lived in San Diego for 10 years and is now back in NYC. She loves adventure and traveling the world with her husband but always misses her favorite little man, "P", half Chihuahua/half Jack Russell, all trouble. She got dive-certified so she could dive with the Great White Sharks someday and is hoping to swim with the Orcas as well.

Cockapoo FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a cockapoo?

A cockapoo is part poodle, part American cocker spaniel. The breed originated in the 1960s and became popular as a companion dog for kids and families. Its curly coat, intelligence, and fun-loving nature all play a part in making this breed a favorite today.

How much does it cost to own a cockapoo?

The yearly veterinary costs for this breed range between $200 and $500 depending on the overall health of the dog.

Food costs for this dog are from $20 to $50 per month depending on the dog food brand chosen by the owner.

Are cockapoos good with kids?

Yes. These dogs are known to be good with children.

How long does a cockapoo live?

The lifespan of a cockapoo is 12 to 15 years.

Is a cockapoo a good family dog?

Yes. Many families own cockapoos and really enjoy having them as part of the household!

What problems do cockapoos have?

Cockapoos are prone to ear infections. Hip dysplasia and cataracts are other health issues of this canine.

Do cockapoos bark a lot?

No. These dogs do not bark very much. However, they will let you know when a stranger is at the door.

What are the key differences between Cavapoos and Cockapoos?

The key differences between Cavapoos and Cockapoos are parent breed, size, personality, energy, coats, and grooming.

What's the difference between cockapoos and goldendoodles?

Goldendoodles are bred with golden retrievers and poodles, while cockapoos are bred with cocker spaniels and poodles. Read all of the differences between these two dogs here!

What's the difference between Cockapoos and Maltipoos?

Maltipoos differ from Cockapoos in their breeding, as Maltipoos are a cross between Maltese dogs and poodles, while Cockapoos are a cross between poodles and Cocker Spaniels.

What's the difference between Cockapoos and Labradoodles?

Labradoodles differ from Cockapoos in their breeding, as Labradoodles are a cross between Labrador retrievers and poodles, while Cockapoos are a cross between poodles and Cocker Spaniels.

What's the difference between Havapoos and Cockapoos?

Havapoos and Cockapoos mostly differ in their breed mixes and genetic heritage. The Havapoo is a cross between a Havanese and a poodle, while the Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a poodle.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. vcahospitals.com, Available here: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-breeds/cockapoo
  2. pawster.com, Available here: https://pawster.com/cockapoo/

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