Cockapoo Colors: Rarest to the Most Common

The cockapoo is a cross between two popular dog breeds – the cocker spaniel and the poodle. This mixed dog breed is affectionate, intelligent, and hypoallergenic, thanks to their low-shedding coats. All of these great qualities make the cockapoo a top choice for dog owners who want a friendly designer dog breed.

Cockapoos come in a range of different colors and patterns. Some of these colorations are common, while others are undeniably rare and beautiful. Since cockapoos are not a pedigree breed, they are not formally recognized by any kennel clubs.

About The Cockapoo

The Rarest Cockapoo Colors

Let’s begin with some of the rarest cockapoo colors and patterns.

1. Phantom Cockapoo

The phantom cockapoo is a rare pattern and color form. This coat pattern is inherited from the poodle parent and consists of more than one color. Phantom cockapoos are a blend of contrasting colors, such as black, brown, beige, and apricot. It is not unheard of for some phantom cockapoos to change colors slightly as they age because of their genetics.

2. Black and White Cockapoo

The black and white color combination refers to a type of particolored cockapoo. Although the colors themselves are not rare for cockapoos, they are rare when combined.

3. Merle Cockapoo

The merle cockapoo is perhaps one of the rarest cockapoo coat patterns that exist. However, no cockapoo is a true merle. Neither the cocker spaniel or the poodle have merle coats. If a cockapoo does appear to have a merle coat, it is likely because another dog breed has been added into the mix.

The merle coat is rarely from a genetic mutation in the puppies. Unfortunately, cockapoos with merle coats may be prone to various health issue, especially in the case of poor breeding.

4. Champagne Cockapoo

The champagne-colored cockapoo is a rare sight. Dogs with this coloration are highly sought. They have a stunning light tan coloration, often with darker ears and muzzle. The intensity of the champagne coloration varies, and the lighter varieties are rare.

5. Silver Cockapoo

Even though silver is a recognized coat color in poodles, it is rare in cockapoos. The silver or slightly greyish coloration is usually mixed with black fur or white fur sprinkled throughout.

6. Roan Cockapoo

Roan is a rare and equally beautiful pattern in cockapoos. This color pattern consists of a dark base coat, which is either blue, black, red, or dark brown. Followed by lighter colors like white, cream, or silver mixed in. They are often confused with merle cockapoos, though they are different coat patterns.

The Most Common Cockapoo Colors

Solid colors are some of the most common colorations for cockapoos.

1. Golden Cockapoo

One of the most popular cockapoo colors is golden. It gives them an adorable teddy bear-like appearance and the golden coloration can vary in intensity.

2. White Cockapoo

The white cockapoo is common and a popular favorite amongst cockapoo owners. In some cases, they can have a bit of a light brownish coloration on their ears and muzzle.

3. Black Cockapoo

Black is a common, yet striking coloration found in cockapoos. It can either appear very dark and almost blue or have a slightly bronze or brown tint in sunlight.

4. Chocolate Cockapoo

The word “chocolate” is used to describe the beautiful brown coloration common in cockapoos. Their chocolate coat is a deep, rich brown coloration that can vary between light and dark.

5. Red Cockapoo

The red cockapoo is a vibrant orangish brown-colored cockapoo. Furthermore, their ears and muzzle are usually darker than the rest of their body. Red cockapoos are common, and their striking red coats are a favorite.

6. Apricot Cockapoo

Apricot cockapoos are a lighter shade than the red and chocolate color form. Their striking coat looks like a mixture of cream and red. The apricot coloration comes from the poodle, which has apricot listed as a breed standard color according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

7. Sable Cockapoo

The sable cockapoo has a mixture of different golden, brown, red, and tan colored fur, giving an ombre-like appearance. Their fur is usually darker at the roots and may lighten as they age. Sable cockapoo puppies are often much darker than they will be as an adult.

8. Blonde Cockapoo

The popular blonde cockapoo has similar coloration to cream and apricot cockapoos. Their blonde fur often looks lighter at the roots and has a tanner coloration at the tips. The blonde cockapoos often have darker ears and muzzles than the rest of their bodies.

9. Cream Cockapoo

Cream cockapoos look like an off-white version of the white cockapoo. Their cream coats have a hint of tan or red which darkens at the muzzle and ears. The creamy color itself is common in cockapoos.  

10. Buff Cockapoo

The buff coloration is mainly from the cocker spaniel parent because the AKC recognizes it as a standard color. It isn’t necessarily a distinctive coloration and usually refers to various shades of tan, cream, apricot, and golden-colored cockapoos. The fur will appear a little more yellow in buff golden cockapoos.

11. Tan/Beige Cockapoo

Tan and beige are common cockapoo colors and can vary in intensity from light to dark. The tan color is often mixed in with other colors, but mostly refers to any cockapoos with a light, almost reddish-brown coat.

Wrapping It Up

The cockapoo can be found in endless colors and patterns, but some are rarer than others. You usually find cockapoos in similar colors and patterns as their parenting breeds.

However, certain colors that might be rare for one of the parenting breeds, might be considered common for cockapoos or vice versa. Cockapoos generally make great pets for people who want a low-shedding dog breed that is very loyal and affectionate.