Cockapoo Dogs Information

Written by: Debbie Moore

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: Cockerpoo, Cocker Poo, Cock-a-poo

Common Misspellings:  Tea Cup Cockapoo, Cokapoo,

Learn all about Cockapoo Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Cockapoo dog breed. You'll find solid information about Cockapoo dog history, Cockapoo life expectancy Cockapoo dog appearance, Cockapoo temperament and personality, Cockapoo health problems, Cockapoo puppy care, training Cockapoo puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Cockapoo dog breeder.

The Cockapoo is a mixed breed dog, combining the best traits of two popular dog breeds - the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel. Possibly the first of the designer dog breeds, Cockapoos first entered the picture officially in the 1950's and have found their way into the hearts and homes of dog lovers worldwide ever since.

Cockapoos are registerable with both the North American Cockapoo Registry and the >Cockapoo Club of America.

The Cockapoo Club of America now recognizes two distinct variations of the Cockapoo Breed; The English Cockapoo™ and the American Cockapoo™. As you may have guessed, these two varations were named according to the Cocker Spaniel side of the family - whether an AKC Registered English Cocker Spaniel or an AKC Registered American Cocker Spaniel were bred to an AKC Registered Poodle - whether Toy, Miniature or Standard.

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Cockapoo Facts

The Cockapoo Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: United States of America

Cockapoo Height: Teacup Toy Cockapoo:
4 pounds or less
Toy Cockapoo:
Under 10 pounds
Mini Cockapoo:
10 to 20 pounds
Standard Cockapoo:
20 to 30 pounds
Giant Cockapoo:
30 Pounds and More

Cockapoo Weight: Teacup Toy Cockapoo:
Under 10 inches at the shoulder
Toy Cockapoo:
About 10 inches at the shoulder
Mini Cockapoo:
10 to 14 inches at the shoulder
Standard Cockapoo:
14 to 17 inches at the shoulder
Giant Cockapoo:
17 inches and h

Cockapoo Color Variations: Black
Apricot
Buff
Cream
Red
Silver
White

Cockapoo Size Variations: Toy Cockapoo (Teacup Cockapoo)
Miniature Cockapoo
Standard Cockapoo

Cockapoo Exercise Needs: Moderate

Cockapoo Grooming Demands: Demanding

Cockapoo Trainability: Easy

Cockapoo Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years

Average Cockapoo Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes

Good With Other Pets: Yes

Breed Group:

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Cockapoo Dog History

The Cockapoo most likely was the result of an "oops" breeding between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, where the resulting puppies were so freindly and outgoing that the breeders decided to repeat the breeding. This crossbreed caught on, and breeders named this mix the Cockapoo, and thus began the history of this popular mixed breed.

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Cockapoo Dog Appearance

The Cockapoo combines the best of the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, with a wavy single coat (no undercoat) that sheds much less than double coated dogs, and is generally better for allergy sufferers. Cockapoos can be almost any color - inheriting the wide range coat colors found in both the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle; Buff, Black, Apricot, Silver, Grey and others.

When it comes to size, the Cockapoo also presents a variety of choices. Depending on whether a Toy, Miniature or Standard Poodle was crossed with a Cocker Spaniel in a particular Cockapoo's background, the puppy can grow to be anywhere from 4 pounds to 50 pounds or more.

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Cockapoo Grooming

This is about the only drawback to owning a Cockapoo. Grooming can be a bit demanding. Most owners have their Cockapoo groomed about once every 2 to 3 months, at cost of anywhere from $30 to $60. If you're the "do it yourself" type, a set of dog clippers and a grooming kit can easily be obtained at your local pet store or Walmart. Basic dog grooming is a skill that can be mastered fairly easily, especially with such a mild mannered and agreeable subject to work on.

Other than regular clipping, you should try to give your Cockapoo a good brushing every couple of days to keep mats and snarls at bay. Ears should be wiped out weekly or so with an acidifying cleanser (also available at the pet store or Walmart) to keep the ears clean and free from yeast infections and mites.

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Cockapoo Exercise Needs

Size pretty much dictates the activity needs of the Cockapoo. Toy and Teacup Cockapoos require minimal amounts of exercise and are a good match for people living in small spaces such as apartments or condos. The larger Cockapoos from Standard and Minature Poodle lineage need more exercise and a securely fenced yard in which to romp.

All Cockapoos enjoy a good walk with their owners, and will gladly accompany their family on outdoor excursions.

Cockapoos inherit the athletic ability of their Poodle and Cocker Spaniel parents, and do very well in dog activities such as obedience, agility, flyball, frisbee, etc. Cockapoos also make excellent therapy dogs.

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Cockapoo Temperament

Well bred, well socialized Cockapoos that come from healthy parents with sound temperaments are one of the most child-friendly dogs one can find. They are intelligent and loving, playful and outgoing, and can be a fantastic pet for families with small children, disabled people or elderly dog lovers.

That being said, no dog, regardless of the breed should be left unattended around small children. This is for the benefit of both the dog and the child. Any dog may nip or bite in self defense in response to torture from a toddler, and many a toddler I have met has been known to pull ears and tails, hit with toys, gouge at eyes with crayons, and perform other atrocious actions if given free reign with dogs and puppies. You should always supervise toddlers around dogs and puppies - regardless of the breed. A toddler can cause serious harm to your pet, and a dog nip or bite can be a life-threatening situation to your child. No dog is 100% child-safe. A Toy or Teacup Cockapoo is NOT a good choice for families with small children - too dainty.

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Cockapoo Training

Training a Cockapoo is quite straightforward. These dogs are intelligent and respond well to consistent training.

As with all dog breeds, obedience training should begin at an early age and be consistent, and all members of the family should be involved, so that your puppy does not receive confusing, mixed messages from different members of the family.

With a little bit of work, your Cockapoo can be an extremely well behaved member of the family.

Cockapoo Health

The Cockapoo gains a great benefit from being a mixed breed dog - hybrid vigor. This term basically means that by mixing two or more healthy dog breeds, nature usually passes on the healthy traits to the offspring. Hybrid dogs are generally healthier than purebred dogs, since they come from a much larger gene pool. Genetic diversity helps ensure a healthy dog that is free from hereditary disorders.

That being said, it's important to choose a reputable breeder from which to buy a Cockapoo puppy. A responsible breeder will ensure that only healthy dogs are bred to healthy dogs, further reducing the incidence of genetic conditions that can affect the puppies.

Your breeder should screen her breeding dogs for the following conditions that can be found in Cockapoos:

Patellar Luxation (OFA)
Hip Dysplasia (OFA)
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (OFA)
Eye Problems (CERF or Optigen)

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Is the Cockapoo Right For You?

In a nutshell, yes, the Cockapoo is the breed for just about everyone. This adorable, intelligent, trainable, easygoing, child loving, fun-loving canine is a good match for dog lovers of all ages, and enjoys both city and country living. Cockapoos get along really well with other dogs, cats and other pets. The only type of pet that may pose a problem is pet birds, since both the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle were originally bred as bird game dogs, and may behave a bit oddly in the presence of a pet bird. It's best to err on the side of caution if you are a bird owner.

Grooming can be a bit demanding too, but most Cockapoo owners say that it's a small price to pay for having the priviledge of owning such an amicable, intelligent and loving canine companion.

Otherwise, a Cockapoo is a great choice, and finding a reputable Cockapoo breeder is your next step.

Finding a Responsible Cockapoo Breeder

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Cockapoo Prices

Average Cockapoo Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Cockapoo dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Cockapoo puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Cockapoo dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Cockapoo puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Cockapoo breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Cockapoo prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Cockapoo puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding Cockapoo Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Cockapoo puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Cockapoo Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Cockapoo breeders. We actively screen Cockapoo breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Cockapoo breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Cockapoo puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Cockapoo puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Cockapoo dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional Cockapoo Resources:

• Cockapoo Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Cockapoo Breed Profile
• Cockapoo Pictures
• Cockapoo Videos

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