Cockapoo

Breed History

The Cockapoo is one of the most popular cross-breeds on the market at the moment. During the pandemic, the cost of a Cockapoo puppy has soared due to high demand. Interestingly, they were one of the original hybrid dogs and have been around for almost 50 years. It is thought that the first litter may have been accidental but resulted in a low-shedding, hypoallergenic and intelligent crossbreed..

General Appearance

The Cockapoo is the result of crossing The Cocker Spaniel with Poodles. Depending on the type of Poodle, you may see Toy Cockapoos and Miniature Cockapoos too. This small breed can reach heights of up to 38cm and weigh in at up to 9kg. Their coats can vary, with some Cockapoos retaining the curly poodle coat whereas others may have straighter, silkier coats.

Temperament

Owners appreciate their outgoing and active personalities. Some owners report behavioural issues in their Cockapoos. Breed members can be prone to separation anxiety and may struggle to cope when their owner is out of the home. Providing food puzzles such as Kongs can help keep dogs busy when by themselves. Consider layering a Kong with a wet dog food such as Pooch & Mutts’ Chicken, Pumpkin & Pea and some Calm & Relaxed Mini Bone Treats

Health Considerations

The Cockapoo is prone to the ocular condition known as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Unfortunately, both parent breeds (the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle) can be affected. Dogs with PRA become progressively blind and there is no cure. It is strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease.

Trainability

Being part-Poodle and part-Cocker, the Cockapoo is a highly intelligent breed that is relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. A low-calorie treat such as Pooch & Mutts’ mini-bones can help with positive reinforcement. 

Grooming

We should aim to groom our Cockapoos with a soft pin brush and comb for around 10 minutes a couple of times a week to avoid matting. Straight haired Cockapoos require semi-regular grooming and trimming several times a year. 

Exercise

Your Cockapoo has moderate exercise needs. Aim for 30 - 60 minutes exercise per day, combining lead-walking with some off-lead runs in a secure space and a variety of mental and physical games and activities to keep them occupied. 

Feeding Considerations

Cockapoos can have sensitive stomachs so it’s important we consider this in their food of choice. A naturally hypoallergenic diet that can help aid digestion, like the products in our sensitive stomach dog food range may help.

You’ll find a handy feeding calculator on each product page here at Pooch & Mutt to give you a guideline of how much of our recipes to feed your Cockapoo.