Owning a Cockapoo Guide
If you are thinking of owning a Cockapoo or a miniature cockapoo, you will undoubtedly have lots of questions. These lovable, teddy bear-like dogs aren’t a ‘recognised’ breed as such but are one of the most popular poodle crosses. This cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle can be bred from a wide variety of parents so its appearance, size and character traits can vary greatly. Generally, a cockapoos temperament is friendly, easy to train, energetic and intelligent. Their coats are reputed to be good for allergy sufferers. Cockapoos were first bred in the 1950s in the United States and are one of the oldest ‘hybrid’ dogs around.
Think a cockapoo might just be the dog for you? We’ll answer all the most frequently asked questions below, so that you can decide if owning a cockapoo would be perfect for your family.
What is a F1 Cockapoo?
If you are wondering, what does F1 mean when buying a cockapoo, we’re here to help! An F1 is a cocker spaniel and a poodle bred together to create a cockapoo. This is known as the first generation crossbreed. F1b means that one parent is a cockapoo and the other a poodle or spaniel, whereas F2 means that both parents are cockapoos. All variations are still referred to as a “cockapoo” but can vary in size, shape, appearance, intelligence and temperament.
Cockapoo Size FAQ
How big do Cockapoos get?
Cockapoos are a mix of both cocker spaniel and poodle so it can be hard to generalise when considering what size will a cockapoo grow to. It really depends on the individual dog and whether one parent is a toy, miniature or standard variety of poodle. On average cockapoos can measure 10 to 15 inches high and are regarded as small – medium dogs. Their weight can range from roughly 5-15kg.
Is a Cockapoo a small or medium dog?
If your Cockapoo is under 10 kg (22 lbs), it would usually be considered small. However, if your dog is between 10–15 kg (22–33 lbs) it may be classed as medium.
How can I tell how big my Cockapoo will be?
To gauge how big your Cockapoo will be when fully grown, you can look at a few key factors including:
- Parents – Cockapoos are a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, and the size of the Poodle parent (Toy, Miniature, or Standard). If you know which type of Poodle your Cockapoo is crossed with, you’ll have a clearer idea of how big your dog might be
- Puppy weight – You can estimate adult size using your puppy’s weight at a young age. Here’s a general formula for small to medium dogs like Cockapoos:
- Adult weight = (Puppy weight / Puppy age in weeks) × 52
- Check the paws – Big paws on a puppy often suggest they will grow into a medium or larger dog. It’s not scientific, but it’s a common breeder trick
- Ask the breeder – If you got your Cockapoo from a breeder, ask about the size of the parents and previous litters.
Cockapoo Temperament FAQ
Are Cockapoos high maintenance?
Cockapoos are often described as moderately high maintenance, mainly due to their coat care and social needs, not because they’re difficult dogs in temperament. They are friendly, intelligent, and adaptable, but they do require consistent attention in a few key areas.
Is a cockapoo a good family dog?
Cockapoos are generally very friendly and regarded as being good with children, making them a good family pet. They are known to thrive in a family home environment with plenty of attention, socialisation and training. However, please note that young children should always be supervised around any breed of dogs and appropriate care should be taken.
Cockapoos thrive on human company which is fine if they live in a household where one person usually stays at home when everyone else is out. They are not the best choice for people who spend most of the time at work and who leave dogs to their own devices for long periods of time. Cockapoos can get bored if left for long periods and even suffer from separation anxiety, leading to excessive barking and destructive behaviour.
Do Cockapoos bark a lot?
Cockapoos can be moderate barkers, but how much they bark often depends on their individual personality, training, and environment, rather than the breed alone. A Cockapoo may bark:
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To alert you to strangers or noises (like doorbells or deliveries)
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When they are excited (during play or when you come home)
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If they feel bored, anxious, or left alone for too long (they are very people oriented)
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To get your attention – they are smart and learn what works
But they are not typically excessive barkers, like some terriers or guard breeds.
Are Cockapoos puppies easy to train?
Cockapoos are clever dogs, with both parent breeds being high on the list of intelligent breeds, and love the one to one aspect of training sessions, making them easy to train. They are generally very amenable, friendly and love to please.
What age do Cockapoos slow down?
Cockapoos usually begin to slow down between 7 and 9 years old, though this varies based on their health, genetics, and size. As puppies and young adults (up to around 6), they are full of energy and love to play. By age 7, you may notice them moving more slowly or getting tired more easily. While they often stay playful well into their senior years, their overall activity level tends to gradually decline.
Cockapoo Grooming FAQ
How much grooming do Cockapoos require?
One possible bad thing about cockapoos, is they require lots of grooming to keep their coats matt free. It is important to establish a regular routine with brushing and combing. In addition, their coats need to be cut regularly with clippers or scissors. If this isn’t done, cockapoos’ coats can matt very easily which is problematic. This can lead to their coat having to be cut very short.
Cockapoos’ coats also readily attract grass seeds, burrs, twigs and other debris. Care and attention should be taken to remove these from your cockapoo’s coat, which can be time consuming.
Can I groom my Cockapoo myself?
Yes, you can absolutely groom your Cockapoo at home, and many owners find it a rewarding way to bond with their dog. Cockapoos have beautiful, soft coats that range from loose waves to tight curls. But that lovely coat does come with a catch, it needs regular grooming to stay clean, healthy, and free of mats. With a bit of patience and the right tools, you can handle most of your Cockapoo’s grooming needs yourself.
The most important part of Cockapoo grooming is regular brushing. Their fur tangles easily, especially around the ears, under the legs, and near the tail. Brushing several times a week (ideally daily for longer coats) helps prevent painful mats and keeps their coat looking neat. You will need a slicker brush and a metal com as these help detangle and reach down to the undercoat where mats can start forming.
Cockapoo Breed and Lifestyle FAQ
What colours are Cockapoos?
Cockapoos come in a wide range of colours including: black, golden, chocolate, white, cream, tan, champagne, beige or buff, red (includes apricot and auburn), light or dark brown, sable, silver, brindle, roan or merle.
What is a Cockapoo’s life expectancy?
The average life span of a Cockapoo is generally around 12-15 years. However this can vary dependant on a number of factors, such as diet, genetics, overall health and the care given.
How much exercise does a Cockapoo need?
As energetic and intelligent dogs, adult cockapoos require lots of exercise and mental stimulation. A Cockapoo exercise needs are roughly around one hour a day. Care should be taken not to over walk young cockapoo puppies though. We recommend sticking to the guidance of five minutes walk a day per month of age.
Are Cockapoo dogs suitable for people allergic to dogs?
If you are wondering what breeds of dog are hypoallergenic, you may have heard that Cockapoos can fall into this category. Whilst cockapoos CAN inherit the low moulting poodle coat, it is not 100% predictable as their coats can take on the appearance of a cocker spaniel or a mixture of both breeds. People can also have allergic reactions to dogs’ skin and saliva, not just fur, so this should be taken into consideration. If you suffer from an allergy to dog fur, it is advisable that you try spending time with cockapoo puppies and adult dogs before deciding to get one as a pet.
Is your lifestyle compatible with owning a Cockapoo?
When making the decision to own any kind of dog or puppy, it is important to give real consideration to whether or not they are suitable for your lifestyle. Cockapoos puppies are high energy, intelligent dogs and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also love to be with their owners and don’t like to be left alone for long.
A Cockapoo may be just the dog for you if you have the time, space and energy for a fun and lively breed and are willing to commit to the necessary training and socialisation. If you think a cockapoo is right for you. the next step is to do lots of research and find the right breeder
One-to-one Dog Care
If you are considering getting a puppy or a dog of any breed (such as a Labrador), it is natural to worry about what will happen if you have to leave your new best friend. Sometimes it is unavoidable to go away for work, for a holiday or for a family occasion such as a wedding. Barking Mad Dog Care offers the alternative solution for dog owners who don’t wish to place their canine companions in kennels. Established in 2000, we have many years of experience of offering home-from-home care for cockapoos, amongst other breeds. Why not find your local branch today and get in contact to discuss care for your cockapoo?
Please note, our information about cockapoos is a brief guide for the benefit of our website visitors. The points we make are a generalisation of breed characteristics. They can not be 100% true of each and every dog of the cockapoo breed. Every dog is an individual and will have different needs. We would advise carrying out lots of research, both online and in person (such as with your local vet) before making a decision to purchase or adopt a cockapoo puppy or adult dog.
