Cockapoo Puppies: Small Dogs with Big Hearts

Cockapoo, one of the first and extremely adored designer dogs. The origin of the Cockapoo puppies dates back to the 1960s in England and America from two extremely popular breeds, namely the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. Cockapoo puppies are also known as Cockerpoo, Cockadoodle, and Cockapoodle. They are a combination of the intelligence of a poodle and the loving nature of a spaniel.

Basic Overview of the Cockapoo Dog Breed

The Appearance of Cockapoo Puppies

The appearance and size of a Cockapoo vary widely depending on the genes inherited from either parent and the size of the poodle used for breeding.

These cute Cockapoo come in 4 sizes:

1. Teacup Cockapoo puppy: It is a small dog breed that is known to fit in a teacup. The full-grown Teacup reaches the height of 9 inches and weighs around 5.5 pounds.
2. Toy Cockapoo: When a toy poodle is mixed with a cocker spaniel the resulting offspring is a toy cockapoo. A toy cockapoo reaches 10 inches in height and weighs approximately 12 pounds. The toy cockapoos are stronger and sturdier compared to the teacup variety.
3. Miniature Cockapoo: The Miniature cockapoo is the offspring of the miniature poodle and cocker spaniel, weighing around 15 to 18 pounds and reaching a maximum height of 12 to 14 inches.
4. Maxi cockapoo or the standard cockapoo: A cross of the American cocker spaniel and the standard poodle results in a maxi cockapoo. The maxi cockapoo is the largest in size reaching the height of 15-18 inches, weighing around 20 pounds. They don’t readily adapt to apartment life, unlike the other types that are smaller in size.

Characteristics of Cockapoo Puppies

Cockapoo puppies, as well as adults, resemble cute teddy bears which enhance their appeal to people and can make you fall in love with them at first sight.

Cockapoos usually have long coats with loose curls in colors like chocolate, black, blue, red, white, cream, apricot, and mixed colors with various combinations. With all these cockapoo colors in existence, the apricot cockapoo is still highly favored.

Cockadoodle puppies are sometimes confusing for Cavapoos and Havapoos as they may look similar due to the common poodle genes. Cockapoos have long floppy ears like the American cocker spaniel and a long muzzle.

Cockadoodle puppies are extremely cute with long floppy ears on their tiny body frame. They have a short attention span as they are very loving, friendly, playful, and active.

Cute Cockapoo Terriers are also available when a cockapoo is crossbred with a terrier. Although cockapoo terriers are less common as of now, they show characteristics of all three dogs, that is, a cocker spaniel, a poodle as well as the terrier

Cockapoo Personality and Temperament

Cockapoo puppies are affectionate and friendly. They are good for all kinds of owners, young or old, with a big family or just a single person, other pets, or solo. These guys are happy-go-lucky and will celebrate life with you every day.

They aren’t naturally happy but will warn you by barking if they see anything suspicious, thanks to their poodle-like alertness. They have a sweet and calm temperament and a high level of intelligence which makes them easy to train.

Early socialization and training can bring out the best in your Cockadoodle. Positive reinforcement works best with them as their eager to please personality makes them pick up tricks and tasks faster.

They are social and do not prefer being completely on their own. They will enjoy a simple walk with their person or just snuggle up to them.

Cockapoo Grooming

Cockadoodles aren’t a double-coated breed of dog which makes the grooming part a bit easier. They may have a straight coat like the spaniel or curly like a poodle dog, there’s also a third variety known as a flat coat. They barely shed and this makes a cockapoo hypoallergenic in nature.

Straight coat cockapoos need some maintenance and a good hair quality can achieve by brushing them two or three times a week and clipping their hair twice or thrice a year.

Curls come in various types, they can be loose curls or ringlets, or tight curls. Curly coated cockapoos undergo seasonal molting twice a year which makes them high maintenance. Even when they undergo molting, they don’t shed a lot of hair but if they aren’t brushed regularly the hair can get matted or tangled. Use a slicker brush for this purpose. You can also choose to keep the curls short with the help of a groomer.

Things To Keep In Mind

When you are grooming a flat coat cockapoo, the effort you have to put in is lesser as compared to a curly-haired counterpart. Brushing them two or three times a week is good enough to keep them tangle-free and pretty. This type of coat does not require clipping.

Grooming your dog not only prevents tangles and mats but also helps with the circulation of blood to the skin, complete distribution of natural oils, and removal of debris making the hair lustrous and smooth.

Grooming also involves regular brushing to maintain oral hygiene and prevent periodontal diseases, ear cleaning, and nail trimming. All these can carry off with the help of a professional groomer.

While grooming your dog you can get to know better about their health. Check your cute cockapoo for the presence of any external parasites like ticks or fleas, any bumps or rashes, redness of the skin, dry or bald patches. If anything seems abnormal, talk to your vet.

Cockapoo Price

Cockapoo puppies cost around $2000 on average. The cost of cockapoo varies depending on the breeder, size of the dog, companion, champion, or show dog. Considering the various factors stated above Cockapoo prices can range from $1500 to $3000.

Exercise

Cockapoo puppies are energetic and need a moderate level of exercise. So if you have a sedentary lifestyle, this dog isn’t the best fit for you. Cockadoodles need a good and regular walk daily for at least half an hour. It can also replace by small games that involve them in physical activity.

Without regular exercise, they become prone to obesity. Cockapoo puppies adapt to an apartment lifestyle pretty well but we suggest that if that’s the case, a toy or miniature cockapoo is a better fit. Maxi cockapoo or standard cockapoo seem to flourish better in open spaces because of their big size.

All kinds of cockapoos are companion dogs hence they shouldn’t be left to live alone outside the house in a kennel or a separate place. Leaving them alone can cause separation anxiety and lead to destructive behavior and excessive barking.

Feeding

Feeding should always adjust to their size and activity levels. Feeding your dog good quality kibbles is extremely important as that’s the only source of nutrition for them. The amount mentions on the pack is according to the size and weight of your dog. Adjust the amount to your dog’s activity levels with the help of a vet.

Don’t overfeed them if they show cute Cockadoodle puppy eyes to you as this can make them obese and be troublesome for both you and your dog.

Health

Not all dogs exhibit hybrid vigor, some end up expressing the negative traits of both the parents. Cockapoos are overall a healthy breed but they may sometimes exhibit a genetic disorder inherited from their parents.

These disorders can be avoided if the cost of breeding is done properly by selecting only healthy individuals and not breeding for quantity but for quality. Thus, we always recommend you buy from a reputable breeder in case there’s not a pup up for adoption, which should always be the first choice.

Common genetic issues in cockapoos are cataracts, allergies, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, ear infections, and liver disease.

With a sweet, loving personality of a cocker spaniel and the intelligent, brave nature of a poodle, cockapoos are a perfect blend. If you get a cockapoo, you wouldn’t be able to imagine how you managed to live without one. They’ll bring a smile to your face every day and protect you with all they got.

Explore further:

• An Encyclopedia of Cockapoo Dog – A Must-read Before You Bring Them Home
• Teacup Pomeranian Dog Breed History, Facts, Costs, Size