Cockapoos have quickly become one of the UK's most popular dogs, and with their adorable curly coats and friendly personalities, it's easy to see why.
Cockapoos are a crossbreed of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, famed for their intelligent, playful and adventurous spirit. According to PDSA figures, Cockapoos now obtain the 3rd spot in England's top breeds and the 5th top breed for the rest of the UK.
"Cockapoos have risen in popularity in recent years and have the cuteness factor that makes many adore them. They combine the wonderful traits of both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, including intelligence and often a lively personality," Adem Fehmi, Rover’s canine behaviourist, tells Country Living.
"Originally assistance dogs, but now very much cemented and loved by thousands in our homes, many may find this breed very appealing when choosing a pet."
We've asked the experts for everything you need to know about Cockapoos, including health issues, personality and temperament.
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Are Cockapoos good family dogs?
Cockapoos tend to inherit the sweet, loving and friendly natures common with both parent breeds.
"Cockapoos are a lovely combination of the sweet natured Cocker Spaniel and the trainable and friendly Poodle, which makes them a generally highly intelligent and sociable dog that is loving and loyal to their families, and at ease around new people," Shauna Walsh, vet at the PDSA, tells Country Living.
Do Cockapoos shed?
"With all crossbreeds, their personalities and coat may vary, but generally Poodle mix breeds inherit the classic Poodle curly coat, which means Cockapoos will benefit from daily grooming to keep their coat in tip-top condition and will often also require regular clipping and shaping throughout the year as well," adds Gemma.
"Depending on the mix, they may shed less than other breeds, due to their Poodle half (but this is not guaranteed). Many owners are surprised by the amount of coat maintenance that is required with a Cockapoo.
"Poodles and Poodle crossbreeds are often considered hypoallergenic, and therefore do not cause allergies. Unfortunately, it's a myth that certain breeds of cats and dogs are hypoallergenic and don’t cause allergic reactions in people. Although many people with allergies may only have symptoms when exposed to certain breeds, which can give the illusion that a pet is 'hypoallergenic', unfortunately, the same breed that is well tolerated by one person with allergies can cause problems for another."
How big do Cockapoos get?
Like their poodle parent, Cockapoos come in three different size categories. These will generally be the following height (measured from their shoulder to the ground) and weight:
- Toy cockapoos: height up to 28cm, weight up to 5.5kg
- Miniature cockapoos: height 28-35cm, weight 6-8kg
- Standard cockapoos: height over 35cm, weight over 8kg
How big your cockapoo gets will largely depend on the size of its parents.
How much exercise does a Cockapoo need?
"Cocker Spaniels and Poodles are active breeds, with lots of energy who need their brains and bodies kept busy to keep them happy, and their Cockapoo offspring may be the same! Be prepared to spend time heading out on adventures and play time in the home too," says Gemma Renwick, PDSA Nurse.
In general, Cockapoos will need around an hour of exercise per day, ideally split into two 30-minute walks.
Mental stimulation is just as important as exercise: "Cockapoos are usually easy to train and love to learn," Gemma adds "They can inherit a strong hunting drive from their genetic history as working dogs, so will need training and opportunities to express this behaviour in an appropriate way."
Are Cockapoos easy to train?
Cockapoos are whip-smart dogs, meaning they pick up new tricks very quickly. Puppy training classes are recommended to ensure they grow up to be happy, obedient dogs.
Shauna explains: "Cockapoos are usually easy to train, and love to learn. They can also have a lot of energy, so will require exciting exercise and opportunities to use their brains for their physical and mental health. They can inherit a strong hunting drive from their genetic history as working dogs, so will need training and opportunities to do this behaviour in an appropriate way."
What health problems do Cockapoos have?
"Whilst they are a crossbreed, so don't have as many predisposed health conditions as some purebred dogs, there are some health concerns that can be quite common in Cockapoos including ear problems – due to their long, floppy, hairy ears, and patella luxation – which is common in small dog breeds generally," Shauna explains.
Other problems more common in Cockapoos include:
- Allergies
- Glaucoma
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal
If you are worried about your Cockapoo and their health, always head to your local vet for advice.
Adem adds: "Cockapoos are sadly one of the top breeds that I see as a behaviourist for issues such as predatory hunting, separation anxiety, fear-based behaviours, and possessive-based behaviours.
"Often, I find that these issues have been exasperated, if not caused, by a lack of understanding of the specific needs of the dog in question. Not because the dog has ‘bad owners' but simply because not enough awareness has been raised around the difference between the breeding of working and show cocker spaniels to create the 'cockapoo' and how this breeding can hugely affect temperament and the specific needs of a puppy."
Can Cockapoos be left alone?
"Cockapoos do become easily bored, and can find their own means of entertainment – usually towards your home furnishings! Due to their social nature, like many dogs, they don't really like to be left alone," explains Shona.
How long do Cockapoos live?
Cockapoos tend to be a healthy breed, with an above average lifespan of between 12-16 years – although this depends on genetics and care. Like all breeds, smaller Cockapoos have a slightly longer lifespan than larger ones.
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.
