What is a Cockapoo?
A Cockapoo is a designer dog that is the cross between an American Cocker Spaniel and a poodle (in most cases a miniature poodle or toy poodle)
They have been known in the United States since the 1950s.
Purebred breed associations such as The Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club, or the Canadian Kennel Club, do not recognize the Cockapoo.
Due to their fashionable status, Cockapoos are one of the mixed breed dogs most susceptible to be bred by puppy farms or unscrupulous amateur breeders looking to maximize profit. Potential owners should very carefully research where they are purchasing their puppy from in order not to support this industry.
As with a lot of smaller dogs they tend to be quite long-lived, and it's not unusual for cockapoos to live to 15 – 20 years.
Cockapoos have become popular because they generally combine the outgoing, loving personality of the Cocker spaniel with the low-shedding, low-dander qualities of the Poodle. Cockapoos are active, and thrive when they receive regular exercise. Cockapoos can be very agile, excelling at "retrieve" games and enjoying activities such as swimming. They are at home in an apartment or the largest farm. Cockapoos are a versatile breed. Cockapoos are highly trainable, with a keen intelligence. They are curious and eager to perform. They do well with one-person owners as well as with families with young children. They are very people-oriented, outgoing and happy dogs.
Cockapoos also vary in color.
They may be: Black, Tan, beige, or buff, Red, including auburn and apricot colors, Brown, varying from light to dark. Sable, a brown color with tipping and shading in black, Cream, White. Silver, Brindle, Roan and Merle (commonly-blue, brown, shades mixed with white or cream) Cockapoos can be one solid color or can have complex markings. They can be white with patches of any color. They can also have spots or freckles of color, called ticking. Cockapoos may also have a merle coat, where random portions are diluted to create a mottled appearance.
Cockapoo size and weight are a function of what type of dogs the parents were. Breeders usually use a toy or miniature poodle as the poodle parent. The following table describes the weights and heights of toy poodles, miniature poodles, cocker spaniels and cockapoos, using AKC standards and other information.
Size. Size is determined by the height, rather than the weight, of the adult dog. Height is measured to the top of the shoulder in standing position.
Toy:
10” or less at shoulder height – under 12 pounds as a general rule
Mini:
11” – 14” at shoulder - usually 12-20 pounds
Standard:
15” or higher – over 20 pounds