Designer Dog Breeds: The Cockapoo

In the past few years, it has become fashionable to cross-breed dogs to come up with new "designer" dog breeds. The Cockapoo is one of the oldest and most popular of these breeds.

What is a Cockapoo?

The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, usually a miniature Poodle. This breed is square in build, meaning that it's the same height as it is long. Despite the fact that people have been breeding Cockapoos since the 1950s, it is not an AKC-recognized breed. In addition, it is important to know that this designer dog breed is not yet considered a true breed, because even when you breed two Cocakapoos together, the resulting combination of traits is unpredictable.

Unlike some designer dog breeds that are very bad choices due to crossing two dogs with known genetic problems, Cockapoos tend to be healthy and are not as prone to genetic diseases.

Appearance

Cockapoos have long, soft coats with curls tighter than the Cocker Spaniel but looser than a poodle. The coat must be groomed at least two to three times per week to keep it healthy and free of tangles. The ears are long and must be kept clean to prevent infection, like any long-eared dog. Because they tend to shed very little or not at all and have little dander, Cockapoos are a good choice for dog lovers who are allergic.

Depending on the colors of the parents, the puppies can be any number of colors, generally: apricot, black, buff, chocolate, sable, cream, red, silver or white. They may develop spots or freckles on their legs, body, or muzzle.

Cockapoos vary in size, depending on the size of the parents and the type of Poodle used. They are considered toy sized if they are 10" or shorter at the shoulder and usually weigh less than 12 pounds. Miniature Cockapoos measure 11" to 14" at the shoulder and weigh 13 to 20 pounds, and standard Cockapoos stand 15" at the shoulder or taller and weigh 21 pounds or more.

Personality

Cockapoos tend to be people-oriented, intelligent and trainable, and they can be happy in almost any type of home, whether it's an apartment or a large property. Their happy-go-lucky, forgiving personalities make them attractive and enjoyable dogs, particularly for the elderly or young children.

Clubs and Resources

Although the Cockapoo is not AKC-recognized, there are organizations that oversee the breed and look out for its welfare. It is recommended that you buy your Cockapoo only from a recognized breeder, because many unscrupulous people will try to pass off any old mutt as a Cockapoo in an attempt to make a buck. Unless you know what the background of the parents are, it's impossible to know what sort of genetic problems your dog may have, what size it will be, etc.

Cockapoo Club of America (http://www.cockapooclub.com, and there is a German chapter as well) is dedicated to improving the breed and educating the public. Their website will point you toward resources such as finding Cockapoo breeders and gifts, breed standards and puppy care.

North American Cockapoo Registry (http://www.cockapoos.com) was founded in 1999 and promote responsible breeding. The registry tracks and records the breeding of Cockapoos as far back as six generations.

Both websites offer a great deal of information about the Cockapoo. With a little research, you may well find that this is the ideal designer dog breed for you!