Understanding Cockapoos

In the age when celebrities carry around miniature sized dogs as pets, the popularity of the Cockapoo has returned. Cockapoos are not a new breed of dog, and in fact this cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle has been breed since the 1950's.

Popularity of the Cockapoo has had its ups and downs in the last fifty seven years. Although breeders have been breeding Cockapoos for over fifty years, there still exists no official recognition for the breed, from any kennel club. Although cute, in the eyes of professional breeders, Cockapoos are nothing more than a cross breed and not a pedigree dog.

Temperament of Cockapoos

For the most part these little dogs are calm loving and friendly. From the Poodle side, the Cockapoo gets its lively intelligence and its non shedding coat that rarely contains much dander. The Cocker Spaniel side is responsible for the loving loyal and outgoing personality and its sturdy build despite its small size.

Cockapoos are very social dogs and love to interact and play with people. Their sunny and forgiving natures make them ideal dogs to be around children, and just think, due to their long lives, they may watch your child grow into adulthood! There could be no better memory than that.

Runs in the park, playing tug-of-war, and catching and retrieving small balls, all appeal to their bright personalities, and they do need at least one walk a day! Due to their small size, even if you must crate your Cockapoo while you are at work, it will still feel big and roomy. Just don't forget to put food, water and some toys in, as Cockapoos are easily bored.

Physical Characteristics of Cockapoos

Cockapoos are a small dog, and there are currently three variations, although each of the variation has no specific standard, due to the dog being a cross breed. These variations are; the Teacup Toy, the smallest of all Cockapoos weighing less than six pounds and standing less than ten inches high at adult hood; the Toy, which weights six to twelve pounds and generally stands eleven to fourteen inches high, and the largest of the Cockapoos the Standard weighing anywhere over twelve pounds and standing at a height of fifteen inches or higher.

Physical characteristics of the Cockapoo include floppy ears and their facial features are less sharp that of a Poodle and less rounded than a Cocker Spaniel. In terms of their coats, they are either tightly curled like a Poodle, or have a medium curl, or in some cases are completely flat like that of a Spaniel. Coat colour tends to vary also, but the great thing about Cockapoos is they rarely have dog dander, making them great dogs for allergy sufferers.

Health Concerns of the Cockapoo

Cockapoos are generally known for their good health. In fact they are known for their longevity as they usually live to be anywhere between eighteen and twenty two years old! If choosing a Cockapoo for a pet, make sure you are ready and able to make the time commitment, as they outlive most domestic dogs that enjoy a life span of ten to twelve years.

Generally, the biggest health concern Cockapoos face is that off ear infections. Their long floppy ears that they inherit from the Cocker Spaniel can easily become infected, if their ears are not cleaned and cared for on a weekly basis. As a crossbreed, the Cockapoo is protected by something called hybrid vigour, which simply put means they are unlikely to develop many of the illnesses and ailments experienced by purebred dogs. Cockapoos generally prove to be low maintenance; they do of course like any dog, require twice yearly veterinarian check-ups and annual vaccinations to keep them healthy.