Cockapoo

Breed Type: Crossbreed
Coat: Wavy, curly
Hypoallergenic: Yes, they may not trigger allergies.
Temperament: Loyal, loving, friendly, energetic
Life expectancy: 10-16 years
Color & patterns:
Hero image
Cockapoo - chocolate
Cockapoo - red
Cockapoo - Roan
Cockapoos, a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which makes them great for families and anyone who loves a good cuddle. Not only are Cockapoos cute as a button with their soft, curly coats and soulful eyes, but they’re also intelligent, highly adaptable, and easy to train. And let’s not forget about their size — they’re small enough to fit comfortably on your lap but large enough to play fetch and go on adventures with you. Whether you’re looking for a companion for city living or a family pet that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Cockapoo has got you covered. Plus, their nickname, “the forever puppy,” speaks to their playful nature and youthful energy. What’s not to love?

Cockapoo characteristics

Learn about about Cockapoo basics like if they're good with kids and other Cockapoos, how much grooming they need, and other facts.

Average height

14-24 inches (35.6-61.0cm)

Average weight

15-69 pounds (6.8-31.3 kg)

Average lifespan

10-16 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
When do Cockapoos stop growing?

A Cockapoo will usually stop growing by the time they are one year old. They will typically reach their adult height by the time they’re nine months old but don’t stop growing until their first birthday. Because a Cockapoo is a “designer dog,” they come in four different types: Teacup, Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Depending on the type of Cockapoo, the dog can grow to a variety of sizes.

How long do Cockapoos live?

Cockapoos have a slightly above-average lifespan and can live between 12 and 16 years, depending on the health of the individual dog.

What does F2 Cockapoo mean?

The “F” designation refers to breeding charts. A mating between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle will produce an F1, or “first generation,” Cockapoo. Then, when two Cockapoos mate, they produce an “F2 Cockapoo” or “second generation” Cockapoo. An F3 Cockapoo would be when a puppy has been bred by two F2 Cockapoos, and so on.

Are Cockapoos AKC recognized?

No, Cockapoos are not American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized because they are not a pure breed; they are crossbreeds. However, despite not being an AKC breed, Cockapoos are often more popular than other AKC breeds.

Cockapoo temperament

Learn about about the Cockapoo temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Cockapoos good with kids?

Yes, Cockapoos typically have high energy levels, which means they tend to be great with children of all ages. They thrive in an environment with plenty of attention, socialization, and training. Cockapoos tend to read everyone as their friend and do well with families with children and other dogs. They have a perfect amount of energy for families: enough to keep up with kids but not so much you have to run ragged, helping them burn off excess energy. Cockapoos are also gentle with children and generally enjoy being around their loved ones. 

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your Cockapoo to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Are Cockapoos affectionate?

Yes, Cockapoos are known for their affectionate, loyal, and loving nature. They tend to form a strong bond with one person and love to cuddle and enjoy spending time with them. While they may prefer their favorite human, these dogs are prone to getting along well with anyone they’re socialized to. 

Their affectionate nature makes them well-suited for families, as they often enjoy being involved in family activities. They often seek out cuddles, belly rubs, and physical affection from their pet parents. Cockapoos are also known for their gentle and friendly demeanor, which contributes to their reputation as affectionate pets.

Are Cockapoos aggressive?

No, Cockapoos are not inherently aggressive dogs. However, individual temperament can vary, and genetics, upbringing, and training can all influence a dog’s behavior. Additionally, providing a loving and supportive environment with consistent training and positive reinforcement can help ensure a happy and well-behaved companion. 

Although Cockapoos generally have sweet temperaments, there is a rare genetic condition that can affect them called rage syndrome. This behavioral problem causes a Cockapoo to suddenly act very aggressively without warning. Their eyes become dilated and sometimes change color during and after an episode. However, this condition is quite rare. Temperament and behavior problems happen in all dog breeds and can be influenced by many factors outside of genetics. If you are concerned for your Cockapoo, contact your vet and ask for your dog’s case to be referred to an experienced behaviorist.

Do Cockapoos bark a lot?

No, Cockapoos won’t bark a lot, though they will let you know when someone’s at the door. They may also bark when they are excited, anxious, or bored. This can be minimized through proper obedience training and socialization.

Are Cockapoos good dogs?

Yes, Cockapoos are good dogs. They are loyal, loving, and sweet-natured, making them excellent companion dogs. They are considered to be great family pets, and they are sociable with other dogs and people of all ages. Many people love Cockapoos because they have lots of energy and a puppy-ish personality. However, Cockapoos love people so much they dislike being left alone and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Are Cockapoos good with cats?

Yes, Cockapoos are sweet, good-natured dogs who get on well with other pets, including cats. However, they are extremely playful and may give chase to your cat. Early socialization and good introductions can help your Cockapoo and cat live happily side by side.

Are Cockapoos good with other dogs?

Yes, Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are good with other dogs, so the same is generally true of Cockapoos. In fact, your Cockapoo will likely thrive with another dog in the home to play with. They are active and excited, and having another dog can help keep your Cockapoo company. Early socialization and positive experiences with other dogs can help ensure that your Cockapoo develops good social skills and gets along well with other dogs.

Are Cockapoos smart?

Yes, Cockapoos are smart; they inherit intelligence from both their Poodle and Cocker Spaniel parents. Poodles are renowned for their intelligence and trainability, often ranking high in canine intelligence tests. Cocker Spaniels are also known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

Cockapoos tend to be quick learners and can excel in various training activities, including obedience training, agility, and even tricks. Their intelligence, combined with their friendly and affectionate nature, makes them popular pets for families and individuals alike. Make sure you take an active role in their training to develop your Cockapoo’s intelligence and channel their energy appropriately.

Do Cockapoos have separation anxiety?

Some Cockapoos, but not all, experience some level of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes distressed or anxious when separated from their parents or left alone for extended periods. Cockapoos are known for their strong bonds with their human family members, and their affectionate nature means they often prefer being in close proximity to their pet parents. 

Signs to watch for include excessive barking, destructive behavior, or regressive behaviors such as urinating inside the house when you leave. The best way to handle your Cockapoo’s separation anxiety is with preventative training such as crate training and separation training. Reward calm behavior and invest in interactive toys. Leaving the TV on while you’re gone may help your Cockapoo feel someone is there with them, too.

Are Cockapoos easy to train?

Yes, Cockapoos are easy to train. They often inherit the intelligence of their Poodle ancestors and the eager-to-please nature of their Cocker Spaniel ancestors, which can make them quick learners. Cockapoos are smart and easy to house train, too. They’re quite logical; a step-by-step approach works best with these dogs, as do consistent, positive reinforcement training methods. It’s important to socialize your Cockapoo from a young age, too, and to teach them to be left alone for short periods of time to avoid separation anxiety.

Just keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training a dog requires a long-term commitment.

Cockapoo health

Learn about about the Cockapoo health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Are Cockapoos hypoallergenic?

Yes, Cockapoos are hypoallergenic dogs because they usually inherit the tight curls and fleece-like coat of their poodle parent. Cockapoos are often promoted as hypoallergenic dogs because they are a crossbreed between Poodles and Cocker Spaniels, both of which are considered hypoallergenic breeds. 

However, the extent to which a Cockapoo inherits these hypoallergenic traits can vary depending on factors such as genetics, coat type, and individual variation. While some Cockapoos may have coats that produce less dander and are more tolerable for people with allergies, others may still trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially if they inherit more of the Cocker Spaniel’s coat characteristics. Either way, regular grooming can help your Cockapoo’s coat stay healthy and clean and reduce issues with allergies.

Do Cockapoos have health problems?

Although Cockapoos are a healthy breed with a fairly long lifespan, they can experience some health issues, including: 

  • Ear issues: These can include swelling in the ear flap or inflamed ear canals, which cause intense itching.

  • Eye issues: These can include sight loss due to progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, or glaucoma.

  • Mitral valve disease: This common heart condition in Cocker Spaniels could affect Cockapoos.

Are Cockapoos high-maintenance?

Yes, Cockapoos can be considered high-maintenance simply because of their coats. They require daily brushing and a regular grooming routine made up of combing, trimming, and baths, without which their coat will easily mat. Cockapoos need their long and floppy ears regularly cleaned, too. 

Cockapoos are easy to handle and have a great temperament, but may have separation anxiety, so early socialization and training is key. Give your Cockapoo two 30 minute walks a day for them to stay healthy and stimulated. 

While Cockapoos do require some maintenance, with regular grooming, exercise, and veterinary care, Cockapoos can make wonderful and relatively easy to handle companions for individuals and families alike.

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Adopting a Cockapoo

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