Other Names:
Cockapoodle, Cockerpoo, Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix, Spoodle, Cocker Spaniel Poodle, Cocker Poodle, Cock-a-poo, Cock-a-doodle.
Price Range:
$500 – $1,000
Size:
Medium
Dog Group:
Hybrid (Sporting and Non-Sporting)
Coat Length:
Long
Energy:
High
Kid Friendly:
Medium
Life Expectancy:
12-15 years
Available in these colours:
Red
common
Apricot
common
Black
common
Most common solid-coloured Cockapoo colours are Black, Cream (or White), Apricot, Red, and Chocolate.
Characteristics & Tendencies:
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
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LOW
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MEDIUM
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HIGH
APARTMENT FRIENDLY
HYPOALLERGENIC
About the Cockapoo
A Spoodle is a hybrid breed developed by crossing an English Cocker Spaniel and Toy Poodle. They are one of the oldest known designer dog breeds. Spoodles have grown in popularity because of their happy, fun-loving temperaments, which is what they were specifically bred for.
Cockapoos bring together the best of both worlds from a Cocker and Poodle. They combine the bubbly personality of the Cocker Spaniel with the minimal shedding of the Poodle. In terms of their personality, Spoodles are generally quite friendly and prefer sticking to their owner’s side all the time. They are an intelligent breed, and love being active and energetic. They love playtime and being mentally stimulated, as well as frequent walks and exercise. Cockapoos are not a breed to be found lying around in the house dozing off all day!
Being very happy dogs, Spoodles will cheer up your mood and make you smile. They are affectionate and social dogs, and are typically cat and dog-friendly. Cockapoodles make great therapy dogs and have traditionally been trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, retirement homes and disaster areas. They are even trained as hearing dogs for the deaf.
Top health issues
What are the most common health issues for Cockapoos?
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
- Liver Disease
IN DETAIL
Common Cockapoo diseases & conditions, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in detail:
Cataracts in dogs refers to where a disease process has occurred affecting the lens of the eye, causing the lens to lose its transparency and impairing one’s vision as a result. Cataracts may progress slowly or rapidly, depending on a number of underlying factors. It is most commonly caused by inherited cataract formation, but may also develop with age. It may also be a consequence of eye infections, eye inflammation or diabetes. Symptoms your dog may have cataracts include a bluish, grey or white layer in their eye, clumsiness, eye irritation or redness, discharge and blinking. If you suspect your dog has cataracts, consult your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist to discuss whether surgery is right for your dog.
Patellar luxation is a knee cap problem in dogs. It occurs when the dog’s kneecap (patella) is dislocated from its normal anatomic position in the groove of the thigh bone (femur). When the kneecap is dislocated from the groove of the thigh bone, it can only be returned to its normal position once the quadriceps muscles in the hind legs of the animal relax and lengthen. It is for this reason that most dogs with the condition will hold up their hind legs for a few minutes.
Due to their active lifestyles, hip dysplasia is not a rare occurrence in Cockapoos. Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease that causes the hip joints to form improperly and is the primary cause of painful hip osteoarthritis in dogs. It generally occurs in large or giant breed dogs, however can also occur in smaller breeds as well. It is usually affected by factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, improper weight and nutrition. Symptoms of hip dysplasia may show in dogs when they are as young as four months of age, whilst for others the disease may develop in conjunction with osteoarthritis as they age. These symptoms may include decreased activity, difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping or running, lameness in the hind end, loss of thigh muscle mass, pain and stiffness.
Hip dysplasia is diagnosed radiographically by the presence of degenerative changes and/or subluxation of the hip joint(s). There are multiple treatment options ranging from lifestyle modifications to surgery. These may include physical therapy, joint supplements or anti-inflammatory medications, or common surgeries such as double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO), femoral head ostectomy (FHO) or total hip replacement (THR).
There are a number of allergies in dogs. The main types of allergies include skin allergies, food allergies and environmental allergies, which all pose challenges for dogs and their owners. It is important to note that symptoms for different allergies can overlap as well.
Skin allergies are the most common type of allergic reactions, and are primarily caused by flea allergy dermatitis, food allergies or environmental allergens. Food allergies may range in symptoms from skin conditions (hives, facial swelling, itchiness), gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and/or diarrhoea) or a combination of both. Perhaps the most alarming of all types of canine allergies is an acute allergic reaction. Dogs, like people, may go into anaphylactic shock if they have a severe reaction to an allergen.
The best way to treat an allergy is avoidance of the cause and allergen. In addition to any necessary lifestyle modifications, your veterinarian may prescribe medication for your dog to help control the signs associated with the allergic reaction.
Due to the organ’s important role in a number of bodily functions, liver disease may arise and adversely affect other systems in the body. For canines, the liver is integral in helping with digestion and blood clotting, and removes toxins from his system. Symptoms of liver disease might include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, confusion, yellowish eyes, tongue or gums, blood in their urine and feces, or seizures. Liver failure is most often caused by aging or medications containing acetaminophen. In addition, certain breeds are more likely to be born with liver problems, such as Rottweilers, Yorkshire Terriers and Cocker Spaniels. If your dog is diagnosed, consult with your veterinarian to discuss treatment options. Treatment options may include diet changes, supplements, medications or surgery, depending on the damage to the liver.
Feeding
How much does a Cockapoo eat?
Cockapoo puppies should eat three to four times a day. Puppies are usually breastfed until 8 weeks of age, where they will then transition to solid to wet puppy food. Cockapoo puppies do well with meaty bones, chicken necks, fresh meat, mince and good quality canned food. Each day, owners can increase the amount of dog food gradually.
Once your Cockapoo puppy has reached adulthood, around 9 to 12 months of age, their food intake should be decreased. They should be fed twice a day, preferably after walks. A high quality commercial kibble is recommended, to ensure all the nutrients your dog needs for growth and development are present. You can add cooked meats and vegetables or rice as you wish; however, the main diet needs to be the commercially balanced kibble. Clean, fresh water should also be available at all times.
Shedding
How often does the fur fall off?
Cockapoos are considered a low-shedding dog. They are believed to be a good choice for people with pet allergies. As always it is recommended that you do your research if you suffer from pet allergies before getting a pet which includes visiting the dog you are planning on getting as many times as possible before bringing them home.
Grooming
Are Cockapoos high maintenance?
Cockapoos are high maintenance and require constant brushing and grooming.
The breed requires daily brushing to avoid the ‘feathered’ hair on their belly and legs becoming matted. The frequency of bathing will depend on your lifestyle, but Cockapoo owners need to trim the hair around the dog’s eyes to enhance visibility. Their ears should be thoroughly checked and cleaned every week. To eliminate bad breath or risk of gum disease, you should also brush your Cockapoo’s teeth daily. If your Cockapoo doesn’t wear his nails down naturally, you need to trim them once or twice a month to prevent painful tears and other problems.
Exercise
How much exercise does a Cockapoo need?
Cockapoos are an active breed, and therefore require regular and moderate exercise. They have fairly moderate to high energy levels and love to play. Their exercise should be at least one walk either on a leash or off-leash at the park for 30 minutes or more, or at least two exercise sessions everyday through walks in the park, running through a doggy obstacle course or even a jog around the block.. This is to prevent restlessness and ensure good overall health. Remember that they are extremely excitable, so have games on hand to play with him.
Vet Visits
How often should a Cockapoo visit the vet?
Veterinary care is essential to a dog’s health and wellbeing, however the frequency of treatment and checkups will depend on the dog.
Scheduled six-monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure your Spoodle is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. In these annual visits, your vet will complete a physical examination, take your dog’s temperature and check his heartbeat, among other things. Routine maintenance for your dog gives you a chance to track your dog’s growth and development and discuss any concerns with your vet, and forms a key part of preventative care.
Family Suitability
Are Cockapoos kid-friendly and sociable with humans?
Cockapoos are typically friendly, great for families with small children and social with other pets. Their friendly and loving nature makes them an excellent choice as a family dog. They also make great watchdogs and will not hesitate to bark when they feel endangered.
Cockapoos make a great choice for first time pet owners due to their sweet and loyal temperament. Like all dogs, however, proper training and socialisation are needed to make them the best companions possible for family members of all ages.
Trainability
Are Cockapoos difficult to train?
Cockapoos are very obedient and easy to train, known to be a very loving, intelligent and well-rounded dog breed. As a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, there is no dispute over their intelligence or bright personality. However, without adequate dog training, you could have a troublesome dog on your hands. Cockapoos need training from a young age and it’s best to implement techniques that you intend to use when they are an adult dog too. However, it is important they are not over-exercised during puppyhood when their joints and bones are still developing.
Compatibility with other pets
Do Cockapoos get along with other dogs or cats?
Cockapoos get along extremely well with other dogs, and cats too. These dogs are highly sociable, and they can be dropped off at the dog park without fear that they are going to get into tussles with other dogs. Being socialised well in their early years would make them more acquainted with being around with other pets. Socialisation is necessary because they need to be taught how to behave in various scenarios and situations. But their positive and out-going attitude will not give you a hard time on this!
Need for company
How often do they need to be around humans?
Cockapoos are very much a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals – they thrive on human company, so they will not do well in homes where owners are frequently not home. A lonely or bored Cockapoo may easily develop separation anxiety, and the dog might get destructive and show signs like chewing things, relentlessly barking, etc. They always strive for every single minute of your attention. Always be around your dog and avoid leaving it alone in the house. You could drop it at a friend’s place if you plan to be away from home for some time. They easily get acquainted with new surroundings and people.
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