Cockapoo
History
- In the 1940s, both Cocker spaniels and poodles were among the most popular breeds in America. It was inevitable that individuals from the two breeds mate. As the progeny from these litters proved themselves to be attractive and amiable companions, more people decided to purposefully mate Cocker spaniels and poodles. The first record of Cockapoos dates to the 1950s.
- By the 1960s, Cockapoos had developed a following and many people went out of their way to add a Cockapoo to their family in preference to a purebred dog.
- Most Cockapoos are the result of breeding an American Cocker spaniel to a poodle. Those from English Cocker spaniels are called English Cockapoos.
- The Poodle parent is usually a miniature or toy variety, seldom standard.
- The Cockapoo Club of America was founded in 1998. Another club, the American Cockapoo Club, also registers Cockapoos. With the popularity of designer hybrid dogs in the 2000s, the Cockapoo has found a new group of admirers.
- The Cockapoo does not meet the AKC's criteria for recognition because they are not a pure breed. However, they are more popular than many of AKC's rarer breeds.
Cockapoo Behavior Concerns
- Makes an exuberant and entertaining companion.
- Usually very good with children.
- A happy dog, not easily bothered by things.
- Eager to please and quick to learn, but can be overly excitable and easily distracted.
- Does best with reward-based training involving food and games.
- Outgoing toward strangers.
- Gets along well with other pets and dogs.
- Enjoys retrieving.
- Usually enjoys swimming.
- Some bark a lot.
Cockapoo Suggested Exercises
- Makes a fairly calm housedog if given adequate exercise.
- Requires daily exercise in the form of a long walk, jog, or energetic games.
- A good candidate for dog parks.
- Obedience training is essential not only for control, but for the mental exercise it provides.
Cockapoo Grooming
- Coat is fairly long and wavy; silkier than a poodle's coat.
- The coat needs brushing and combing two to three times a week to prevent mats.
- Professional grooming and clipping is required about every six weeks.
- Special attention should be paid to keeping the eyes clean and clear of stray hairs.
- The ears must be checked weekly for problems.
- Shedding is below average.
- Although no breed is non-allergenic, the Cockapoo may cause fewer allergies in people compared to other breeds.
Suggested Cockapoo Nutritional Needs
- Cockapoos have a tendency to become overweight.
- Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.
- Puppies should be fed a balanced a puppy food.
