Cockapoos are one of the most popular cross breeds in the UK, with a recent study by the Royal Veterinary College finding that 6.2% of puppies under 1 year old in UK households were cockapoos.  

So what is a Cockapoo? 

A cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker spaniel and a Poodle. This crossbreed was first bred in the United States in the 1950’s and 1960s, arriving in the UK several decades later in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  
 
An F1 Cockapoo is not a reference to motorsport; it is a first-generation Cockapoo, meaning its parents were a Cocker spaniel and a Poodle.  
An F1b Cockapoo means one parent was a Cocker spaniel or Poodle, and the other parent was an F1 Cockapoo. The ‘b’ stands for backcross, as it means the Cockapoo was back bred with a pure-bred Poodle or Cocker spaniel.  
An F2 Cockapoo is a second-generation Cockapoo which means both parents are F1 Cockapoos.  
 
Cockapoos generally come in three sizes, toy, miniature and standard, depending on the type of Poodle that they were bred from.

Why are Cockapoos so popular? 

Cockapoos rose to popularity as they were seen as very friendly, family-oriented dogs. The mix between the Cocker spaniel and Poodle was intended to merge the high intelligence and friendly natures of the breeds, and has resulted in a highly affectionate dog who has become a very popular pet.  

Are Cockapoos good for people with allergies?

Cockapoos are often described as having a low shedding coat. This means that they shed less fur than most breeds of dog and have less dander in their fur. The reduced amount of fur shedding can mean that people with pet allergies or allergies to dog fur can find it easier or more tolerable to be around Cockapoos as they do not generally leave as much fur around.  
That being said, they do still shed fur, and may still be an issue for those with severe pet fur allergies. It is important to ensure you have spent plenty of time around the dog you are thinking of taking on to test this out, especially if you have existing allergies, as it can be very distressing for both pets and owners if the dog needed to be re-homed in the future due to allergy issues.  

Are Cockapoos easily trained? 

Cockapoos are known as a highly trainable crossbreed. They are bred from two highly intelligent breeds, which has resulted in a crossbreed that easily picks up commands and loves to please their owner.  
As they are highly intelligent, they do require training to ensure they behave appropriately and don’t pick up less desirable behaviours. Without the correct guidance, their intelligence can cause issues as they will quickly learn how to get their own way! 

Are Cockapoos good with children? 

Cockapoos are generally considered great family pets and a popular choice for families with children. They are known for having a gentle, affectionate nature which are good characteristics for pets that are around children. Despite this, they are still animals and will react to situations that scare them or make them feel threatened. Just because a dog has a good temperament does not mean it will tolerate poorly behaved children around it. It is important that any socialisation between children and dogs is always done under strict adult supervision, and a bond is built slowly and with strict boundaries to ensure a safe loving relationship. 

Do Cockapoos require grooming? 

Yes, Cockapoos generally have quite a high grooming requirement and need daily brushing and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks on average, although this will vary between individuals, in order to keep their coats in good condition. They can suffer from matted fur if they are not groomed appropriately, so this is an important cost both time wise and financially to factor into your considerations before taking on a Cockapoo.

Do Cockapoos suffer from separation anxiety? 

Separation anxiety is when a dog becomes highly anxious and unsettled when they are not with their owners. This can occur for many different reasons, but it has been reported in Cockapoos due to their highly loving affectionate nature, meaning they form strong bonds with their owners and can struggle being separated from them. If a dog is suffering from separation anxiety this can lead to destructive behaviours in the house such as damaging flooring and furnishings.  
The good news is that there are lots of training methods that can be used to help dogs overcome separation anxiety and prevent it entirely.  
You can read more about separation anxiety and things that can be done to help and prevent it here: https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/behaviour/understanding-dogs/separation-anxiety-in-dogs

Do Cockapoos need regular walks? 

Yes, Cockapoos need regular daily exercise to keep them healthy and keep their intelligent brains stimulated. They are bred from two popular working breeds of dog, the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, both of which have a high requirement for exercise, and this is no different in the Cockapoo. Without physical exertion they have excess energy, which can lead to undesirable behaviours. Cockapoos are not suitable pets for families who haven’t got the time to walk them daily and ensure they get a good duration of exercise each day, generally between 45-90mins a day minimum, but this will be dog and age dependent – always speak to your veterinary surgeon if you are unsure what the appropriate amount of exercise would be for your pet as they can give you specific instructions based on your pet’s medical history and any concurrent issues which need to be managed. 

Do Cockapoos need a specific diet? 

Cockapoos need a nutritionally balanced diet to ensure their long-term health. Whilst breed specific blends are available for some pedigree breeds, generally a high quality nutritionally balanced dog food that is for the appropriate life stage of your pet is good enough. If your pet has other underlying health conditions, for example allergies or renal disease, then your veterinary surgeon may suggest an alternative diet to help manage these conditions. If you are unsure what would be suitable for your pet, please consult with your veterinary surgeon.  
It is important that Cockapoos are not overfed, and only fed the amount required. Like many pet dogs, they can be eager for as much food as they can get, and whilst it’s tempting to feed them more, feeding excessive food can be a risk factor for obesity and other serious health complications.  

Summary: 

  • Cockapoos are popular, highly intelligent cross breeds. 
  • Cockapoos can make excellent family pets. 
  • Cockapoos require training and regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. 
  • Cockapoos have a low shedding coat which can make them more suitable for people with allergies, but they are not completely hypoallergenic so it’s important to ensure a pet is suitable for your specific needs, as they may still cause allergies in some people.  
  • If you have concerns about your own dog’s nutrition or exercise requirements, it’s important to speak to your veterinary surgeon so that their medical history can be factored into any decisions made and ensure you have a tailored plan suitable for your pet.