The Cockapoo is the result of the crossing of the Cocker Spaniel with the Poodle. This breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but that doesn’t mean the breed is not worth talking about. Poodles are highly intelligent, while Cocker Spaniels are good-natured, so there’s no wonder the Cockapoo is a gentle, fun-loving, intelligent, and affectionate designer breed.
Breed Overview
Height:
16–22 inches
Weight:
25–40 pounds
Lifespan:
12–15 years
Colors:
Red, apricot, cream, white, chocolate, black, merle, tri-colored, tuxedo
Suitable for:
Active families, children, apartment dwellers, those looking for a social dog
Temperament:
Loving, friendly, intelligent, laid-back, easy to train
Cockapoos, also known as Cockapoodles, come in a variety of colors, including apricot, chocolate, white, black, cream, golden, and red. In this article, we’ll focus on the apricot Cockapoo and explore its facts, origin, and history.
Cockapoo Characteristics
The Earliest Records of the Apricot Cockapoo in History
The earliest record of the Cockapoo began in the United States in the 1960s by accident. A breeder accidentally combined an American Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle, and the results were adorable puppies with intelligence and friendly traits.
This hybrid breed comes in a variety of colors, coat types, and sizes. The American Cocker Spaniel is mostly used to create this breed due to their shorter muzzles and ears as opposed to the English Cocker Spaniel. People couldn’t resist these adorable puppies and realized quickly that their temperament and low-shedding coats were worth continuing to develop this mixed breed. As for the apricot color, both parents must pass along the apricot gene, which is recessive.
How the Apricot Cockapoo Gained Popularity
The breed gained popularity in the 60s shortly after it was discovered. People couldn’t resist the adorable pups with their unique coat types, teddy bear looks, and affectionate temperament. Their popularity never declined and has seen a steady incline. Even celebrities jump at the chance of owning one of these wonderful companions.
The Apricot Cockapoo is extremely popular because of the unique shade of the coat. It takes a skilled breeder to breed the right dogs to get the apricot color result. The apricot and red color of the Cockapoo are easily confused, with the apricot having more of an orange tint.
Formal Recognition of the Apricot Cockapoo
As we’ve mentioned, the AKC only recognizes the Cockapoo as a mixed breed rather than a true breed, but the American Cockapoo Club is trying to change that fact, especially given the popularity of the breed.
The AKC only recognizes purebred dogs, and since the Cockapoo is a mixed breed, they do not fit the criteria despite the fact that they have been around since the 1960s. However, not having formal recognition does not stop people from wanting one. These dogs make excellent companions and are easy to train, thanks to their Poodle ancestry.
Top 6 Unique Facts About the Apricot Cockapoo
1. They are considered hypoallergenic
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but these dogs are a better fit for the allergy-sufferer due to their low-shedding coats.
2. They have long lifespans
These dogs can live 14–16 years, and a healthy Cockapoo can live up to 18 years old.
3. Their coats vary
You never know what type of coat the Cockapoo will end up having. The coats can have tight curls, a wavy form, or more of a straighter appearance. The coat type is usually revealed within a few weeks of life and is generally soft and silky to the touch.
4. They don’t smell bad
A bonus with these dogs is they often have no odor. However, you’ll still need to bathe them as often as needed.
5. They don’t bark often
These dogs don’t bark that often, which makes them ideal for apartment living. They may bark when someone approaches your home, but that is usually followed by tail wags.
6. Their sizes vary
The type of poodle used for breeding determines the size of a Cockapoo. For example, a litter will be smaller if one of the parents is a toy poodle. In this case, the pups will grow to 12 pounds. If a standard Poodle is in the mix, the pups will grow to 19 pounds.
Does the Apricot Cockapoo Make a Good Pet?
The Cockapoo makes an excellent pet regardless of the color. Combining the Cocker Spaniel’s affectionate nature and the Poodle’s intelligence makes the Cockapoo an ideal pet for families. They do have high energy and will often roam from person to person seeking attention. Nonetheless, they are loving dogs that get along well with other pets and children.
The Cockapoo gets restless when left alone for long periods, so be sure to provide plenty of mental stimulation games for times your Cockapoo has to be alone. They are an overall healthy breed but may be predisposed to health concerns from their ancestors, such as progressive retinal atrophy from the Cocker Spaniel or thyroid issues from the Poodle.
With crossbreeding, there’s no way to tell if your pup will develop these conditions. However, these little dogs have an enormous zest for life, and owning one will bring you many years of fun, laughs, and affection.
Conclusion
Owning a Cockapoo is a delightful and fun experience. These affectionate dogs love to be with their humans and make exceptional companion animals. Amber is a sought-after color with these dogs, but the color of the Cockapoo does not alter its characteristics and traits. They shed minimally and are a good choice for allergy sufferers. Be sure to only buy from a reputable breeder. However, buying from a breeder is not your only option. You can contact the American Cockapoo Club¹ to inquire about rescuing one.
Featured Image Credit: mountaintreks, Shutterstock
