Cockapoos are happy, bouncy, and all-around sunny dogs; this (potential) happy accident was one of the best things to happen to the dog world. Cockapoos aren’t too big or too small; they’re just right for many households, particularly those who might be sensitive to dogs with a lot of long fur or dogs that shed a lot.
In addition, they’re renowned for being good with children and excellent as family pets, and they’re always happy to see their owners. That is why the Cockapoo has been one of America’s most popular dog breeds for many years. This list will look at 15 fascinating facts about the beautiful breed.
The 15 Cockapoo Facts
1. Cockapoos Are a Hybrid Dog Breed
Cockapoos are a hybrid breed. They are a cross between a standard or miniature Poodle (most commonly miniature Poodle) and a Cocker Spaniel. There are differences in the dog’s physical appearance, but they are mostly known for the Poodle’s smooth, shiny and curly hair, mixed with the bouncy, bright, and attentive nature of the Cocker Spaniel.
They are sometimes touted as the first designer dog breed created, and they brought the designer dog into the eyes of Americans back in the 1960s.
2. There Are English and American Variants
Cockapoos are fundamentally a mix between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. However, the exact combination can be different, and in America and England, the two dog breeds are similar but distinct.
The American Cocker Spaniels breeds with the Poodle to create the Cockapoo in America. In England, the English Cocker Spaniel is used to mate with Poodles to create the Cockerpoo. The two versions look very similar, but there are observable differences, mainly in looks. Nevertheless, both crossbreeds are lovely and gorgeous.
3. Life Expectancy
Cockapoos are also generally regarded as more healthy, as mixed breeds tend not to have as many genetic illnesses as some purebred dogs. Due to how they are bred, there is more interbreeding between purebred dogs than in mixed breeds. The Cockapoo can grow to quite a decent size, but they tend to live slightly longer than purebred dogs of the same height and weight. They can live for 13 years or more.
4. More Hypoallergenic
Cockapoos are generally regarded as being hypoallergenic. However, this is not exactly true. All dogs produce dander and shed hair, regardless of breed, coat type, or cleanliness. Dander is what creates an allergic reaction in people, and it can show as a minimal irritation or a deadly reaction.
Cockapoos don’t shed their fur much at all, and they produce a lot less than other breeds, like double-coated breeds like the Golden Retriever. This doesn’t mean that Cockapoos don’t have dander, but it’s best to say that they aren’t hypoallergenic but may be less likely to cause allergic reactions than other breeds.
5. They Were One of the Originals
Cockapoos were one of the first designer dog breeds ever bred in America. They were first bred between the 1950s and 1960s (the exact point of conception is quite hazy, with various sources debating a bit between the two dates). Still, once they were mated, the two breeds produced puppies that stole the hearts of Americans. Cockapoos are one of America’s most popular dog breeds, and it’s incredibly easy to see why.
6. There Are Two Cockapoo Clubs
As they grew in popularity, two clubs were founded for them: the Cockapoo Club of America, founded in 1999, and the American Cockapoo club, founded in 2004. As well as a breed standard, these clubs have created and documented the methods for breeding the dogs. They’re working together to eventually bring the Cockapoo to the American Kennel Club as a standalone breed.
7. They Come in All Shapes and Sizes
Because of the hybrid nature of the Cockapoo, they don’t only come in one size. They have four different weights and overall sizes, which depend on the type of Poodle the Cocker Spaniel parent is bred with.
The Teacup Cockapoo is generally under 6 pounds, the Toy Cockapoo is under 12 pounds, the Miniature Cockapoo is between 13 and 18 pounds, and the Maxi or normal Cockapoo is over 19 pounds. You sometimes come across a very large Cockapoo, usually when a standard Poodle has been bred with a Cocker Spaniel; however, these are much less common than the smaller varieties.
8. They’re Prone to Some Health Conditions
While Cockapoos are a hybrid and generally much healthier than their purebred cousins, they are still prone to some health conditions. These are inherited genetically; unfortunately, the Cockapoo is predisposed to developing cataracts. They are also prone to hip dysplasia and luxating patella. Veterinarians can test for the conditions using genetic testing, the same as other breeds. However, because of the crossbreed nature of the Cockapoo, it can be more challenging to identify whether your Cockapoo will be more or less likely to develop these conditions.
9. They Have a Single Coat
The coat of the Cockapoo is one of its crowning features. Their coats can come as loose curls or wavy bouffants and have many colors, including red, black, brown, blonde, chocolate, or cream. The single-coated nature of a Cockapoo means that grooming is more straightforward than that of its Poodle parent. It also means that they are less likely to shed hair, which brings about the idea that they might be hypoallergenic.
10. Cockapoos Are Smile Makers
Cockapoos love to play and are often referred to as the clowns of the dog world, as they are always up for a laugh and have a very sunny and friendly disposition. The Cockapoo’s shining personality is why they are commonly touted as being excellent dogs for families.
However, despite even the largest of Cockapoos being more than capable of barreling around the home, with correct exercise and training, a Cockapoo can be very gentle without losing its bright and bouncy disposition.
11. They Are Commonly Used as Therapy Dogs
Because of the Cockapoo’s intelligent and friendly nature, they are often used as therapy dogs. For example, they can visit care homes, hospitals or hospices, or places like schools to give people a much-needed boost and a warm, furry shoulder to lean on. Cockapoos can also be used as service dogs in search and rescue operations or as hearing dogs for the deaf.
12. They Have a Murky History
We know how the Cockapoo came about, but we don’t exactly know why. Was it an accident that two of the friendliest dog breeds in the world happened to breed together, producing beautiful puppies that received the absolute best traits of each breed? Or was it a meticulously planned move to gift the world one of the most desired dog breeds? No one knows, and this mystique is just another facet of the amazing breed.
13. They Have Different Names
Cockapoo, Spoodle, and Cockerpoo are all names for the same dog breed, but in different areas of the world. For example, in Australia, they are much more commonly known as Spoodles, and in the US, the Cockapoo is king. In England, the Cockerpoo spelling and pronunciation tend to be used, but they’re all names for the same dog.
14. They Are Not an Official Breed
The Cockapoo isn’t officially recognized by the AKC (the American Kennel Club) or the Kennel Club in the UK. Still, the groups representing the Cockapoo are trying to get the breed recognized and wish to present the AKC with the breed standard. Because they are known as a crossbreed, the Cockerpoo clubs want to bring the Cockapoo into the record books as one of the newest additions to the AKC’s dog roster in the near future
15. Cockapoos Absolutely Love Humans
The Cockapoo is known for its friendly, outgoing, and rambunctious nature, but they’re also softies at heart. They’re gentle, brave, and deserving of the title of the most popular dog in America for a few years running. They want to stay close to their humans and cherish the time spent with their families, even though they sometimes appreciate time alone.
What Is the Cockapoo Breed Known For?
The Cockapoo is known for its shining personality, being good with children, being a good family dog, and absolutely loving to spend time with its people. Cockapoos are also known for their boundless energy and intelligence, allowing them to be trained relatively easily. That is why they often make excellent service dogs and are usually recommended for people with mental health problems.
Conclusion
Cockapoos make sweet, kind-natured pets and are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. The reason for this is apparent since the dogs encompass everything that people want dogs to be: intelligent, loyal, friendly, playful, and always willing to give their owners the love that they absolutely should get in return.
Fortunately, they don’t suffer from many health conditions and come in different sizes to suit any home. If you were considering getting a Cockapoo, we hope this list informs you of just how wonderful this breed is.
See also:
- Do Cockapoos Bark More Than Other Breeds? Facts & Tips to Stop It
- What Is an F1 Cockapoo? Types & Generations Explained
Featured Photo Credit: Lee Ph, Shutterstock
The 15 Cockapoo Facts
