Cockapoos are small, mixed-breed dogs, a result of breeding Poodles and Cocker Spaniels, so they usually live for a pretty long time. Poodles come in three sizes but usually, the smaller miniature or toy Poodles are used in this mix. Using a standard Poodle as a parent will increase the size of your pet, but usually reduce their lifespan. Small Cockapoos usually live for about 12 to 15 years. They do tend to be relatively healthy, which contributes to their longevity.
Excellent care can help your Cockapoo to reach their full potential in terms of their lifespan. We will discuss what you can do to keep your pooch happy and healthy.
What’s the Average Lifespan of the Cockapoo?
The average lifespan of these dogs is around 13 years. However, some dogs will live a little longer or shorter than this. In many cases, nutrition and breeding impact the lifespan of these dogs. Therefore, getting your dog from a responsible breeder and feeding them a quality diet, with good portion control is vital.
Let’s look at some factors that affect how long an individual Cockapoo might live.
The 6 Factors That Can Help Your Cockapoo Live Longer
1. Nutrition
Dogs are what they eat. Therefore, for your canine to live as long as possible, you’ll need to ensure that your canine eats a quality diet. These dogs usually don’t need a special diet, but they do best on a quality diet.
Your dog should be fed to maintain a healthy body condition score; being overweight or obese increases the risk of illnesses and shortens the lifespan.
2. Environment
Keeping your dog safe is an important part of taking care of them. Dogs that are exposed to more risky situations like being around large animals, aggressive dogs, toxins, or running into traffic will have a greater risk of fatal accidents.
If your pup is exposed to infectious diseases without the proper veterinary preventatives they could succumb to a preventable illness.
3. Housing
Similarly, dogs need the proper amount of housing to thrive. Otherwise, they will be exposed to the elements and potentially become ill. Therefore, it is vital that you provide them with a dog house when they are outside and allow them to come in when the environment calls for it.
4. Size
Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger ones. This has been scientifically attributed to the fact that larger dogs age more quickly than their smaller counterparts. They develop more age-related illnesses early in life.
5. Genetics
Cockapoos aren’t a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, and therefore Cockapoo breeders can’t register with this agency and aren’t forced to comply with their standards. Finding a responsible, ethical breeder is therefore essential when purchasing one of these dogs.
These breeders won’t breed from dogs with genetic problems and will perform genetic testing for diseases like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and degenerative myelopathy.
They will also check their breeding dogs for luxating patella, dental malocclusions, hip dysplasia, and cryptorchidism to avoid passing these issues onto their offspring.
6. Neuter Status
Spayed and neutered dogs live longer than those that are intact. Dogs that are reproductively intact respond to their hormonal urges to go find mates; unfortunately, this can increase the risk of accidents, infectious diseases, and pregnancy-related illnesses.
Females spayed before their first or second season have a much lower risk of mammary cancer. They also won’t get ovarian cancer as they don’t have these organs. Neutered males can’t get testicular cancer and have a lower risk of certain prostate issues.
7. Healthcare
Dogs with proper health care are more likely to thrive in old age, as they are better taken care of. Otherwise, minor issues can become severe and life-threatening. Today, many serious conditions are entirely treatable if caught early enough. Therefore, getting your dog proper vet care helps prevent problems from becoming worse than they need to be.
If you have any concerns about your dog or their health, we recommend you contact your vet directly.
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The 3 Life Stages of the Cockapoo
1. Puppy
Of course, these dogs start as puppies. Nutrition is vital at this age, as it helps ensure your puppy grows appropriately. Be sure to feed a food designed for puppies. Puppies and adults do not have the same nutritional needs, so your dog must be fed an age-appropriate diet.
Exercise is essential at any stage. However, puppies should not engage in high-impact activities. Doing so can damage their growing bones. Therefore, gentler exercises on softer surfaces are ideal.
2. Adult
Adulthood requires a switch in dog food unless your dog is consuming an “all life stages” diet. However, if this is the case the diet will be calorie-dense so you need to be very mindful of portion control.
At this time, the most important thing you can do for your dog’s longevity is to keep them at a healthy weight. Dogs should be adequately exercised and fed a well-rounded diet. Avoid overfeeding to prevent your dog from gaining excessive weight.
3. Senior
Senior dogs are more prone to health issues largely because their bodies have had time to wear down. Therefore, it isn’t odd for older dogs to develop a chronic condition or two. Treating these conditions and regular vet visits are vital to keeping your senior dog healthy.
You may want to switch to senior dog food at this time, though this isn’t absolutely required. If your dog is doing fine on their adult dog food, you don’t have to switch. Then again, your vet may recommend a prescription diet that could help with a particular health concern.
How to Tell Your Cockapoo’s Age
When it comes to puppies under 6 or 7 months, it is often decently easy to estimate their age. Most vets can look at a puppy’s teeth and size to determine their age. However, once dogs become adults and get all of their teeth, it becomes much more difficult.
A vet may be able to guess a fully grown dog’s life stage but this isn’t very accurate due to the effects of the environment on a dog’s health and appearance.
Conclusion
Cockapoos tend to be pretty healthy dogs. Therefore, they usually live longer than you’d expect. The average lifespan is around 13 years. However, this can vary a lot from dog to dog. There are many different factors involved, such as the dog’s nutrition, healthcare, and genetics. Some of these you don’t have control over, but many of them you do.
One of the best ways to ensure your dog lives long is to take care of their health. Ensure they have a proper diet and help them maintain a healthy weight. Visit the vet every 6 months to yearly to catch any chronic conditions before they’ve had a chance to wreak havoc on your dog’s body.
See Also:
- Are Cockapoos Hypoallergenic? Vet Approved Fats & FAQ
- How to Potty Train Your Cockapoo: Easy Steps & Tips
Featured Image Credit: Ellen McKnight, Shutterstock
