Cockapoo

The cockapoo (also called a cockerpoo or spoodle) is a crossbreed of dog made from the cocker spaniel and the poodle, most commonly the miniature poodle. It is kept as a companion dog.

As with most crossbreeds, there is a great deal of variety in size and looks. Cockapoos that weigh under 12 pounds (5.4 kg) are labelled toy, those between 13 and 18 pounds (5.9 to 8.2 kg) are miniature, and those over 19 pounds (8.6 kg) are standard.

All colours and colour mixes turn up, though white and brown are the most common. The coat can be straight, wavy or curly.

The cockapoo was first bred as a designer dog in the United States. The aim was a healthy companion dog that, according to its supporters, would avoid many of the health problems common in both parent breeds thanks to hybrid vigour. Cocker spaniels and poodles have been deliberately crossed there since the 1960s.

A dedicated club, the Cockapoo Club of America, was formed to promote the crossbreed.

In the UK, cockapoos were among the most expensive dog varieties in 2022, at an average of £1,336.15. Between 2019 and 2020 the average price rose by 168 percent, driven by demand during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Cockapoos are known for being affectionate and lively. Some people believe they inherit intelligence from both parent breeds, and they are generally thought to be easy to train. They are considered eager learners, quick to pick up new tricks from a patient trainer.

They are energetic dogs that need attention, exercise and training to avoid boredom and potential recklessness. Temperament and exercise needs can vary from one cockapoo to another.

Because they are so sociable, cockapoos left alone for too long have been known to develop separation anxiety.

Crossbreeds like the cockapoo are generally healthy and have fewer predisposed health conditions than some purebred dogs. Even so, they can experience allergies, glaucoma, hip dysplasia and progressive retinal problems.

Like both parent breeds, they are prone to ear infections. This is likely because the long floppy ears from the cocker spaniel and the curly-haired floppy ears from the poodle trap moisture, which raises the risk of infection.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

What is a cockapoo?

A cockapoo is a crossbreed of cocker spaniel and poodle, most often the miniature poodle. It is also called a cockerpoo or a spoodle.

How big do cockapoos get?

Size varies a lot. Toy cockapoos weigh under 12 pounds (5.4 kg), miniature ones 13 to 18 pounds (5.9 to 8.2 kg), and standard ones over 19 pounds (8.6 kg).

Are cockapoos healthy?

They are generally healthy and have fewer predisposed conditions than some purebreds. They can still be affected by allergies, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal problems and ear infections.

Are cockapoos easy to train?

They are generally felt to be easy to train, as eager learners that pick up tricks quickly with a patient trainer.

What does hybrid vigour mean for cockapoos?

It means a crossbreed is typically more genetically diverse than purebred dogs. If both parents are healthy this can help, but it raises the probability of good health rather than guaranteeing it for any individual dog.

The name cockapoo is a portmanteau of cocker spaniel and poodle.

Cockapoos come in generations: an F1 is bred from a purebred poodle and a cocker spaniel, and two F1 cockapoos together produce an F2. Other combinations breed back towards the original poodle or cocker spaniel.

The UK average price of a cockapoo rose by 168 percent between 2019 and 2020.