Cockapoo dog breed
Learn about the charming Cockapoo dog breed, from size and temperament to life expectancy. Find out all you need to know about Cockapoos with our guide.
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Cockapoo dog breed information and advice
If you’re thinking of getting a new addition to your family, a Cockapoo could be the breed for you. They’re a friendly, loving breed and enjoy nothing more than a fuss and playing with the kids. Cockapoos are well known for their soppy personalities and lovable nature, characteristics we all love in our furry friends.
This handy guide covers everything you might need to know about Cockapoos, from life span and size to grooming, feeding, training, insurance and much more.
Cockapoo facts
| Lifespan | 13 - 18 years |
| How much | £1200 - £1,900 |
| Size | 25 - 38 cm |
| Weight | 5 - 15 kg |
| Colours | red, blonde, chocolate, black, white, apricot, brown, tan |
| Grooming | 2-3 times a week |
| Temperament | friendly, playful and lively |
| Exercise | An hour each day |
Insurance for your Cockapoo
Pet insurance policies are available for a range of dogs, including crossbreeds like the Cockapoo puppy. If your Cockapoo is diagnosed with an illness or has an accident, having Cockapoo insurance can help with those costly vet bills. This might include medications, nursing care, complementary treatment or even surgery.
As crossbreed dogs, Cockapoos are prone to developing health conditions that are common in Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, including:
- Joint problems like hip dysplasia
- Ear conditions
- Eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy
- Skin conditions such as allergies
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance
Sainsbury’s Bank can provide new dog insurance cover for your Cockapoo as long as they're eight weeks to eight years old. Once you have cover in place with us, you can insure your dog up to any age as long as you keep renewing the policy without a break. You can choose from three types of dog insurance cover:
- Time limited insurance covers each condition for up to 12 months or up to a maximum cost.
- Maximum benefit covers up to the maximum amount per condition, with two levels of cover.
- Lifetime insurance covers up to a maximum amount each year, with four levels of cover.
Dog insurance from Sainsbury’s Bank covers the cost of a wide range of injuries, illnesses and other costs associated with caring for your Cockapoo. This includes:
- Vet treatments and dental cover
- Physiotherapy and behavioural issues
- Overseas vet treatment and holiday cancellation
- Death from illness, accident or injury
- Loss through theft or straying
- Emergency kennel fees.
Please note that we won't cover any pre-existing conditions and that terms, conditions, excesses, exclusions and limitations apply.
How to care for a Cockapoo
Like all dogs, Cockapoos need lots of care and attention to make sure they’re happy and healthy. Here are some tips on how to care for your Cockapoo.
Feeding and nutrition
A sudden change to your Cockapoo puppy's diet can cause tummy upset. When you get them home, feed your puppy little and often. Feeding them the same food as the breeder, around fed three to four times a day, is recommended whilst their tummies are small. As they get bigger, you can reduce the number of times and increase the amount. A full grown Cockapoo should be fed twice a day.
When it comes to feeding, every dog is different. So, you may need to adjust it depending on the size of your dog and how much exercise they’re getting. A guide can be found on most dog food packaging. Your vet will also be able to advise you on the type of food and how much your dog should be eating.
Grooming
Cockapoos have a long coat and will need grooming regularly. If you have a puppy, it’s best to start grooming them at an early age so they can get used to it.
Every Cockapoo’s coat can differ depending on the genetics they’ve inherited from their parents. If your dog has straighter hair, you probably only need to groom them two or three times a week.
If you’re not sure how to groom a Cockapoo or if they have wavy or tightly curled hair, you’ll need to take them to a professional groomer. If they’re not groomed regularly their coat can get matted which can cause discomfort and further problems for your dog.
Exercise
The Cockapoo is an active breed, so you’ll need to take them out for long walks once or twice a day. Regular playtime in the garden will also help them to stay active and healthy and improve their temperament. As an owner-to-be, knowing how much exercise a Cockapoo needs is a must.
The type and length of exercise will depend on the age and health of your dog. Puppies usually thrive on short periods of exercise a few times a day. Adults are usually content with a couple of long walks every day. An older or overweight dog will benefit from regular but shorter amounts of exercise to keep their joints mobile and to encourage weight loss.
Training
It’s well known that both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles are easy to train. Thankfully, the training trait has rubbed off on the Cockapoo crossbreed, meaning they’re generally eager to please and take to training easily.
Always start with the basics and take your Cockapoo puppy to puppy training classes. This will be the best place to get top training tips from other puppy owners and experts. They’ll learn new things in no time with a mix of fun, engaging training and rewards for good behaviour.
Temperament and behaviour
Being a mix between the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, it’s no surprise that Cockapoos have inherited the friendly, loving temperaments of both breeds. These characteristics makes them a great dog breed for families.
Because they’re intelligent, they need lots of stimulation to stop them from getting bored. This is especially important if they’re left home alone for long periods. Give your dog toys to help with separation anxiety and prevent destructive behaviour.
They’re known for being energetic and for retaining their playful puppy behaviour as an adult. This is great if you can keep up, but when do Cockapoos calm down? They’re rarely fully calm and are often found chasing balls and wanting to go for a walk even when they’re old.
Common health problems
Because the Cockapoo is a crossbreed, their genes are crossed too. The chances of them developing conditions seen in Cocker Spaniels or Poodles are much lower. Here are some of the more common health problems that might affect them:
Generalised progressive retinal atrophy (GPRA, or PRA)
GPRA describes a group of inherited eye diseases that can lead to blindness. The condition is most commonly seen in Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Cockapoos and Labradors.
Hereditary cataracts
Hereditary cataracts is a genetic condition that usually affects both eyes, but not always at the same time. Cataracts make the eyes go cloudy, causing blindness. They can be present at birth or, more commonly, may develop in young adult dogs.
Cataracts can be treated with surgery. A full recovery is likely, if your dog has regular check-ups at your vets and is given the right care after surgery. Taking out insurance before your Cockapoo develops the condition can cover you for life, rather than costing you more if you need to take out insurance later when it’s become a pre-existing condition. Take a moment to review your policy's terms and conditions to ensure a clear understanding of the detail.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a disease that causes the joint to become unstable. Young dogs that are severely affected may show signs of hind leg weakness, lameness or stiffness. Affected dogs might also develop arthritis later in life.
The condition can be managed with anti-inflammatory pain killers, and some Cockapoos can have hip replacements. Your vet will be able to advise you what’s best for your dog.
Retinal dysplasia
Retinal dysplasia is when the retina of the eye doesn’t develop properly. It can cause total retinal detachment and blindness in severe cases.
So, is a Cockapoo right for you?
Cockapoos need plenty of care, regular grooming and lots of playtime. With their loving, energetic nature, there will never be a dull moment.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Cockapoo?
The Cockapoo is a crossbreed, crossed between one of the Cocker Spaniel breeds and a Poodle. This means it isn’t a ‘pure’ dog breed. Even though they’re a crossbreed, they can still be registered with the Kennel Club, they just don’t recognise them as ‘Pedigree’. They range in size depending on the size of the Poodle parent. ‘Toy’ Cockapoos are the smallest and ‘Standard’ are the biggest
Do Cockapoos shed their hair?
All dog breeds shed their hair to a certain degree and Cockapoos are no exception. However, because they’re crossed with the Poodle that sheds a minimal amount of hair, they tend to shed much less than other breeds. Cockapoos aren’t hypoallergenic as some people believe. Allergies aren’t caused by dog hair; they’re caused by dead skin cells and saliva. There’s no scientific evidence that one breed is more or less allergenic than another.
How long do Cockapoos live?
They have a lifespan of around 13-18 years. Toy Cockapoos have been known to live up to 18 years of age, which is a really good age for a smaller breed dog. Bigger dogs tend not to live as long, so on average, a Standard Cockapoo will live to around 12 years of age.
How much does a Cockapoo cost?
If you buy your dog from a reputable breeder, you’re probably going to have to spend around £1,200-£1,900 for a puppy. Prices vary depending on breeder, colour and parentage. Some colours are rarer than others, which means you might pay a premium for a rare colour.
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References
Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis - www.vetstream.com/treat/canis 
Dennis E Brooks, David L Williams (online) Lens: hereditary primary cataract. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/diseases/lens-hereditary-primary-cataract.
Dennis E Brooks, David L Williams, David Gould (online) Retina: generalized progressive retinal atrophy. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/diseases/retina-generalized-progressive-retinal-atrophy.
Joseph Harari, Sorrel Langley-Hobbs (online) Hip: dysplasia. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/diseases/hip-dysplasia.
Rhea Morgan, Natasha Mitchell (online) Retina: dysplasia. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/diseases/retinal-dysplasia.
Vetstream Ltd (online) Cataract Owner Factsheet. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/owner-factsheets/cataract.
Vetstream Ltd (online) Cocker Spaniel. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/breeds-pages/english-cocker-spaniel.
Vetstream Ltd (online) Hip dysplasia Owner Factsheet. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/owner-factsheets/hip-dysplasia.
Vetstream Ltd (online) Poodle: Standard. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/breeds-pages/poodle-standard.
Vetstream Ltd (online) Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Owner Factsheet. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/owner-factsheets/progessive-retinal-atrophy-(pra).
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