Cockapoo
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Find Cockapoo Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Cockapoo puppies available.
Find Cockapoo BreedersGet to Know Cockapoos
- One of the First Designer Breeds: The Cockapoo, a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, is one of the earliest designer dog breeds, gaining popularity in the 1960s. They were bred for their friendly nature and hypoallergenic qualities.
- Low-Shedding Coats: Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, Cockapoos often have low-shedding coats that can be curly, wavy, or straight. Regular grooming is required to keep their coats in good condition.
- Friendly and Affectionate: Cockapoos are known for their friendly and affectionate temperament. They are great with children and other pets, making them ideal family dogs. They are also known for being particularly good with people who suffer from allergies.
- Variety of Sizes: Depending on the size of the Poodle parent, Cockapoos can range in size from small to medium, making them adaptable to different living environments, from apartments to larger homes.
- Energetic and Playful: Cockapoos are energetic and playful dogs that enjoy a variety of activities, including fetch, agility training, and interactive play. Their intelligence also makes them quick learners in obedience training.
Breed History
The Cockapoo is a charming and popular hybrid breed that combines the intelligence and low-shedding curly coat of the Poodle with the friendly and affectionate nature of the Cocker Spaniel. The breed’s origins can be traced back to the United States in the 1960s, when breeders began crossbreeding Poodles and Cocker Spaniels to create a companion dog that would be both intelligent and allergy-friendly. The Cockapoo quickly gained popularity for its easygoing temperament, adaptability, and love for human companionship. Today, the Cockapoo is recognized as one of the most beloved mixed breeds, often seen in homes across the world as a devoted family pet.
Personality and Behaviour
- Affectionate and Social: Cockapoos are incredibly affectionate and love spending time with their human families. They are known for forming strong bonds and thrive in a social environment where they receive plenty of attention. This breed is especially good with children, making them a popular choice for families. Their friendly disposition also makes them a hit at dog parks and social gatherings with other pets.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Thanks to their Poodle heritage, Cockapoos are highly intelligent and easy to train. They learn commands quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and play. Their cleverness means they can excel in various canine activities, from obedience training to more advanced tricks and agility courses. Early training and socialization help them develop confidence and prevent behavior issues.
- Playful and Energetic: Cockapoos are energetic dogs that love to play and stay active. While they do not require as much exercise as high-energy breeds, they still benefit from daily walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation to keep them happy. They enjoy games like fetch and hide-and-seek and are known to be lively and fun-loving, making them delightful companions for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Care
- Exercise: Cockapoos have moderate energy levels and require regular exercise to stay healthy and avoid boredom. A daily walk of 30 to 60 minutes, coupled with playtime and interactive activities, is ideal. Cockapoos also enjoy activities that challenge their minds, such as puzzle toys and training sessions. Their playful nature makes them a great partner for families who like to spend time outdoors or play games together.
- Grooming: One of the biggest draws of the Cockapoo is its coat, which can vary in texture from wavy to curly, resembling that of a Poodle. This coat is considered low-shedding and can be more suitable for those with mild allergies. However, regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and keep their fur healthy. Weekly brushing is recommended, and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks can help maintain their coat's condition. Regular ear cleaning is also important, as their floppy ears can trap moisture and lead to ear infections. Other grooming needs include nail trimming, dental care, and maintaining eye hygiene.
- Training and Socialization: Cockapoos are known for being eager to please, making them highly trainable. Positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and play, works best for training them. Early socialization is equally important to help them become well-rounded and confident adults. Introducing them to a variety of people, environments, and other animals from a young age can help prevent timid or shy behavior. Cockapoos are smart and quick learners, so incorporating training sessions into their daily routine can keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.
Cockapoo Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Cocker Spaniel Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. Min age 24 months (as of 7/1/24). |
Toy Poodle Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. Minimum age 1 year. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | DNA-based prcd-PRA (Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration) test from an approved laboratory; results registered with OFA |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Cockapoo Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Cockapoo is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Cockapoo
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Cockapoo puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Cockapoo, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Cockapoo is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
