Cockapoo

Cockapoo
The appearance of Cockapoos may vary.
Other names Cockerpoo, Spoodle, Cockerdoodle (AU), Cockapoodle, French Montay (FR)
Foundation stock Cocker Spaniel, Poodle
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

A Cockapoo is a mixed-breed dog that is the cross between either Cocker Spaniel breeds (American Cocker Spaniel or English Cocker Spaniel) and a poodle (in most cases a miniature poodle or toy poodle).

History

A Cockapoo can be the result of mating either the American Cocker Spaniel or English Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle. They have been known in the United States since the 1950s.[1]

Purebred breed associations such as The Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club do not recognize the Cockapoo.

Due to their fashionable status, Cockapoos are one of the mixed breed dogs most susceptible to be bred by puppy farms or unscrupulous amateur breeders looking to maximize profit. Potential owners should carefully research where they are purchasing their puppy from in order not to support this industry.[2]

Health

A healthy 12-week-old cockapoo.

As with a lot of smaller dogs they tend to be quite long-lived, and it is usual for cockapoos to live between the lifespan of 14–18 years.[3]

However, both purebred poodles and cocker spaniels can suffer from luxating patellas (loose knees), and this can be passed on to their offspring. For this reason, an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) exam is recommended to check for this problem before dogs are bred.

Purebred poodles and cocker spaniels can also suffer from a number of eye disorders, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). A CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) exam and DNA test for PRA should therefore be performed before breeding.[4] Cockapoos can also get eye infections if their eyes are not cleaned regularly. Gound can form near the eye and get caught in the fur surrounding their eye.

Like many floppy-eared breeds, Cockapoos can be subject to ear infections because of the fur that grows inside their ears, so it is important to keep their ears clean and dry[5].

Characteristics

Cockapoos have become popular because they generally combine the outgoing, loving personality of the Cocker Spaniel with the low-shedding, low-dander qualities of the Poodle.[6] Cockapoos are active, and thrive when they receive regular exercise. Cockapoos can be very agile, excelling at "retrieve" games and enjoying activities such as swimming.[7] Cockapoos are frequently very needy dogs and as such are not suitable to be left alone for long periods as they frequently suffer from separation distress or anxiety.[8]

The Cockapoo is a cross-breed, not a purebred, and does not "breed true." In breeders' terms, "breeding true" means that the pups will have consistently predictable characteristics. Cockapoos, however, may inherit the characteristics of either or both their parent breeds. While some Cockapoos appear more similar to Cocker Spaniels, others will exhibit more Poodle traits, creating a variation in Cockapoo appearance and temperament.

Colours

A white cockapoo with brown markings.

Cockapoos vary in colour.[9] They may be:

  • Black With Spots
  • Black
  • Tan, beige, or buff
  • Red, including auburn and apricot colours
  • Brown, varying from light to dark
  • Sable, a brown colour with tipping and shading in black
  • Cream
  • White
  • Silver
  • Brindle
  • Roan
  • Merle (commonly blue, brown, shades mixed with white or cream)
  • Beige with brown and grey markings

Cockapoos can be one solid colour or can have complex markings. They can be white with patches of any colour. They can also have spots or freckles of colour, called ticking.

Cockapoos are often active and agile.

Cockapoos may also have a merle coat, where random portions are diluted to create a mottled appearance.[10]

Coat texture

The coat of the Cockapoo will vary from dog to dog. Most will have a coat somewhere between the a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. However, some will have a coat more similar to the sleeker coat of the Cocker Spaniel, while others may have a curlier coat like a Poodle. Dogs with coats more similar to a Cocker Spaniel usually look slightly shaggy when their coat becomes too long. Although the coat is usually low-shedding, it grows quickly and requires frequent grooming in order to prevent matting, as the long, wavy coat will retain dirt and debris. To prevent matting, owners can purchase a dog comb and groom their dog themselves.[11]

Size and weight

Cockapoo size and weight are a function of what type of dogs the parents were. Breeders usually use a toy or miniature poodle as the poodle parent. The following table describes the weights,[12][13] and heights[14][15] of toy poodles, miniature poodles, cocker spaniels and cockapoos, using AKC standards and other information.

Breed Average Height Average Weight
Toy Poodle 10 inches (25 cm) or less 7 to 10 pounds (3.2 to 4.5 kg)
Miniature Poodle 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) 15 to 17 pounds (6.8 to 7.7 kg)
Cocker Spaniel 14 to 17 inches (36 to 43 cm) 25 to 34 pounds (11 to 15 kg)
Cockapoo 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) 12 to 24 pounds (5.4 to 10.9 kg)

Breeders' clubs and registries

There are currently three Cockapoo clubs in America that are working towards developing the Cockapoo by breeding successive generations, and establishing it as a recognized breed.

The Cockapoo Club of GB promote "Open and Ethical Breeding to Protect the Cockapoo of Tomorrow, Today." They advocate for a "Breeding Standard" over a "Breed Standard".

See also

References

  1. ↑ Hot Dogs!. Barron's. 2007. pp. 36–45. ISBN 0-7641-3512-0.
  2. ↑ "Searching for a Cockapoo Puppy". The Cockapoo Club of GB - CCGB. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  3. ↑ "Cockapoo Information: About the Cockapoo Breed". American Cockapoo Club. 2008. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
  4. ↑ "Choosing a Breeder for Designer Dogs" (PDF). Dog Fancy. 2006-01-11. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
  5. ↑ "COCKAPOO EAR INFECTIONS - Cockapoo Crazy". Cockapoo Crazy. 2017-04-29. Retrieved 2018-08-18.
  6. ↑ "Characteristics of the Cockapoo". Cockapoo Club of America. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
  7. ↑ How To Swim With Your Cockapoo | Cockapoo Crazy | All About Cockapoos
  8. ↑ Home Alone - Cockapoo Owners Club UK
  9. ↑ "Cockapoo Coat Colours". Cockapoo Club of GB. Retrieved 2012-03-09.
  10. ↑ "Cocker Spaniels With Merle Coat Pattern". Zim Family Cocker Spaniels. Retrieved 2009-06-07.
  11. ↑ Drs. Foster and Smith Pet Supplies (2010-06-22), How to Remove Mats in Your Dog's Fur (DrsFosterSmith), retrieved 2018-08-18
  12. ↑ "The Poodle". Pet Guardian Angels of America. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
  13. ↑ "The Cocker Spaniel". Pet Guardian Angels of America. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
  14. ↑ "Poodle Breed Standard". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
  15. ↑ "Cocker Spaniel Breed Standard". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 2008-01-11.

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