The cockapoo is, like many other breeds of hybrid dogs, one of the most sought after breeds of recent years. His affectionate manners, as well as those of Pomsky and Maltipoo, show that more and more people are looking for a couple with personality, regardless of their race. Despite this, it is true that this crossing, in particular, is the result of the encounter between a Grand Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. Do you want everything about Cockapoo, what is its personality, what care is needed and more? Keep reading Animal Expert!
The first recognized Cockapoo specimens were born in the 1950s in the United States, where they became very popular in a short time. The mestizaje gave adorable and eye-catching puppies, so it wasn’t long before they reached other countries, until they were present all over the world. The Cockapoo breed has not yet been officially recognized by international wine organizations, which consider it a hybrid or mixed breed. This means that there is no standard breed standard, so cross dogs between an English cocker spaniel and a large poodle can be automatically considered a cockapoo.
- The cockapoos are medium-sized dogs.
- As there is still a great oscillation between one dog and another.
- The average body weight is between five and ten kilos and its standard size is about 25 to 40 centimeters.
- They are dogs with a marked longevity.
- Their life expectancy is about 14 to 18 years.
The physical appearance of these dogs depends mainly on the genetic load. Thus, there will be specimens almost like a Poodle or a Cocker Spaniel, taking for example the square snout of Cocker or the white fur of Poodle. There are also specimens in which the balance between the two original breeds is perfect, having characteristics of both and equal in equal measure.
In general, the most uniform feature shared by all Cockapoos is the medium size, wide ears that fall on the cheeks and long, wavy hair. In addition, they are considered one of the ideal breeds for people allergic to dog hair, since they hardly lose hair and are considered hypoallergenic.
From a puppy, it is now possible to see who has “thrown” the Cockapoo, that is, if it looks more like a Poodle or a Cocker. Without a doubt, you will be seen that they are very active dogs, although not very nervous, players and very, very happy. They are especially affectionate puppies and love to spend time with the human family, as they are very attached and follow their caregivers wherever they go. When the tutors need to leave and Cockapoo is alone at home, they cry and bark a lot, because of the anguish caused by separation, which we will talk about in more detail on the issue of dressage.
As there is no official model for this hybrid breed, all the colors of the parent breeds are accepted. Thus, you can find white, black, grey, violet red, blond and chocolate cockapoos, as well as mixtures between 50% of them, being common the black and white cockapoo or chocolate, red or blond mixed with white, as well as those who have white hairs evenly distributed throughout the body with others by black or brown.
Cockapoo are usually dogs with a very easy-to-handle personality. They are sociable, extremely affectionate, love company and attention, as well as smart and active. They are popular as therapy and assistance dogs due to their kindness and balanced personality.
It is one of the dogs that establishes stronger bonds with its loved ones, not only with people but also with other dogs and animals. This leads them to show love for their caregivers, such as following them home, sitting on their feet, or demanding love and attention in the most captivating and fun way.
However, this also makes you unable to tolerate loneliness, which is why Cockapoo is not a good choice for those who spend a lot of time at work or away from home in general. When alone, Cockapoo can develop problems such as anxiety, depression or even have destructive or aggressive attitudes.
The people of Cockapoo need attention to stay in perfect condition. The main and most important activity to keep them in balance is, without a doubt, dedicate as much time and affection as possible, so that you have a happy and cheerful pet. When it comes to basic care, it is important to provide them with a balanced diet adapted to their energy and nutritional needs, combined with good hydration and daily physical activity.
Your hair requires daily brushing, as length and ripple can form knots if not properly maintained, which can even lead to having to cut them as it is impossible to unwrify them. The bath can be given from time to time to remove the smells of the hair, as some caregivers say that without a bath, the cockapoo can become stinky.
The cockapoo are very intelligent dogs and, in addition, very attentive, so their training is usually easier. They are good as auxiliary dogs, for which they have been trained since the origin of the breed. Coaches emphasize their stubbornness, sometimes mistaken for stubbornness, as well as their willingness to learn and work.
One factor we can assume can cause problems is that, being very dependent and affectionate in company, Cockapoo may have separation anxiety. This is usually accompanied by many endless barking and crying. Therefore, it is important that you know what separation anxiety is, as well as the different techniques that exist to treat it. The first is to use a kong to process because it is a technique that has proven highly effective if executed accurately.
Os Cockapoo não se destacam por serem uma das raças híbridas com mais problemas de saúde, tendo em geral uma saúde muito boa. Contudo, podem herdar tanto dos Poodles quanto dos Cockers a tendência a sofrer de algumas doenças congênitas.
Hearing infections, such as ear infections, are one of the most common diseases. This inflammation is very painful and very dangerous if not treated in time, as it can cause permanent deafness. Therefore, if you notice symptoms that make us suspect an ear infection, such as an unusual itching in the area, pain or agitation, you should take the Cockapoo to the veterinarian. You may recommend cleaning your ears with a specific product.
Other conditions that Cockapoo may have include loosening of the patella, inherited from the Cockers and affecting the health of their knees or problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, which is common in poodles. Therefore, we advise you to go to the veterinarian every six or twelve months, to help you follow the appropriate preventive medicine and, in addition, strictly follow the vaccination schedule and perform periodic, internal and external deworming.
It is true that after experiencing the cockapoo, you want to adopt a dog, but what do you need to do to adopt a cockapoo? This can be a headache for many, as some people didn’t even know the race, but we’ll try to guide you through the adoption process.
The first step is to seek associations, shelters and kennels, so that we can save a street puppy and give it a second or third chance. Many of them have already crossed several places and several abandoned places, so these dogs are usually very grateful. It is certainly a good idea to adopt a bastard dog, because it has an infinite love to give.
Although you don’t seem to find Cockapoo in an abandoned animal shelter, you’re sure to find several crosses, including perhaps a Cockapoo. The key is not to despair and look in several places, as well as asking them to let you know if a puppy meets your expectations.
If you adopt a Cockapoo, whether a puppy or an adult, it is essential to take into account care and needs. You should be aware that you are dealing with a very dependent dog that can’t spend many hours alone. Adoption helps to stop the abandonment of animals and to give a new opportunity to the poorest, but always responsible and consequential.