Cockapoo
Origin: Cockapoo is a result of a crossbreed between the Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. This breed of dog was first bred in the 1960s in the United States. They are recognized as mixed-breed dogs rather than purebred dogs by the American Kennel Club. They are intelligent enough that you can train them easily, full of life that you’ll never feel alone in their company. Purebred dogs were all that people wanted to own, but with the popularity of a mixed breed like Cockapoo, people have changed their minds.
Size: The Cockapoo comes in a variety of sizes and colors depending on the Poodle breed used while crossbreeding. A cross between Cocker Spaniel and Teacup Poodle, known as the Teacup Cockapoo, weighs 2-5 pounds. A Toy Cockapoo, a cross between Toy Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, weighs around 5-12 pounds, whereas a Miniature Cockapoo weighs approximately 12-20 pounds. An adult Cockapoo, offspring of Standard Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, can weigh up to 65 pounds. The Miniature Cockapoo is the most common of all that has a height of 14-15 inches. Most of them have arge dark brown eyes and dark noses, but appearance may vary sometimes. Your adorable pup’s face would make anyone’s day. A cute and cuddly teddy-bear type look raised into a dapper adult dog can attract any dog lover very easily.
Coat: The Coat type of a Cockerpoo varies as it is inherited from both the parents. They have either a curly coat, a loose coat, or a straight coat. A coat starts to develop when your pup is few weeks old. A Cockerpoo comes in different colors, but generally, they are white or brown. The texture of the coat is dense, soft, and furry.
Temperament: A Cockapoo is a well-mannered dog, but the temperament is varies depending on the traits they have inherited from their parents. They are friendly and get along with everyone very easily. Intelligent and easy to train, this breed of dog is a companion dog. A Cockapoo is a family-oriented dog which loves their owner and family. They socialize well with other pets and visitors as well. They are great with children, but you need to be extra careful when they are small. They are eager to please everyone and enjoy their playtime. A Cockapoo is an attention seeker, so if they are left unsupervised and alone, they tend to develop a habit of barking, digging, and counter-surfing. They are the happiest when they are around people and tend to adapt to apartment living quickly. Start training your pup the day you bring him home so that he develops a habit of it and gets used to it. If your dog is well-trained and socialized, it will be a great joy to keep him as your companion. Cockapoos are indoor dogs, so if you leave them to live outside in a kennel or a garage, they tend to misbehave.
Care: Though Cockapoo possesses a non-shedding coat, they still require regular brushing to keep them clean and healthy. Cockapoo coat must be brushed twice or thrice a weak to prevent matting or snarls on it. You can also trim their coat and make them look like a Poodle or a Cocker. If your Cockapoo has a curly coat, then you must count them in to visit a salon for trimming. They are generally odorless, so bathing them twice a month will be enough. Make sure to trim the hair around the eyes for clear sight. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so clean your pup’s ears and nails whenever you feel necessary. Cockapoos are an excellent choice for allergy sufferers as they inherit the hypoallergenic coat from the Poodle.
Brush his nails at least twice a week or as needed if you hear them clicking the floor. Ensure to measure your pet’s food and feed him twice rather than leave food out all the time. Make grooming joyful by rewarding him with appreciation and sometimes treats.
Training: A Cockapoo is a breed of dog which is considered very easy to train. Exercise is very important for your dog to keep Cockapoo healthy and active. A Cockapoos energy requirement is moderate so daily 20-30 minutes of walk or some physical activity is enough to keep him healthy. Make their exercise routine in a way that they fulfill their energy needs and enjoy their time. Try to start their training from the very first day and socialize you Cockapoo from a young age.
Health Concerns: Cockapoos have a lifespan of 12-15 years. They are susceptible to certain health problems which they might have inherited from their parents. Several other factors are responsible for some health issues like cleanliness, feeding, and more. Some major health issues a Cockapoo can be affected by are as follows:
1. Cataract: Cataract generally occurs at an old age. It causes opacity in the lens of the eye, and your dog develops poor vision. To improve eyesight,
you should opt for surgical removal of cataracts.
2. Patellar Luxation: It is the dislocation of knee joints. It usually happens in small dogs when the knee joint slides out of place.
3. Ear Infections: This is not a genetic disease, and it may happen because Cockapoos ears trap moisture and dirt easily.
There are many other health concerns like Hip Dysplasia, Allergies, and Liver Diseases which a Cockapoo is prone to. Make sure to get a health clearance when you plan to get yours.
Conclusion: Cockapoos are sweet and energetic most of the time. They are a combination of the best characteristics of a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. A Cockapoo makes an excellent pet, but still, there are certain things you need to check before planning to own one.