The cockapoo is, like many other hybrid dog breeds, one of the crossover trends in recent years. Its endearing appearance, like that of the pomsky or the m altipoo, shows that more and more people are looking for a partner with personality, regardless of their race. Despite this, it is true that this particular cross is highly appreciated, the result of the result between a standard poodle and a cocker spaniel. Do you want to know how the cockapoo came about and what they are like? Find out on our site!
Origin of the cockapoo
The first recognized cockapoo specimens were born in the 50s They did so in the United States, where they became very popular in Little time. They turned out to be some beautiful and striking puppies, so they did not take long to reach other countries, until they were present throughout the world. The breed is not officially recognized by international cynological organizations, which collect it as a hybrid or mestizo breed. This fact means that there is no official breed standard, so all individuals resulting from a cross between a English Cocker Spaniel and astandard poodle may automatically be considered a cockapoo.
Characteristics of the cockapoo
Cockapoo are medium-sized dogs, because although there is great variability between some specimens and another, the average body weight is between 5 and 10 kilograms, being its usual height of between 25 and 40 centimetersThey are dogs of great longevity, since their average life expectancy ranges between 14 and 18 years.
The appearance of these dogs depends fundamentally on the predominant genetic load in them. In this way, there will be specimens that are almost identical to either a poodle or a cocker spaniel, having, for example, the square snout of the cocker or the white fur of the poodle. There are also specimens in which the balance between both parent breeds is perfect, having characteristics of one and the other in equal measure.
In general, the most uniform characteristic shared by all the specimens is that they are medium-sized, with long ears that fall on their cheeks and that their fur is long and wavy They are also considered one of the ideal dog breeds for people with allergies to dog hair, as they barely lose hair and are considered hypoallergenic.
The puppy cockapoo
Even as puppies it can be easy to distinguish "who the cockapoo has come out for", seeing if it is more like a poodle or a cocker spaniel. Without a doubt, you can already see that they are active dogs, although not too nervous, playful and very very happy. They are especially affectionate puppies and they love that we are with them all the time, because they are very attached and follow their owners wherever they go. This may mean that when we have to go out and they stay at home, they cry and bark a lot, because of the anxiety that this generates in them, something that we will pay more attention to in the training section.
Cockapoo colors
As there is no official standard for this hybrid breed, all colors of the parent breeds are "accepted". Thus, there are white, black, gray, liver, blond, chocolate or tuxedo puppies, in addition to 50% mixtures between them, being frequent the black and white or chocolate, red or blond mixed with white, as well as roans.
Cockapoo character
Cockapoo are usually dogs with a very good character. They are sociable, extremely affectionate, love company and attention, intelligent and active. They are popular as therapy and assistance dogs due to their kind and balanced nature.
These are dogs that establish strong ties with their loved ones, and not only with people, but also with another dogs or pets. This makes them show behaviors that show their love for their owners, such as following them around the house, sitting on their feet or demanding affection and attention in the most endearing and fun ways.
But, this also means that don't tolerate loneliness, so they are not a good choice if you spend a lot of time at work or away from home in general. In these cases, the cockapoo usually develop problems such as anxiety, depression or even show destructive or aggressive behavior.
Cockapoo care
The cockapoo needs us to pay them a series of attentions to be in the best conditions. The main and most important to be balanced is without a doubt that we dedicate as much time and affection as possible to them, because that way we will have a happy and cheerful pet. As for basic care, it is important that we provide them with a balanced and adjusted diet to their energy and nutritional needs. Combined with good hydration and daily exercise
Its coat needs to be brushed daily, as its length and wavy can cause it to otherwise become knotted and tangles that even require us to cut them because they are impossible to undo. Baths can be done from time to time to remove the smell from the hair, as some owners say that otherwise they can smell.
Cockapoo education
Cockapoo are extremely intelligent dogs, as well as very attentive, so their training is usually quite bearable. They are good as assistance dogs, something they have been trained to do since the origin of the breed. The coaches highlight his tenacity, sometimes translated into stubbornness, and predisposition to learn and work.
One factor that can cause us some problems is that, being very dependent and loving company, they can show separation anxiety This, It is usually accompanied very often by endless barking and crying. So it is important that we know what separation anxiety is, as well as the different techniques that exist to treat it. One of them is the use of the kong to treat separation anxiety, a technique that has proven to be very effective if done accurately.
Cockapoo He alth
The cockapoo does not stand out for being one of the hybrid breeds with the most he alth problems, being generally in good he alth. However, both poodles and cocker spaniels can inherit the tendency to suffer from some congenital diseases.
One of these conditions is the increased tendency to suffer from ear infections such as otitis. This condition is not only painful, but also quite dangerous if not treated in time, as it can cause permanent deafness. Therefore, if we notice any symptoms that make us suspect that there is an ear infection, such as scratching the area more than normal, showing pain or being restless, we have to go to the vet. This may recommend that we do hearing cleaning, using a special product for it.
Other conditions that may occur are patellar luxation, which they inherit from cockers and affects the he alth of their knees, or eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, which is common in poodles. For all these reasons, we recommend carrying out veterinary visits every 6 or 12 months to help us follow adequate preventive medicine, also strictly monitoring theschedule vaccines and performing dewormings on a regular basis, both internal and external.
Adopt a cockapoo
Surely after meeting the cockapoo you have wanted to have one in your home. But what do you have to do to adopt a cockapoo? This can be a headache for many, since some did not even know that the breed existed, but here we will try to guide you in its adoption.
First of all it is recommended to go to associations, shelters and kennels Well, that way we can save a puppy from the street and give it a second or third opportunity, since many of them have already passed through several homes and consequent abandonment. These dogs are usually very grateful, without a doubt it is a good idea to adopt a stray dog, as they have infinite love to give.
Although it seems to us that we will not be able to find a cockapoo in a shelter, we will surely find varied crosses, among them who knows, perhaps some cockapoo. The key is not to despair and search several sites, we can also ask to be notified if someone comes in that meets our demands.
If we are going to adopt a cockapoo, whether it is a puppy or an adult, it is vital to take into account its care and requirements. In this way we must be aware that we are dealing with a very dependent dog that cannot spend many hours alone. Adopting helps to stop animal abandonment and give another opportunity to the most disadvantaged, always resorting to responsible and consistent adoption.
