Cockapoo Dog Breed Guide: History, Health & Fun Facts

Meet the Cockapoo, an endearing crossbreed that merges the finest qualities of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. Renowned for their sociable and affectionate nature, Cockapoos have become beloved family pets and loyal companions to humans around the world. These captivating dogs come in various sizes, depending on whether their Poodle parent was a toy, miniature, or standard. With their hypoallergenic coats, Cockapoos are often an excellent choice for those with sensitivities. They are remarkably intelligent, easy to train, and have a vivacious, spirited demeanor.

Whether you seek an energetic playmate or a cozy cuddle buddy, the Cockapoo's adaptable and loving personality might just make them the ideal pet. Ready to learn more? Our Cockapoo breed guide has you covered!

Where did the Cockapoo come from?

As with all dogs who are a cross between other breeds, defining them can be a bit tricky. To better understand the Cockapoo breed and its trademarks, it's worth looking at the history of these unique dogs. First and foremost, they're the original doodle!

Coming onto the scene in the 1950s and 60s, this crossbreed of Poodle and Cocker Spaniel was around long before the Doodle craze that began in the 1980s. After Cocker Spaniels became increasingly sought after, thanks to pop culture hits like Lady and the Tramp, many families wanted a dog with the sweet Cocker Spaniel temperament and the lower-shedding coat of a Poodle. Breeders were happy to oblige, and the Cockapoo was born.

This playful and happy breed has been a popular “designer dog” ever since. As of 2024, breeders continue to work towards a breed standard to receive formal recognition of the breed by official breed clubs. However, different Cockapoo associations and groups have differing beliefs as far as whether Cockapoos should be multi-generational (a Cockapoo bred to another Cockapoo) versus always a cross between a purebred Poodle and Cocker, or backcrossing a Cockapoo with a purebred Poodle or Cocker.

Get to know the Cockapoo

Fun-loving and affectionate, Cockapoos are a popular crossbreed for families and owners looking for a low-shedding companion. Wonderfully fluffy and ready to follow their people everywhere, this breed is a sturdy, smart, and sociable dog. While they have enough energy to tag along on adventures, they’re equally happy to settle in for a relaxing day of cuddling.

Fun facts

• Cockapoos were the first of the “designer” crossbreeds of dogs, making their debut in the 1950s.
• Most Cockapoos are a cross between a Poodle and American Cocker Spaniels. But when a Poodle is crossed with an English Cocker Spaniel (a separate breed from the American Cocker), it’s called a “Spoodle.” Enthusiasts of the hybrid breed have been working to create a distinction between Spoodles and Cockapoos.
• There are four different sizes of Cockapoos. The smallest is the Teacup Cockapoo, weighing less than 6 lbs. (2.7 kg) when fully grown. Toy Cockapoos are 7 to 12 lbs. (3 to 5 kg), with Miniature Cockapoos coming in 13 to 18 lbs. (6 to 8 kg). Maxi Cockapoos are often from a Standard Poodle and Cocker Spaniel parent and weigh 19+ lbs. (6.6 kg+) as adults.
• Cockapoos are a poodle mix, and while poodles and their crosses are often considered hypoallergenic (and therefore better for people who are allergic to dogs), this is not always the case. Every dog, every person, and every situation can be different. However, if a Cockapoo has inherited more of a Poodle-type coat, it will shed less than many other breeds.
• Cockapoos tend to have lengthy lifespans, with the average pup's life expectancy falling between 12 and 16 years. Some have nevertheless been reported to reach 20 years!

Similar dog breeds

While certainly unique, the Cockapoo shares a lot of physical and personality traits with both its breeds of origin and other kinds of crossbreed canines.

• Labradoodle
• Goldendoodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• American Cocker Spaniel
• English Cocker Spaniel

Behavior & training

Cockapoos are known to be incredibly intelligent, having the smarts of both the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. There is no way to predict how much of each parent breed’s typical training idiosyncrasies a Cockapoo will have. Beyond genetics, a dog’s behavior is also affected by environment, learning, and their individual personality. However, both parent breeds are eager to please, playful, and loyal dogs that are a joy to train.

Do Cockapoos get along with others?

• The Cocker Spaniel parent breed is typically quite social, while the Poodle tends to be a bit more reserved when meeting new people and other animals. Like all dog breeds, the Cockapoo needs proper proactive exposure to new sights, sounds, people, dogs, and other animals as a young puppy to help prevent any future fear from developing.
• This breed can do well with children, as long as care has been taken to properly socialize them from puppyhood and encourage positive and respectful interactions. Young children and dogs should always be supervised, and it’s helpful for a dog to have their own “safe space” where they can go when they need some quiet time.
• A Cockapoo can do well with other pets in the home when properly introduced and socialized from puppyhood.

Exercise and mental enrichment

Cockapoos have the energy and stamina of a Spaniel and crave the active lifestyle of a Poodle. Daily exercise is needed to keep a Cockapoo at a healthy weight. Physical activity also helps prevent separation anxiety. Daily walks and playtime are excellent ways to exercise a Cockapoo, as well as playing fetch or tug.

To keep their brain sharp and prevent unwanted behaviors, Cockapoos need mental enrichment activities. Teach new tricks, attend obedience classes, join a dog sport, and provide daily dog puzzles and interactive toys. Change out toys and puzzles periodically to provide much-needed variety for these smart dogs. Cockapoo puppies will benefit greatly from brain games, as they prevent boredom and give appropriate outlets for normal puppy behaviors like chewing.

Common behavioral issues

Cockapoos are a breed that often suffers from separation anxiety. They love and need companionship — it’s what we bred them for! Providing your Cockapoo with positive exposure to alone time from puppyhood will help prevent or minimize any separation anxiety. It’s much easier to prevent than to treat once it’s started. Make alone time a positive and relaxing experience for your pet.

Ideal activities

Cockapoos can thrive in many different activities:

• Agility
• Flyball
• Therapy Dog
• Nosework / Tracking

Health and care tips

Cockapoos are generally considered healthy dogs. However, all current and prospective owners should be aware of certain health risks. The popularity of Cockapoos for their low-shed coats and hypoallergenic qualities has resulted in irresponsible breeding practices in some areas, which heightens the risk for genetic conditions. This is why it's so important to do your research when adopting one of these dogs and only go with an established, responsible breeder.

The good news is that dogs with a larger gene pool tend to have fewer genetic health issues overall, and responsibly bred Cockapoos are a great example of this. Mixed-breed dogs like Cockapoos are overall less likely to inherit genetic diseases compared to purebred dogs. But because Cockapoos are the result of crossing two purebred dogs, they can still be prone to some of the common health issues found in their parent breeds.

With this in mind, health conditions that Cocker Spaniels and Poodles (and by lineage, Cockapoos) are at higher risk for include the following:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Ear Infections
• Allergies
• Patellar Luxation
• Hypothyroidism
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (dog bloat)

None of this means your own dog will definitely get sick. However, it does mean that it's important to keep up with routine veterinary checkups and protect your pet's health with a good dog insurance plan.

Grooming advice for Cockapoo owners

The Cockapoo can have a variation of the sleek and straighter Spaniel coat or the more wiry and curly Poodle coat. Both are low-shedding. Poodle crosses are often considered hypoallergenic (or less likely to cause an allergic reaction). But remember every dog, every person, and every situation can be different. Cockapoos come in any colors that are seen in the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel breeds.

The combination of two higher-maintenance coats from the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle means a Cockapoo requires consistent grooming to keep their coat from tangling. If your Cockapoo’s coat is allowed to grow long, it requires thorough daily combing (down to the skin) to prevent matting and tangles. Many Cockapoo owners opt to have their dog groomed in the popular “puppy cut” (a shorter length all over the body). Professional grooming should be done every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the owner’s preference for coat length.

A Cockapoo should have their ears cleaned regularly, as this breed can be prone to ear infections thanks to their Spaniel parentage. The hair on the inside of the ears should be kept short to help promote air circulation and prevent infection. Pair ear cleaning with regular nail trimming and teeth brushing.

Introducing your Cockapoo puppy to positive and calm handling and grooming experiences will go a long way in making grooming appointments easy and stress-free.

Best brush for a Cockapoo: Slicker brush, Pin comb, Bristle brush

Cockapoos in pop culture

The Cockapoo is well-liked among celebrities.

Famous owners of the cockapoo

• Lady Gaga (Singer)
• Harry Styles (Singer)
• Billie Joe Armstrong (Singer)
• Carly Stenson (Actress)
• Ashley Judd (Actress)
• Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola (Reality Star)
• Jensen Ackles and Danneel Harris Ackles (Actors)
• Maria Shriver (Journalist)
• Lynda La Plante (Author)
• Minka Kelly (Actress)

Famous Cockapoos

• Alfie, a nine-month-old Cockapoo who was crowned Britain’s Happiest Dog in 2011