Cockapoo

Cockapoo dog

Popular Cocker Spaniel-Poodle cross known for its cheerful and affectionate nature.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Small 6 - 19 lbs 10 - 15 inches 12 - 15 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United States



Own a Cockapoo? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Cockapoo? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • Coat maintenance may require significant regular grooming.

The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle and is one of the older intentionally bred Poodle mixes. Dogs of this combination began attracting attention in the United States during the 1960s, decades before the later explosion in popularity of Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, and other "-doodle" crosses. There is no single documented founder of the Cockapoo. Instead, breeders discovered that crossing the two established breeds could produce small to medium-sized companions combining characteristics associated with both parents. Cocker Spaniels contributed a long history as friendly sporting and companion dogs, while Poodles brought intelligence, trainability, and a coat that may shed less heavily. Continued popularity led some breeders to produce multigenerational Cockapoos rather than repeatedly breeding first-generation Cocker-Poodle crosses. Organizations dedicated specifically to Cockapoos have attempted to encourage more consistent breeding practices, but there is no universally accepted standard. Coat texture, size, shedding, and temperament can therefore vary considerably. Major traditional kennel clubs do not recognize the Cockapoo as a distinct breed. Its relatively long history among modern crosses nevertheless makes it an important predecessor to the much broader designer-dog trend that followed decades later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is generally considered hypoallergenic, but no dog is completely allergen-free. Individual reactions can vary.

The Cockapoo tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Cockapoo tends to need significant regular grooming and coat maintenance.

The Cockapoo generally has a moderate energy level.

The Cockapoo generally benefits from a moderate amount of daily exercise.

The Cockapoo is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Cockapoo generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Cockapoo generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Cockapoo is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Cockapoo generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.