The Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix is an adorable canine buddy that is easy to get along with. The outgoing nature of the Cockapoo makes it a great workout and travel canine companion.
The Cockapoo is one of the first designer dogs that was bred during the 1960s. Cockapoo is a mix between an intelligent Poodle and a very affectionate Cocker Spaniel. The aim of combining these two purebred dog breeds was to produce a healthy companion hybrid dog.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the happy world of a Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix. Are they cuddly? How much exercise is needed? Can you leave them alone, and for how long? These are some of the questions we’d be answering but for now, let’s talk about the physical features of a Cockapoo and whether a Cockapoo can be taken care of by a first-time dog owner or by a senior citizen.
Are Cockapoos Good For First-Time Dog Owners?
Great news for first-time dog owners because the Cockapoo mix dog breed is not fussy to take care of, making it a great choice for someone who has zero experience caring for dogs. The Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix loves human companionship and they don’t discriminate, be it young and senior citizens, alike.
At What Age Is A Cockapoo Fully Grown?
Also known as Cockapoo, Cockerpoo, Spoodle, and Cockerdoodle, these friendly fur babies are fully grown between the ages of 12 and 18 months. The Cockapoo dogs come in different sizes because it’s a question of which type Poodle was the Cocker Spaniel bred with. Here’s how big the Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix can get:
- Teacup Cockapoo: Under 10 inches in height and weighing 6 lbs or less.
- Toy Cockapoo: 10 to 11 inches in height and weighing 7 to 12 lbs.
- Mini Cockapoo: 12 to 15 inches in height and weighing 13 to 25 lbs.
- Standard Cockapoo or Maxi Cockapoo: 16 to 22 inches in height and weighing 25 to 40 lbs.
Physical Features
The Cockapoo has long and floppy ears like a Cocker Spaniel. Regardless of size, they all have a well-proportioned, muscular, and athletic build. If the nose of a Cockatoo is brown, most likely the eye color is black. But if the nose has a lighter shade, the eye color could either be green or hazel.
The coat comes in three variations, namely, a tightly curly coat, a medium curl, or a flat coat. But one thing common is that the coat will be thick and single-layered. There’s a range of coat colors that can be solid, dual, or tri-colored coats.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Cockapoo Dog?
The Cockapoos are healthy dogs and have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Yes, they are healthy hybrid dogs but Cockapoos are not immune from getting sick.
We’ll now share with you the illnesses that Cockapoos are prone to:
Cataracts
An inherited eye illness that causes either partial or complete blindness, the American Cocker Spaniel is one of the dog breeds prone to be affected with cataracts. However, cataracts can also be caused by an eye injury, diabetes, and age.
Patellar Luxation
Also referred to as slipped stifles, patellar luxation is one of the problems that Cockapoos could inherit from a Poodle parent. This orthopedic condition happens when the kneecap or patella moves in and out of place causing pain and discomfort. It can happen in one or both of the hind legs.
Liver Disease
Another problem that Cockapoos can possibly have is the inherited liver disease gene from a Cocker Spaniel parent. There are two types, namely, portosystemic vascular anomalies (PSVA), and chronic hepatitis.
Early detection is beneficial for your Cockapoos and this is why recognizing the signs is very important, otherwise, the liver disease could progress to scarring of liver tissues. The common signs are swelling of the abdomen, lethargy, poor appetite, and vomiting.
Ear Infections
The shape of the ears of your Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix makes it vulnerable to ear infections. Those floppy ears tend to trap dirt and moisture that lead to bacterial infections. Though Cockapoos do not smell bad at all, having ear infections can cause your fur baby to smell like rancid food.
How To Take Care Of Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mixes?
How Much Exercise Does A Cockapoo Need A Day?
Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mixes have moderate energy levels, but that does not mean that they can just lounge around all day. A Cockapoo is very playful and outgoing and would appreciate it if you would tag it along with you on your daily walks, an activity that Cockapoos love.
The length of exercise depends on the age. For a 4-month-old puppy, 20 minutes of walking and can be increased to 30 minutes at six months. For older Cockapoo, 45 minutes of walking is what we recommend. Ideally, you should walk your Cockapoo twice a day.
Since they have moderate energy levels, your Cockapoo requires several naps in a day for rest and recovery.
How Many Times A Day Should A Cockapoo Eat?
Depending on the age and size of your Cockapoo, the recommended amount of food is ¼ to ¾ cup, split into 2 meals. Just like their human parents, dogs do not need the same amount of food, but the common denominator is the food quality. And, when we say quality, it means ingredients that are fresh, clean, and human-grade, which is what Pet Plate promises.
Pet Plate is available in 4 delicious flavors, so good that even picky eaters will find them irresistibly good. What’s more? Pet Plate is custom-made, which is perfect for Cockapoos that come in different sizes.
Multivitamins
Being an active breed, you can give your Cockapoo multivitamins to boost its overall immunity and for shinier coats. And do not take dental health for granted, start by investing in dental water additives for the prevention of tartar buildup and bad breath.
Do Cockapoos Bark A Lot? Temperaments Of Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mixes
The level of quietness is not the same for all Cockapoos, some Cockapoos love hearing the sound of their voices more than others. They enjoy announcing their presence in doggie parks and announcing when there’s someone at the door, which at times, the barking and yappy behaviors can be annoying.
On the one hand, there are also Cockatoos that have a quieter nature.
What’s It Like To Own A Cockapoo?
You will enjoy owning a Cockapoo because they have an extremely friendly and affectionate temperament, making Cockapoos good house dogs. A fur baby that wouldn’t mind being picked up and spent the entire day curled up by your side.
In fact, a Cockapoo is so affectionate that it will even allow a nice pat or a belly rub from passers-by.
However, if there’s one problem with Cockapoos’ temperament, that is their need for constant companionship. They get upset when they are left alone, and as a result, they can get ‘aggressive.’
They show this form of aggression through different ways like furniture-chewing, scratching windows and doors, and even urinating and defecating in the wrong spots.
Trainability
The same as the parents, the Cockapoo is an intelligent hybrid dog. A Cockapoo responds well to the use of positive reinforcements like treats and verbal praise. As mentioned, Cockapoos can’t be left alone, but they can be calmed down through training.
Moreover, you wouldn’t have a difficult time potty training an intelligent Cockapoo. For as long as you are consistent with a good and positive potty training program, you’d be able to teach your Cockapoo in two weeks’ time.
Are Cockapoos High Maintenance? Grooming Tips For Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mixes
Cockapoos are not high-maintenance dogs compared to long-haired dog breeds.
Do Cockapoos Shed?
To some degree, yes, Cockapoos shed, but not significantly, Cockapoos are thus considered as ‘hypoallergenic.’ First, you have to understand the concept of hypoallergenic dogs. Shedding alone does not cause allergic reactions, but the protein present in a dog’s saliva and its urine also does.
In terms of brushing, the frequency depends on the type of inherited coat. If your Cockapoo inherits the straight coat, brushing 2 to 3 times a week is enough to maintain the beautiful coat. But if what you have is a Cockapoo with either a tightly or medium curled coat, 4 to 5 times a week is recommended.
For effective coat grooming, use a tool that adequately removes loose hair, like the FURminator Undercoat Tool. This tool also prevents matting which is a perennial problem among curly-haired dogs.
And, no matter what size your Cockapoo is, the tool comes in 3 different sizes that should fit most Cockapoos’ sizes and is ergonomically designed for easy use.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Cockapoo?
Frequent bathing is not recommended because it will only strip off the skin’s natural oils. Plus, Cockapoos are not smelly fur babies (unless they have ear infections), a trait it got from a Poodle parent.
Give your Cockapoo a good bath once a month using a gentle and soap-free formula that removes stains and brings out the luster of your Cockapoo’s coat.
The Seamus Cherry Blossom Whitening Dog Shampoo is a great choice. Plus, it contains the patented Pharmasome technology that allows the cherry scent to last longer.
Related Questions
Why Are Cockapoos So Expensive? You can expect to pay for a Cockapoo anywhere between $450 and $2,600, depending on if you will get it from a breeder or from a shelter. Health, genetic testing, and microchipping are some of the reasons why Cockapoos are expensive. And, if you choose a merle or particolored coat, then you’d pay even more.
Should I get a male or a female Cockapoo? If you have an issue with bloodstains around your house, you may as well get a male Cockapoo. Just so you know, female Cockapoos get into season twice a year for their entire lives. It’s because dogs do not go through menopause. When in heat, there are usually some minor behavioral changes that you have to deal with.
Why Shouldn’t You Buy A Cockapoo? If you cannot promise a Cockapoo constant companionship, then you shouldn’t get one. Secondly, since both parents have different health issues, they are susceptible to any of those, leading to increased medical expenses for you. Lastly, this is an energetic dog, and if you can’t provide it with its much-needed exercise, you shouldn’t buy a Cockapoo.
