The Cockapoo: thinking about getting a Cockapoo?

Place of origin: The United States

How big do Cockapoos get? 25 – 38cm

How heavy are Cockapoos? 5 – 11kg

Cockapoo Life Expectancy: 14 – 18 years

Colour: Black, Tan, Red, Brown, Cream, White

Please note: A dog’s exercise, training/stimulation and grooming requirements can depend on several factors such as age and health. The same goes for ongoing costs of ownership. For advice on one specific dog, we always advise chatting with a vet.

How much exercise does a Cockapoo need?

Most Cockapoo owners will find their dogs to be athletic and full of energy. Your Cockapoo will need 2 sizeable walks a day and will happily roam off the lead.

If you’re looking for a canine companion who’ll get you out and about, a Cockapoo may just be the breed for you.

Training: how to train a Cockapoo

Cockapoos boast both a natural intelligence and an eagerness to please their owners, making them fairly easy to train. Begin training your Cockapoo when they’re young and as always, use positive reinforcement.

As a crossbreed, the nature and characteristics of a Cockapoo are not as easy to predict as other, more established breeds. A young Cockapoo could contain more Poodle genes than Cocker Spaniel and vice versa.

Grooming: do Cockapoos shed?

The Cockapoo’s longhaired coat can be straight or curly depending on the type of Cocker Spaniel they’re bred from.

Smooth-coated Cockapoos need weekly brushing with a soft brush or grooming mitt. Curly-coated cockapoos are slightly more high-maintenance and will require daily brushing and regular clipping. Their Poodle genetics mean that most Cockapoos are hypoallergenic and therefore great pets for allergy sufferers.

Complete your Cockapoo’s grooming routine with regular tooth brushing, nail clips and ear checks – pay close attention to the latter as a Cockapoo’s long, floppy ears can be prone to infection.

Cockapoo temperament, socialising and ideal home environment

By and large, Cockapoos are good natured fluffballs with bags of energy and enough love for the whole family. A well-socialised Cockapoo will get along with other pets and children too. They’re the perfect companion for adventure-seeking families who love walks and games, as well as providing their pooch with regular TLC.

Cockapoos are eager to please and thrive in the company of their owners. They’re not well suited to being left alone, so if your house is empty for large parts of the day, a Cockapoo may not be the breed for you.

Cost of owning a Cockapoo

When considering the lifetime cost of owning a Cockapoo, remember to take into account:

• Canine nutrition
• Veterinary care
• Pet insurance
• Kennels or dog sitters
• Grooming costs
• Toys and equipment
• Preventative healthcare

As a rough guide, allow between £80 and £120 a month to cover the ongoing costs of owning a Cockapoo. Our vets have drawn up this handy guide to save dog owners money.

Need more info?

For more info on finding the best dog breed for you and your lifestyle, have a chat with your vet.

Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.