Cockapoos

Designer Dogs 101

You've probably noticed the recent craze over "designer dog breeds". The current trend is to select a male and female from two different, but well established, dog breeds each with some desirable trait(s). Then, mate them in hopes of creating puppies that display the parents' most admirable qualities.

The first generation results can be hit or miss. Although, if only the best candidates are selected and used for future breeding, a designer dog breed eventually achieves some uniformity in looks and temperament.

While some canine aficionados may poo-poo these pets simply as mutts, the fact remains that all purebred dogs have been developed using foundation stock selected and combined from different breeds. Purebreds are simply the result of setting a goal, and carrying out a breeding program to fruition.

Cockapoos Rule!

Long before there were Puggles and Labradoodles, Cockapoos were the mixed breed of choice. A combination of two of the world's most popular breeds, Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, this humble mix was welcomed into homes far and wide.

Poodles were selected for their virtually non-shedding coats, and Cockers were selected for their outgoing natures. When combined, the result was a happy-go-lucky good will ambassador for the canine world that began to remove some of the stigma attached to cross-breeds.

The popularity of these dogs was no fluke, because they have never lost favor in the last fifty years or so of their known existence.

Appearance

Size

Cockapoos come in four approximate size ranges, depending on whether Toy, Miniature or Standard size Poodles are used in the breeding.

According to the Cockapoo Club of America breed standard size ranges are as follows:

• Teacup Toys are to be under six pounds when fully grown.
• Toys are to be under twelve pounds.
• Minis should be in the thirteen to eighteen pound range.
• Maxis are over nineteen pounds.

Body Type

No matter which size, all should have a sturdy body that looks square when viewed in profile. They should carry the endearing soulful eyes of their Cocker parentage and medium length ears.

Coat

The coat of the Cockapoo may be straight, wavy, or slightly more curled, but should never be kinky. It should have the non-shedding quality of the Poodle parentage and be fairly odorless under normal conditions. Any trimming of the coat should be kept to a minimum, only carried out for utilitarian purposes.

All colors are permissible based on the breed standards.

Pros and Cons of Cockapoos

Temperament and Trainability

If ever there was a canine success story for achieving the best of both worlds, Cockapoos are it. Nowhere is this more evident than in their temperament and trainability.

The average Cockapoo personality is affectionate and easy going. These dogs are able to adapt to all types of living situations. You'll find them happily cohabitating with their human companions in high-rise apartments, private homes, and sprawling farms. It makes no difference to Cockapoos where they live, as long as they live with people who love them.

Training is relatively easy, since they so want to please us. This trait is ingrained from their Cocker heritage, but they make good use of the quick intelligence gained from their Poodle ancestry as well.

Housebreaking is fairly straightforward, although as with most breeds, males seem to take a little longer to get with the program. Obedience training these dogs is a very satisfying experience as well. Even though they are not currently eligible for AKC competitions, if Cockapoos are ever given full breed recognition, they are sure to be a smashing success.

Health Concerns

Eye problems are the main health concern for these pets, since both parent breeds are susceptible to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), although the rate of incidence is currently lower in Cockapoos than it is for either Poodles or Cockers.

Canine hip and elbow dysplasia is another condition to be watched for, and all specimens intended for breeding should be x-rayed and certified healthy through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

The Right Dog for You?

Cockapoos are one of only a small handful of dog types that are easily recommended as companions for nearly anyone. It doesn't seem to matter if you're young or old, employed or stay-at-home, athletic, physically challenged or somewhere in between. This designer breed is a loving and worthy companion for all.