The first designer dog, the Cockapoo often displays the warm & cuddly disposition of a Cocker Spaniel with the athleticism (and low-shed coat) of a Poodle. This lovable family lapdog can also make the perfect agility partner. As with all dogs, it is important to understand the daily requirements of the dog you seek, and understanding how those would coincide with your daily life. Below is general information regarding Cockapoos, their temperament, diet, exercise requirements, and grooming requirements.
Personality & Space requirements
The outgoing and often goofy personality of the cockapoo make it ideal for kids and adults alike. Cockapoo’s high sociability makes them ideal for an outgoing lifestyle, as they acclimate to new surroundings comfortably with practice. Highly intelligent and owner-bonded, Cockapoos often are easily trained, perfect for first time dog owners. Whether you live in an apartment or larger home with a yard, Cockapoos will be comfortable with small to moderate home sizes. Be sure that regardless of home size, your cockapoo has a chance to walk every day, it is great to develop their social flexibility and overall health.
Cockapoos tend to be outgoing and socialize well with other dogs. It is important to note that all dogs are different, but early introductions to other dogs is important to the development of a friendly cockapoo. All of my girls are happily socialized and love dogs of all sizes (not to mention horses, lizards, cats, and any other animal). Search in your area for puppy socialization classes where your puppy can mingle with other dogs of different ages and sizes. Although this may seem excessive, it is important to remember that canines are social creatures, it is important for them to develop their own special version of what we’d consider “social skills”. Respect, personal space, strength control, dominance v. submission, etc are all important roles that your cockapoo should understand. Additionally, it will make training your cockapoo easier! Buying two puppies is sometimes a fantastic idea depending on the family. Litter-mates can often help with adjusting to new spaces, encourage bravery in new situations, and facilitate socialization. Drawbacks can sometimes be that litter-mates will prefer each other’s company to yours, and potty training two puppies can be an uphill battle as they encourage each other to “potty” whenever one of them has an accident.
Explaining Cockapoo Generations
As you research cockapoos, you will likely see a letter and number designated before the word “cockapoo” such as “F1 Cockapoo, F2 Cockapoo, F1b Cockapoo” and so on. This refers to the generation of the cockapoo, telling you a bit about its parents and grandparents.
“P-generation” is the purebred line, meaning the purebred cocker spaniel and the purebred poodle that were used to create the cockapoo. When two “P-generations” are bred, the offspring are considered to be the first generation of this hybrid type, and is designated with an “F1”. Many cockapoos you will see are F1 cockapoos, and are likely a cross between a purebred cocker spaniel and a purebred miniature poodle. Occasionally, breeders will cross a standard poodle and a cocker spaniel, resulting in a larger cockapoo known as a Maxi Cockapoo. The generational designations still apply to maxi cockapoos, for example Maxine is designated as an F1 Maxi Cockapoo.
The subsequent generations are where it gets more complicated. If you were to breed two F1 Cockapoos together, the resulting litter would be second generation cockapoos, still 50% cocker spaniel and 50% poodle. These puppies are designated as F2 Cockapoos. If you were to continue this trend by breeding same-generation cockapoos to each other, the number increases (F1, F2, F3, F4, and so on). Breeding cockapoo from different generations requires a bit more mental exercise. An F1 cockapoo bred to an F3 cockapoo results in an F2 cockapoo.
When breeders want to mate a cockapoo back to one of the purebred lines, they typically choose to mate with a purebred poodle, thus ensuring a curly coat in all offspring. When this happens, a “b” is added to the designation (ie: breeding an F1 Cockapoo to a purebred poodle would result in a litter of F1b cockapoos). An F2 Cockapoo bred to a purebred generation would result in F2b puppies.
For more information on multi-generational designations, here are some links:
Hypoallergenic Myth:
Unfortunately, many hybrid breeders will market their puppies at “hypoallergenic”, suggesting that they will not insight an allergic reaction for those with allergies to dogs. This is a myth, supported by no scientific evidence, and negated by anecdotal proof. Reputable breeders will never claim their dogs are hypoallergenic. The cause of pet allergies can range from pet dander, urine, saliva, and fur; therefore allergy tests are crucial when determining if your home is right for a Cockapoo. Every dog will have pet dander, this is due to the natural process of shedding dead skin cells to make room for new ones, the same process that happens in humans. Therefore, those with allergies to pet dander may be better off with a smaller dog like a Cockapoo due to less surface area of shedding dander. Additionally, those with allergies to fur would require a puppy with a curly coat that is very low shedding (like Kona or F1b Cockapoos).
In summation: those with sever allergies to dogs should spend time with adult cockapoos at first to see how they do . Variations in size and coat texture can certainly help those with pet allergies, but there is a large misconception that all hybrid dogs are hypoallergenic, and that is not necessarily true. For more information on the genetics that determine shedding, read below!
Curls. Shedding. How does it work??
As a researcher of Cockapoos, you may come across a lot of information that talks about shedding, curls, furnishings, and more. People can often get confused with the genetic jargon, but put simply, it is a combination of genes that we are looking at, not just one trait. If a dog is said to be “furnished”, have non-shedding genes (sd instead of SD), and have a curly coat (CU or R depending), that dog can still fall along a spectrum regarding how much it sheds. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the multiple genetic factors that go into each pup.
If I tried to explain shedding then my dog’s genetics, it might be confusing, and I wouldn’t do it justice. Therefore, follow these amazing links that can summarize it far better than I can! I will post my girls’ results below with a discussion of how we can see those traits expressed in puppies.
Vet Gen: Veterinary Genetic Services: a bit detailed, but I LOVE their 0-4 grading scale.
Animal Genetics Inc. USA: very simple, but still a good explanation.
Paw Print Genetics: this is the company that has done my girls’ testing. They also utilize consistent genealogical designations
Our Results:
KONA - She scores as a one and depending on her mate, has a 25% chance to produce zeros, a 50% chance to produce ones like herself, and a 25% chance to produce twos.
MAXINE - scores as a two and depending on her mate, has a 25% chance to produce a one, a 50% chance to produce a two like herself, and a 25% chance to produce a three
Chart credit of vet gen inc.
Kona
As expected with an F1 Cockapoo, Kona is “F/IC” for her furnishings, Cu/Cu^c for curly coat, and is double non-shedding “sd/sd”. This is an awesome genetic combination because it keeps us from getting too curly like a poodle’s ringlets, but still expresses lots of low-shed or non-shed genes.For a first generation Cockapoo, she leans a bit more towards the “poodle side” in the way her traits are expressed phenotypically (physically). She has a beautiful, thick, curly coat. Kona’s coat is definitely more dense than Maxine’s (who’s coat is more loose). According to Vet Gen, this places Kona at a 1 with regards to her shedding level out of 0 - 4 .
Maxine
As expected with an F1, Maxine has one copy of improper coat furnishings (F/IC), a has one copy of a non-shedding sd gene (sd/SD). This is on point for a standard, F1 Cockapoo, and therefore Maxine expressed loose, fluffy curls with a low-mild shed. This is contrasted with Kona’s tighter, curlier coat that sheds less. It is for this reason that we are selective with our mates to ensure the best genetic combination!
Exercise Requirements
Cockapoos score moderately when it comes to exercise requirements, mostly a good walk around the block or game of fetch is enough to satisfy them. Remember, each individual dog will express different levels of activity, so be sure to find the most enjoyable and efficient manner for you and your dog. Do not over work your young puppy’s joints and muscles, and ensure your adult dog can handle the level of exercise attempted.
Kona is a lightning bolt when it comes to fetch, and enjoys stretching her legs on a long hike. Her athletic requirements are easily met with a “Chuckit” tennis ball thrower and a large yard. Indoors however, Kona is a mellow couch potato, most often napping under my desk or on the back of the couch (with the best views). Max is much more of a tug of war dog. Don’t get me wrong, she’ll fetch, she just won’t return it.
Find what exercise gets your Cockapoo going, and use that as a reward and training tool!
