The 4 most popular Cockapoo questions answered
Each month we will be shining a light on different dog breeds in our series, Dog Breed of the Month. Next up, we take a deep dive into the wonderful world of cuddly Cockapoos.
"Cockapoos have risen in popularity in recent years and have the cuteness factor that makes many adore them. They combine the wonderful traits of both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, including intelligence and often a lively personality," Adem Fehmi, Rover’s canine behaviourist, tells Country Living.
"Originally assistance dogs, but now very much cemented and loved by thousands in our homes, many may find this breed very appealing when choosing a pet."
Keep reading for everything you need to know about Cockapoos, including health issues, personality and temperament.
Are Cockapoos good dogs?
Cockapoos tend to inherit the sweet, loving and friendly natures common with both parent breeds.
"Cockapoos are a lovely combination of the sweet natured Cocker Spaniel and the trainable and friendly Poodle, which makes them a generally highly intelligent and sociable dog that is loving and loyal to their families, and at ease around new people," Shauna Walsh, vet at the PDSA, tells Country Living.
What problems do Cockapoos have?
"Whilst they are a crossbreed, so don't have as many predisposed health conditions as some purebred dogs, there are some health concerns that can be quite common in Cockapoos including ear problems – due to their long, floppy, hairy ears, and patella luxation – which is common in small dog breeds generally," Shauna explains.
Other problems more common in Cockapoos include:
Allergies
Glaucoma
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal
If you are worried about your Cockapoo and their health, always head to your local vet for advice.
Adem adds: "Cockapoos are sadly one of the top breeds that I see as a behaviourist for issues such as predatory hunting, separation anxiety, fear-based behaviours, and possessive based behaviours.
"Often, I find that these issues have been exasperated, if not caused, by a lack of understanding of the specific needs of the dog in question. Not because the dog has ‘bad owners' but simply because not enough awareness has been raised around the difference between the breeding of working and show cocker spaniels to create the 'cockapoo' and how this breeding can hugely affect temperament and the specific needs of a puppy."
Are Cockapoos easy to train?
Cockapoos are whip-smart dogs, meaning they pick up new tricks very quickly. Puppy training classes are recommended to ensure they grow up to be happy, obedient dogs.
Shona continues: "Cockapoos are usually easy to train, and love to learn. They can also have a lot of energy, so will require exciting exercise and opportunities to use their brains for their physical and mental health. They can inherit a strong hunting drive from their genetic history as working dogs, so will need training and opportunities to do this behaviour in an appropriate way."
Do Cockapoos need a lot of attention?
"Cockapoos do become easily bored, and can find their own means of entertainment – usually towards your home furnishings! Due to their social nature, like many dogs, they don't really like to be left alone," explains Shona.
You Might Also Like
