Crossbreeds

Cockapoo

One of the original “doodles” — cheerful, clever and people-loving.

Cockapoos combine the Cocker Spaniel with a Miniature or Toy Poodle. They are friendly, adaptable and easy to train, making popular family dogs, but they need regular grooming and company.

A Cocker Spaniel (American or English) × Poodle cross. Not recognised by the AKC; size, coat and temperament vary more than in a purebred.

Parent breeds: Cocker Spaniel × Poodle

Height
10–15 in25–38 cm
Weight
12–24 lb5–11 kg
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
Small
Group
Crossbreeds
Origin
United States

Coat: Soft, wavy to curly coat; shedding varies. Colours: Apricot, Red, Cream, Chocolate, Black, Merle, Parti.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness4.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive2.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability4.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Cockapoos are affectionate, outgoing and playful. They usually get on well with children, visitors and other pets.

They are intelligent and eager to please but can be sensitive. Many dislike being left alone, and some are vocal when excited.

Living with a Cockapoo

Exercise

About 45–60 minutes of walks and play daily; working-Cocker crosses may need more.

Grooming

Brush several times a week and book professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Check ears weekly.

Training

Bright and eager; reward-based training works very well. Teach calm greetings early.

Kids & other pets

Excellent with children and other pets; their friendly nature makes them easy family members.

Time alone

People-focused; build alone time gradually to prevent separation distress.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Cockapoo right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Cockapoo matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Cockapoo typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Ear infections

    Hairy, floppy ears from both parents trap moisture; clean them regularly.

  • Progressive retinal atrophy

    Inherited from both parent breeds; DNA testing of parents is essential.

  • Patellar luxation

    Loose kneecaps occur in small dogs.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

Ask a breeder for

  • Both parents: eye examination and prcd-PRA DNA test
  • Both parents: patella and hip evaluation
  • English Cocker parent: familial nephropathy DNA test

Sources: OFA health testing guidance for Cocker Spaniel and Poodle; American Spaniel Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Cockapoos are one of the oldest designer crosses, bred in the United States since the 1950s and 60s. They became especially popular in the UK in the 2000s.

Breeders produce first-generation crosses and multigenerational Cockapoos. Parent breed health testing is the most important factor in choosing a puppy.

Did you know?

  • Cockapoos have been bred in the US since at least the 1950s.
  • In the UK, most Cockapoos are crosses of the English Cocker; in the US, often the American Cocker.
  • Cockapoos come in toy, miniature and standard sizes.

Library guides for Cockapoo owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Cockapoos hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but many Cockapoos shed little.
Are Cockapoos good family dogs?
Yes — they are friendly, playful and good with children.
How big do Cockapoos get?
Most weigh 12–24 lb, depending on the Poodle parent’s size.