Cockapoo Puppies: Pictures And Facts

Have you been debating whether or not you should welcome a Cockapoo puppy into the family?

These adorable pups, originally bred as designer dogs, are hard to resist, given their chipper attitude and low amount of shedding.

Before you go to your local rescue or shelter to adopt your very own Cockapoo puppy, here’s everything you need to know about the Cocker Spaniel/Poodle puppy mix.

They’re One Of The Friendliest Dog Breeds

If you’re looking for your very first puppy or have small children in your home, a Cockapoo puppy is a great option. Cockapoos are incredibly friendly, so much so that 70 percent of Cockapoo owners chose the word “friendly” to describe their pup.

Both the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel are known as outgoing and affectionate breeds, so it makes sense that by combining them, you get an ultra adorable, loving puppy in the form of a Cockapoo.

Another reason the Cockapoo is considered to be one of the friendliest puppies is because of how intuitive they can be.

Yes, all dogs are capable of having an emotional connection with their person or people, but Cockapoos seem to have a keener sense of when someone is feeling down in the dumps or off. Often, Cockapoos will attempt to “take care” of their people by cuddling or kissing.

This is also why they make excellent emotional support animals.

They Are Not Entirely Hypoallergenic

One reason so many people are drawn to Cockapoo puppies is because many people believe they are hypoallergenic dogs. The unfortunate truth is that no dog is truly 100 percent hypoallergenic.

One of the biggest causes of an allergic reaction is a dog’s dander. This dander falls off the dog and makes its way onto your furniture, into your carpet, and around the home.

While the Cockapoo is an incredibly light shedder, they still do shed a small amount of dander and can still cause allergic reactions in particularly sensitive individuals.

This doesn’t mean that Cockapoo puppies aren’t great dogs for allergy sufferers. Their small amount of shedding means there is less dander floating around. This also means less cleaning and vacuuming than there is for people with heavy shedders like Golden Retrievers or short-haired dogs.

The texture of a Cockapoo’s coat also can affect allergies. Shaggier and curlier Cockapoos are more likely to set off allergies than Cockapoos with straighter or lighter coats.

Still, no person is the same, so no allergic reaction is the same. Before bringing a Cockapoo puppy into your home, spend some time around them to make sure they don’t set off your allergies.

There are also steps you can take to keep your home allergen-free.

Their Coats Come In A Wide Variety Of Colors And Can Change Over Time

There are dozens of color combinations that your Cockapoo’s coat can be. Just because you get a black Cockapoo puppy, however, doesn’t mean that they will remain black for the rest of their lives.

Thanks to the Poodle in them, Cockapoos can inherit the “fading gene.” Often, this gene will make Cockapoo puppies born with solid coats fade–or “clear,” as they say in the Poodle community–and become multi-colored.

Even Cockapoo puppies from the same litter can have completely different coats. Black puppies can turn grey in some areas, brown coats can evolve into a lighter-tinged cafeé au lait shade, and tawny coats can turn white in some areas, like the chest and the paws.

It really is luck of the draw when it comes to coat color changes, but the good news is every single combination is nothing short of adorable.

They Might Be Prone To A Few Health Ailments

If your Cockapoo puppy has inherited their ears from their Cocker Spaniel parent, they could be prone to ear infections. Fortunately, ear infections are often easily treatable with the right medication and wash.

Like many other dog breeds, the Cockapoo is also prone to developing cataracts as they reach their golden years. Both the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel have particularly high risk for developing cataracts, which means that this eye issue could pop up earlier in the puppy’s life.

The good news is even with cataracts, your Cockapoo can lead a long, healthy, and happy life. Just make sure to make your home safe for blind dogs if or when the time comes.

They Have A Relatively Long Lifespan

Dogs’ life spans can range from eight years for bigger breeds to 15+ years for smaller dogs or mixed breeds. Fortunately, the Cockapoo falls in the latter category, and a Cockapoo puppy can lead a long life.

If you keep up with your Cockapoo’s health maintenance–and barring any extenuating health ailments–a Cockapoo can live up to 18 years or more.

Of course, your Cockapoo puppy’s lifespan will rely on a number of factors, including size, genetics, diet, and exercise. Be sure to exercise your Cockapoo daily and take them to the vet regularly to ensure the longest, healthiest life.

They Have A Lot Of Energy

Both the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle are energetic, intelligent breeds, which means the Cockapoo is also spunky and smart. While Cockapoos can be excellent dogs for people in small spaces, they should be prepared to give their Cockapoo puppy a good amount of exercise.

Since Cockapoo puppies can be such smart cookies, you will need to provide your Cockapoo with mental stimulation, as well. Playing mentally stimulating games while going on walks or while at home will keep your Cockapoo puppy happy.

This is good news for your furniture and shoes, which could get destroyed if your Cockapoo puppy finds themselves bored and under-stimulated.

Cockapoos aren’t by any means hyperactive dogs, though. When Cockapoos are tired or worn out, there is nothing they enjoy more than being big old couch potatoes. They will want to snuggle up next to you and watch whatever you’re binging on Netflix with you.

Remember, you can find almost any dog breed, including Cockapoos, at a shelter or rescue. Click here to check out DogTime’s adoption page, which lists adoptable pets by breed and zip code. Adopt! Don’t shop!

Do you have a Cockapoo puppy at home? What were some of your experiences raising them? Would you adopt one all over again? Let us know in the comments.