INTRODUCTION

An adorable little dog with the personality of a big clown, the Cockapoo is perhaps the first of the “designer dogs” (not a pure dog breed), dating back to the 1960s, not a few years ago.Despite its unfortunate status as a designer breed, you can find these hybrid dogs in shelters and rescues, so opt to adopt if you can. Breeders combined the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle breeds to create a completely people-oriented hybrid that is smart enough to train easily, barely sheds, is quick to forgive, and is so affectionate he’ll never be lonely. In fact, he may even have to close the bathroom door for a minute of privacy. Your hybrid companion will also be happy running around an agility course, showing off his tricks for company, being petted as a therapy dog or just hanging out on your lap. Any type of dog can develop arthritis or slow down with age. AniMall24 recommends giving your dog Glyde Mobility Chews to keep his joints healthy.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Cockapoo is not known to be a barker. However, some will bark when they see someone approaching their home or when they are left alone for long periods of time.The Cockapoo should be a non-shedding dog with little doggy odour in the skin and coat.They require daily brushings and will need to be trimmed occasionally.Cockapoos are usually good for people with allergies as they produce low allergenic reactions. It requires daily brushing and will need occasional trimming.Cockapoos are often good for people with allergies as they produce low amounts of dander and hair.Cockapoos were developed to be companion dogs and are usually friendly and extraordinarily happy. Although the Standard or Maxi Cockapoo does not adapt as easily to flat life as its smaller companions, it can do well if properly exercised. The Cockapoo is so intelligent that it is easy to train with positive reinforcement. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill or pet shop.There are many responsible Cockapoo breeders, and some are registered with the Cockapoo Club of America or the North American Cockapoo Registry.Designer dogs, also called hybrids, are not true breeds: they are crosses of two specific breeds. If you are interested in a Cockapoo puppy, understand that their appearance, size and temperament are not as predictable as those of pure breeds, as it is not known what characteristics of each breed will appear in a given dog.

HISTORY

As far as designer dogs go, the Cockapoo is an old hybrid, popular since the 1960s. The first breeding may have been accidental, but the happy result was a litter of intelligent, almost odourless puppies, with a low-shedding poodle coat and exhibiting the affable and affectionate character of the Cocker Spaniel. These puppies were well received, and the Cockapoo line began. Some efforts are being made today to establish breed standards and start the Cockapoo on the hard road to becoming a true breed, one that produces offspring with consistent traits. It is one of the few designer breeds that are not owner-surrendered at a high rate, even now, and many breed fanciers attribute that desirable circumstance to the Cockapoo’s intelligence and sweet, affectionate nature. Once the Cockapoo became better known, its popularity only grew. Some Cockapoo breeders want to make the Cockapoo a purebred dog and use the multi-generational cross, while other breeders prefer the basic Poodle/Cocker cross. The Cockapoo Club of America was formed in 1999 and, in an effort to create consistency in breeding, created a breed standard. The club promotes breeding multi-generational Cockapoos to each other rather than creating new first generations, because this technique is supposed to help the puppies maintain desired qualities not seen in all first generation dogs.The American Cockapoo Club was formed in 2004; these members do not mix generations and do not breed a Cockapoo with a Poodle or Cocker Spaniel. They also have a breed standard, and their goal is “to see genuine Cockapoos bred with lines that can be traced back to their roots originating from AKC/CKC Cocker Spaniels and AKC/Coodles” The North American Cockapoo Registry is also working to establish the Cockapoo as a viable breed. This group was formed in 1999 and provides certification for Cockapoos that are the result of first through sixth generation crosses. The Registry stipulates that “a true Cockapoo is ONLY a planned and purposeful crossing of a purebred Cocker Spaniel with a purebred Poodle”. With the help of responsible breeders and national organisations and clubs, the Cockapoo, in one form or another, could be on its way to becoming much more than a “designer breed”.