What do you get when you cross a Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle? A Cockapoo! Also known as Spoodle, the Cockapoo is a hybrid, designer breed that emerged from the United States during the 1960s.
As a small breed, they’re perfect for owners living in apartments, units, or inner-city housing. Cockapoos are intelligent and enjoy the company of humans, so you’ll have no problem socialising them from an early age.
If you’re looking for a little more joy in life, the Cockapoo can definitely provide you with some! Read our guide below to see if Cockapoos are the pet for you.
If you’d like to get to know the breed a little more closely, here are a few key traits and facts about the Cockapoo:
Cockapoos have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Cockapoos usually reach their full weight and height by nine months old. Healthy male and female Miniature Cockapoos, bred from Cocker Spaniels and Miniature Poodles, are between 25 - 38 cm tall and weigh between 6 - 8 kgs. While Toy Cockapoos tend to weigh less than 6kgs.
Because Cockapoos are a mixed breed, their coat texture can vary. In general, Cockapoos shed a low to moderate amount, like their Cocker Spaniel and Poodle ancestors.
One look at their friendly faces, and you’ll realise why Cockapoos are a very sought-after dog breed. Cockapoos are charming, intelligent, and a great companion for any type of owner. Their small size, coupled with their temperament, can make them a great dog for apartments with limited backyard space. If you’re looking for a pet that loves to cuddle up on the couch, the Cockapoo will provide endless affection, but Cockapoo owners will have to reciprocate the love with walks and exercise.
Cockapoos were bred to be companion dogs, so they usually have a lot of appreciation for their fellow humans. They’re intelligent and quick learners with outgoing personalities. Whether you want to relax and watch a movie or go for a jog, Cockapoos are always up to do things with you. Cockapoos can sometimes get separation anxiety, so include your Cockapoo in as many family activities as possible.
Like any breed of dog, early socialisation and training are a must to ensure your Cockapoo is comfortable around different people, pets, and environments. Puppy pre-school is a great way to instil good behaviours early in your Cockapoos’ life.
Depending on their genes, Cockapoo dogs have long coats with various textures, straight to curly fur, and different colour combinations. Brush Cockapoos daily to maintain their coat's health. Because of their Cocker Spaniel heritage, you need to clean their ears regularly to prevent infection and bacteria from building up.
Cockapoos have low exercise needs, but you still need to incorporate some into their schedule. Aim for about 30 minutes of walking or playing per day. Getting out for walks is important if you live in an apartment or inner-city housing with limited outdoor space.
Diet often depends on the size and age of your Cockapoo, but in general, aim to feed them 1/4 to 3/4 cups of healthy, high-quality dry food twice daily. Prioritise scheduled feeding over free feeding to ensure your Cockapoo maintains its weight.
Luxating Patella is a common hereditary condition that affects a Cockapoo’s kneecaps, causing them to dislocate or slip out of place. If your Cockapoo starts limping or avoids using a specific leg, that’s a sign they may be experiencing pain from this condition. It’s best to consult your vet if you start noticing any symptoms.
Due to their Cocker Spaniel genetics, Cockapoos can be prone to different types of ear conditions. Common infections include ear mites, bacterial and yeast infections. Regular cleaning can help curb bacteria from spreading and keep your Cockapoos ears healthy.
If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your Cockapoo, factors like age and location could affect the cost of your premium. Everyday Pet Insurance offers Basic, Standard, Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover that helps protect you and your furry friend. Check what each insurance cover includes.
Claim up to $30,000 a year
Get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills
Your pet is covered from 8 weeks old for life
Claim your benefit on the spot and only pay the gap on eligible claims=
# Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.
* Exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply.
‡ Cover is available for the life of your pet provided you renew your policy each year without any break, lapse or change in the level of Cover. This means once your pet is insured with us and as long as we continue to offer the product, you will be able to renew your policy for that pet for life provided you continuously maintain the cover. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.
= The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly® to search for GapOnly® enabled vets. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).
Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.