The Cocker Spaniel mix with Poodle is one of the most popular designer dogs on the market today. This awesome breed features a cross between a Miniature Poodle and an American or English Cocker Spaniel.
This small to medium-sized crossbreed is known for being active, outgoing, and kind. And while they love to play outdoors, this hybrid will enjoy sitting on your lap so you can watch your favorite show or movie together. The Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix is smart and loving, traits that make them wonderful family pets and companions.
Is this mix the right choice for you? We understand that how we described this hybrid sounds intriguing. However, there is more to dog ownership than just the charming personality.
his article includes everything you need to know about the mix Poodle and Cocker Spaniel. We have covered all aspects, including temperament, appearance, caring tips, health concerns, and more. Continue reading to understand this adorable mix better.
What do you call a mix of a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle?
The mix Poodle and Cocker Spaniel are commonly known as the Cockapoo. Other names include Cockapoodle, Cock-a-Poo, and Cockerpoo.
Being a designer dog, the Cockapoo is not recognized by the AKC as a dog breed. However, they can register with the DRA, IDCR, DDKC, and ACHC registries.
Why mix with Poodle?
The Poodle is one of the most-liked dog breeds that breeders use when developing designer dogs. This is primarily because the Poodle has extremely desirable traits that balance what other dog breeds have when crossed. Their unique dog IQ ranks them highly in terms of intelligence and makes them easy to train when it comes to work and obedience.
Poodles are hypoallergic and come in stunning coat textures and colors that are appealing to the eyes of many dog lovers. All dogs mixed with the Poodle inherit most of these characteristics that make them excellent companions and family dogs.
Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 10 to 15 inches |
| Weight | 12 to 24 lbs. |
| Lifespan | 14 to 18 years |
| Grooming | Depends on the coat |
| Temperament | Affectionate, amusing, outgoing & loyal |
| Coat | Single, dense & low-shedding |
| Color varieties | Black, cream, apricot, red, and chocolate |
History of the Breed
The Cockapoo is one of the oldest hybrids when it comes to the designer dogs variety with a history that dates back to the 1960s. Like with many hybrids, the first mix is thought to have been by chance, but it prompted the intentional breeding of the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. If the laid plans become successful, the Cockapoo might end up becoming a true breed.
The Cockapoo’s growth in popularity led to the forming of the Cockapoo Club of America in 1999 and it developed a breed standard of the hybrid. Many other registries have been formed since then, like the North American Cockapoo Registry (1999) and the American Cockapoo Club (2004). Enough of the Cockapoo breeding philosophies and back to our goal.
Let us see the famous parents of the Poodle mix with Cocker Spaniel.
Parents
The Poodle – Although there is some confusion about the origin of the Poodle dog breed, these lovable doggies came from Germany. Another theory is that Poodles found their way to France, and they developed into their own unique breed, and they are now the national dog of the state. Initially, Poodles were created to assist wildfowl hunters to retrieve birds and game. In France, they were circus comics before becoming the companions and family dogs we know today.
This dog breed is cherished for its admirable characteristics, intelligence, and high dog IQ that rates them in the top 3 most intelligent pooches. They are easy to train in work and obedience. The Poodle comes in 4 varieties but only three, including the Toy, Miniature, and Standard types are recognized universally. They were accepted as a breed by the AKC in 1887.
The Poodle has a lifespan of between 10 and 12 years but there are some health problems that may affect this expectancy. Common health problems in Poodles are hip dysplasia, bloat, cancer, Addison’s disease, eyelid problems, PRA, thyroid issues, and skin problems. Cataracts, ear infections, and epilepsy are also possible health concerns.
The Cocker Spaniel – This dog breed hails from the UK and was primarily bred as a hunting dog. It hunted the Eurasian woodcock. When the breed made its way to the US, it was bred into a different standard that specialized in hunting the American woodcock. The Cocker Spaniel was documented by the AKC as a breed in 1878.
This dog breed is recognized for its gentle and even-tempered disposition as well as being lively and affectionate. They relate well with kids, strangers, and animals which makes them excellent family pets. The Cocker Spaniel is an incredibly smart dog that ranks in 20th position among the most intelligent dogs known to man. They are easy to train and eager to learn new skills.
The American Cocker Spaniels has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years but is predisposed to serious health problems like glaucoma, PRA, patellar luxation, and cataracts. Minor health issues are bloat, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy.
Appearance
It is not always easy to tell what your mix Poodle and Cocker Spaniel will look like. Your Cockapoo can either inherit a blend of both parents’ looks or take after one more. Either way, they look incredibly adorable!
Although the size mostly depends on whether it is the Toy or Miniature Poodle that was used, Cockapoos are classified as small-medium-sized hybrids. They stand between 10 and 15 inches and weigh 12 to 24 lbs. These pooches are well-proportioned with an athletic and sturdy build with a round head, black nose, and brown eyes.
If your Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix comes with a brown nose, their eyes will be black in color while pups with a lighter nose feature hazel or green eyes. Add their hanging ears to that and you have an extremely pretty doggie. Your Cockapoo can inherit any of the three coat types depending on the parent they favor most. So, expect a medium curl coat, tight curly coat, or a flat coat. Regardless of the type, the mix has a single coat that is very dense and low shedding.
A Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix can be tri-colored or come with a solid, phantom, or part colored. Possible colors include chocolate, apricot, red, black, merle, brown, sable, and tan.
Temperament and Characteristics
The mix Cocker Spaniel and Poodle have an affectionate, outgoing, and devoted disposition, all the qualities you need in a companion or family dog. These pooches are attached to their owners which means they will follow you around wherever you go in the house. Cockapoos like seeking your attention and you must give it to them.
Unfortunately, this clingy nature makes the hybrid prone to separation anxiety when you live with them for long periods of time. You know the drill when boredom and anxiety knock on your dog’s door, right? Although Cockapoos are sociable, they might inherit their Poodle parent’s shyness towards strangers causing them to be reserved. On the other hand, they can exhibit aggression causing them to bark at strangers like the Cocker Spaniel parent.
Therefore, you need to socialize your Cockapoo from their puppyhood stage to help curb the traits mentioned above. They will be good with kids, as long as they do not harass them, and other pets as well. If you see your mixed breed has started chasing after birds or smaller animals, those are the Cocker Spaniel parent’s hunting instincts at work.
Ease of Training
One of the major advantages that come with owning a Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix is that they are intelligent like both parents. Even better, they are devoted to their owners and are always eager to please. So, you should use these traits to strengthen the bond with your Cockapoo as it will be an advantage when training them.
Your mix will respond well to positive reinforcement and praises instead of being harsh. So, make the sessions entertaining even more by incorporating rewards for what they do right. Remember to keep your training sessions short and entertaining because this mixed breed gets bored easily.
Exercise
The mix Poodle and Cocker Spaniel is both smart and active. What this means is that they will need adequate exercises that stimulate both their physical and mental status. Your Cockapoo should exercise for at least 90 minutes daily with activities such as walks, a run, or a hike. They will also enjoy playing games with you such as fetch and frisbees.
Due to their social nature, take them for exercise in dog parks and in busy areas where they can meet new pooches and people. Allow them to experience the world beyond your home to nurture confidence and familiarity.
Nutritional Requirements
Your Cockapoo’s dietary needs will depend on its age, weight, energy level, and size. The dog food you give them should be appropriate for their needs and made with quality ingredients that foster your dog’s health.
This mixed breed needs to eat ¼ to ¾ cup of premium kibble per day split into two servings. If you are not sure which dog food or how much your Cockapoo needs, speak to your vet so you can come up with a feeding schedule that is appropriate for them.
Health Issues
The Cockapoo is susceptible to health conditions that affect both parents but will be healthier than them generally. Some common health issues affecting the Cockapoo include heart valve disease, von Willebrand’s disease, epilepsy, PRA, patella luxation, and hip dysplasia.
Taking your mix Poodle and Cocker Spaniel to a vet regularly for checkups will help determine any underlying health issues leading to a healthier pooch.
Life Expectancy
The Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix has a lengthy lifespan as it is likely to live between 14 and 18 years.
How to Care for them
Caring for your Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix means giving them ample exercise, feeding them the right diet, and grooming them appropriately. Taking your Cockapoo to the vet for checkups is also recommended.
Grooming
A mix Poodle and Cocker Spaniel have a coat that grows very long which means you will need to trim them occasionally to keep them smart and attractive. The grooming needs of your Cockapoo depend on the coat they will inherit. Those with a straighter coat are easier to maintain by brushing them twice or thrice a week.
If your Cockapoo has a curly coat, they need to be brushed daily to prevent the hair from matting and tangling. Taking them to a pro groomer occasionally for a professional touch is also advised. Keep your mixed breed’s nails trimmed and brush their teeth daily for optimal oral health.
Cost
A Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix puppy costs anywhere between $800 and $2,000, with the breeder’s reputation and location being price determinants.
To get a healthy dog, make sure that you buy from a responsible and reputable breeder that provides the background info of the parents who are used in crossing the Cockapoo. You can opt to buy your mixed breed pup from registered and responsible breeders such as the Cockapoo Club of America or the North American Cockapoo Registry.
Where to Adopt
You can adopt a Cockapoo instead of shopping and start by asking from your local shelter. You could also try your luck with rescue organizations of the parent breeds. A good example is the American Cockapoo Club or the Poo-Mix Rescue.
FAQs
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Hi there! My name is Alex Landy, one of the co-founders here at Our Pets HQ and a parent to a small-breed Yorkie. I am a published author of two books on dog breeding and currently write on various pet-related blogs about caring for dogs. I am a parent of two daughters and live outside Boston where I spend a lot of time with family and serve in different breeding clubs. You can reach me at alex@ourpetshq.com
