. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Poodles are a very popular breed to keep as pets and also very popular to breed with other dog breeds. For more information on the popularity of the poodle, see the article on this site on Poodle Popularity.

Although there are no breeds of poodles, there are many poodle mixes. One of the most popular poodle mixes is the Cockapoo described in this article.

cockapoo

By mixing the Poodle breed with the Cocker Spaniel breed, a Cockapoo is created. The Cockapoo is not a breed of dog, rather it is a mixed breed and in theory takes on all the desirable qualities of its parents. In reality, one hopes that the mixed breed dog will adopt the desirable traits of the purebred dog.

From the Cocker Spaniel, you would expect the mixed puppy to take on the Cocker’s characteristics of being soft, friendly, having a pleasant personality and a stocky build. The Poodle breed traits to look for are smarts, intelligence, and a hypoallergenic coat that does not shed.

THE HAIR OF THE POODLE

The poodle’s coat is one of the main reasons it is mixed with other breeds. The poodle’s coat does not shed and is hypoallergenic, which means that the poodle is (in my opinion) the best breed of dog if you suffer from allergies. Most people will not have an allergic reaction to a poodle.

HEALTH AND GENETIC DISORDERS

By mixing two breeds, Cockapoo puppies become less prone to genetic disorders. Poor parenting, such as brother and sister mating, is a cause of genetic disorders. Crossing with a completely different lineage from a different breed strengthens the gene pool of the puppies.

When Poodles became a popular dog, this caused a high demand for Poodle puppies. Poodles were bred for money, not health. Inbreeding and unhealthy breeding occurred rampantly causing genetic health problems for future generations of these poodles. The same bad breeding was done to Cocker Spaniels as their popularity grew. Known healthy garlics are associated with each breed due to breeding to meet demand versus breeding to improve the quality of the breed.

It is possible to obtain a healthy thoroughbred. Proper breeding was also done at the time of the breed’s popularity. By researching the parent lineage, and/or having both the sire and dam registered with the AKC, you can ensure healthy genetic lines for the purebred puppy.

NO TRAIT WARRANTY

Remember, when mixing breeds, the traits you like about one breed will not necessarily be passed on to the litter. Combining the best traits of both breeds is the goal. Some of the mongrel puppies will have the desirable traits, or they may have one or two of the desired traits.

It is expected that when mixing a poodle with a cocker spaniel, the cockapoo will have a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, be highly intelligent, friendly, and have a stocky build. Some cockatoos will have less loose fur and will be less likely to cause allergic reactions. Some cockatoos will have fur that sheds and will cause allergic reactions. The same goes for all traits.

Cockapoos are not a recognized breed of dog. At least not yet. If cockapoos with the desired traits are crossed with other cockapoos with the desired traits from a different lineage, over time the cockapoo will have predictable traits. For example, all purebred poodles have a non-shedding coat and are hypoallergenic. The purebred Cocker Spaniel has a coat that sheds and will cause allergic reactions. As of now, cockapoos may or may not have a non-shedding coat, or less-shedding coat than the Cocker Spaniel. Researching the breeder of the cockapoo and seeing the parents is the best indication of the traits of a specific cockapoo puppy.

The mix of traits will be in each litter and puppies from the same litter may have different traits. One may have a coat that sheds and another may have a coat that does not shed. One puppy can be very active and another quiet.

PERSONALITY

Well-bred cockapoos are calm, fun, gentle, and affectionate. They are nice, patient and very sweet. Their intelligence helps them to be trained and entertained.

The personality of a dog depends mainly on the parents. To predict personality, get to know the parents and take the time to get to know them. There are cocker spaniels and poodles that are skittish, nervous, and unfriendly, which will pass on these undesirable traits. There are known health problems for each breed that will pass on the genetic tendency for that health problem.

By spending time with the puppy before committing a great deal of distress can be avoided.

CARE OF A COCKAPOO

Cockapoo puppies can be cared for with weekly baths, brushing, and nail trimming. They can live long and healthy lives with proper nutrition, medical care, and good living conditions.

Cockapoo puppies have a very good immune system so they are less prone to illness. They stay healthy with regular physical exercises. The cockapoo needs physical activity and loves to play. At a minimum, take them for a daily walk and have room for them to run and play or take them to a dog park.

COCKAPOOS AND CHILDREN

Cockapoo’s nature makes them ideal for children. They love being with children and will make an excellent companion. The personality traits of calm and patience can make the cockapoo an excellent choice for a child with emotional challenges, such as being withdrawn or autistic. The cockapoo can be an excellent therapy dog.

LOOKING FOR COCOA

Cockapoo breeders can obtain a state license or register with the American Cockapoo Club as a way of showing that they are expert breeders. Cockapoo breeders raise healthy, well-socialized puppies in a variety of colors and coats. Research the breeder and ask lots of questions until he feels confident about the puppy he is about to buy. To say that a dog is a Cockapoo does not exactly imply that the parents of Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are purebreds. Many cross breeds of poodles have more than one breed in the bloodline. See if the breeder has a hereditary chart from the parents, called sire and dam.

It pays to take the time to examine the breeders. Make sure the cockapoo is healthy and well-mannered. A well-bred cockapoo will make a wonderful and loving addition to your home. Take care of yourself.

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