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Cockapoo

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not to be confused with Cockatoo.
Cockapoo
A young adult (1 ¼ years) male F1B Cockapoo weighing ~8kg (18lbs) (Leonard).
Other namesCockerpoo
Spoodle (AU/NZ)[1]
OriginUnited States
Foundation stockCocker Spaniel and
Poodle
Breed statusNot recognized as a breed by any major kennel club.
Traits
Height ≈ 14–15 in (36–38 cm)
Weight ≈ 20–24 lb (9.1–10.9 kg)
Coat Long hair
Color All colors and combinations of colors
Dog (domestic dog)

The cockapoo, also known as a cockerpoo (portmanteau of cocker spaniel and poodle), is a dog crossbreed bred from the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, most commonly the Miniature Poodle.[2][3][4][5]

History

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The cockapoo was first bred as a designer dog in the United States with the aim of producing a healthy companion dog that, it is claimed by its supporters, does not inherit many of the health defects common in the two parent breeds due to hybrid vigor.[3][4] If both parents are healthy this can be true and the crossbreed is typically more genetically diverse than purebred dogs; however, "hybrid vigor" indicates an increased probability of health rather than a definite one for any specific animal.[6] Cocker Spaniels and Poodles have been deliberately crossed in the United States since the 1960s.[3][5]

In 2022, cockapoos were one of the most expensive dog varieties in the United Kingdom, costing an average of £1,336.15.[7] Between 2019 and 2020, the average price in the UK rose by 168 percent, a result of increased demand caused by a national lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[8]

Dimensions and appearance

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Cockapoo indoors
White cockapoo with brown ears

As with most animal crossbreeds, there is a great deal of variability in the cockapoo's dimensions and appearance.[4] All colours or combinations of colours can be found and the coat can be straight, wavy, or curled.[5]

Individual dogs that weigh less than 12 pounds (5.4 kg) are labelled toy cockapoos, dogs that weigh between 13 and 18 pounds (5.9 and 8.2 kg) miniature cockapoos and dogs weighing over 19 pounds (8.6 kg) standard cockapoos.[5] Cockapoos can vary in temperament and in need for exercise.[9]

Cockapoos can inherit the "Poodle fading gene," which causes their coat colour to lighten over time. This gene, common in Poodles, affects melanin production, leading to gradual fading of dark coats to lighter shades, such as black to grey or brown to beige. The extent of fading in Cockapoos varies depending on genetic factors and environmental influences like sun exposure.[10][11][12]

Example of F1B Cockapoo Growth

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The images below show the growth and development of a Cockapoo named Leonard, a F1B Cockapoo, which means he is a second-generation crossbreed (here, a Toy Poodle father and a Cockapoo mother). This breeding aims to enhance specific traits such as coat quality and hypoallergenic properties.

Leonard's coat transitions from a lighter apricot to a richer red as he ages, demonstrating typical variations seen in Cockapoos. These changes are influenced by genetics, lighting, and grooming practices.

  • Leonard at three months, with a blonde/lightly apricot coat.
    Leonard at three months, with a blonde/lightly apricot coat.
  • Leonard at seven months, with a mostly blonde coat and more curls.
    Leonard at seven months, with a mostly blonde coat and more curls.
  • Leonard at ten months, showing deeper red colouring and defined curls.
    Leonard at ten months, showing deeper red colouring and defined curls.
  • Leonard at one year and one month, with a fluffy, fully developed red coat.
    Leonard at one year and one month, with a fluffy, fully developed red coat.
  • Leonard at two years and seven months, featuring a well-groomed more faded red coat.
    Leonard at two years and seven months, featuring a well-groomed more faded red coat.
  • A 'Lennyverse' showing the variety in Leonard's coat over time, in different lights and at different lengths.
    A 'Lennyverse' showing the variety in Leonard's coat over time, in different lights and at different lengths.

Crossbreeding

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In order to promote the crossbreed in the United States, a dedicated club has been formed, the Cockapoo Club of America.[13]

Cockapoos are available in F1, F2, and F2B, which is dependent on the parent dogs. An F1 cockapoo is bred from a purebred poodle and a cocker spaniel. This can also be called a first-generation cockapoo. When two F1 cockapoos are bred together this creates an F2 cockapoo, and there are many other combinations breeding back towards the original poodle or cocker spaniel breed.[citation needed]

Temperament and intelligence

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Cockapoo puppy, 6 months old

Cockapoos are known for their affectionate nature and lively personalities. It’s encouraged that owners enrol their cockapoos in puppy training classes for proper obedience and socialisation. Cockapoos are energetic and require attention, exercise, and training to prevent boredom and potential recklessness. It's important to note that, due to their sociable nature, if left alone for too long cockapoos have been known to develop separation anxiety.[14]

Cockapoos are considered highly intelligent dogs, a trait they inherit from their parent breeds, the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. Poodles are renowned for their intelligence and rank as the second most intelligent dog breed according to Stanley Coren’s scale of dog intelligence, which measures the ability to learn commands and problem-solving skills.[15] Cocker Spaniels, while primarily known for their affectionate and sociable nature, also exhibit above-average intelligence, ranking among the top 20 in Coren’s list of intelligent dog breeds.[16] As a result of these genetic influences, Cockapoos often display remarkable trainability, learning new commands quickly and excelling in various canine activities such as agility and obedience training.[17]

This blend of intelligence not only makes Cockapoos easy to train but also requires that they be mentally stimulated to prevent boredom and the development of behavioural issues. Studies have shown that intelligent breeds benefit significantly from interactive play, training exercises, and tasks that challenge their problem-solving abilities.[18] The combination of Poodle and Cocker Spaniel genetics ensures that Cockapoos are not only capable of learning quickly but also adapt well to a variety of living situations, making them popular pets in diverse environments.[19]

Health

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Crossbreeds like cockapoos are generally healthy and are known to have fewer predisposed health conditions compared to some purebred dogs. However, owners should be aware of common health concerns such as allergies, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal issues.[20]

Cockapoos require regular grooming every 6-8 weeks to maintain a healthy coat, prevent matting, and keep the dog comfortable. Grooming practices such as trimming, brushing, and bathing can significantly alter a Cockapoo’s appearance. Proper grooming not only enhances the dog's appearance but also supports overall health by preventing skin issues and discomfort.[21][22]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Spoodle". RSPCA Insurance. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  2. ^ Oxford University Press (2019). "Cockapoo". Oxford Dictionary. Lexico.com. Archived from the original on 8 June 2020. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
  3. ^ a b c Fogle, Bruce (2009). The Encyclopedia of the Dog. New York: DK Publishing. p. 285. ISBN 978-0-7566-6004-8. OCLC 1033562587.
  4. ^ a b c Morris, Desmond (2002). Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds. North Pomfret, Vermont: Trafalgar Square Publishing. p. 559. ISBN 978-1-57076-219-2. OCLC 1035898723.
  5. ^ a b c d Gagne, Tammy (2007). Designer Dogs. Neptune City, New Jersey: TFH Publications. pp. 11–12. ISBN 978-0-7938-3791-5. OCLC 1029026538.
  6. ^ Beuchat, Carol (2014-02-22). "The myth of hybrid vigor in dogs...is a myth". The Institute of Canine Biology.
  7. ^ Joyner, Lisa (March 28, 2022). "25 of the UK's most expensive dog breeds in 2022". Country Living. Archived from the original on June 19, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  8. ^ Watson, Calum (September 18, 2020). "Puppy prices soar during coronavirus lockdown". BBC News. Archived from the original on April 3, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  9. ^ Palika, Liz (2007). The Howell Book of Dogs. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley. pp. 204–205. ISBN 978-0-470-00921-5. OCLC 1244843735.
  10. ^ "Poodle Fading Gene: Colour Fading in Poodles". Doodle Pooch Designs. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  11. ^ "The Poodle Fading Gene: How Does it Affect Doodles?". Doodle Doods. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  12. ^ "Do Cockapoos Fade in Color? A Color Guide With Pictures". Poodle Report. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  13. ^ Woolf, Norma Bennet (2007). Hot Dogs!: Fourteen of the Top Designer Dogs. Hauppauge, New York: Barron's Educational Series. p. 36. ISBN 978-0-7641-3512-5. OCLC 1149427229.
  14. ^ "The 4 most popular Cockapoo questions answered". Country Living. 2023-03-04. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  15. ^ Coren, Stanley (2006). The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions. Free Press. ISBN 978-0743280877.
  16. ^ Coren, Stanley (2006). The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions. Free Press. ISBN 978-0743280877.
  17. ^ Helton, W. S. (2009). Canine Ergonomics: The Science of Working Dogs. CRC Press. ISBN 978-1420079920.
  18. ^ Overall, K. L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier Health Sciences. ISBN 978-0323240659.
  19. ^ Serpell, J. (1995). The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521425377.
  20. ^ "The 4 most popular Cockapoo questions answered". Country Living. 2023-03-04. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  21. ^ "Your Cockapoo Grooming Guide: Expert Tips and Techniques for Pet Grooming". Waggel. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  22. ^ "How to Groom a Cockapoo: 9 Expert Tips". Dogster. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
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