18/10/2024
Very good read if you have a cockapoo or thinking of getting one
I'm reposting this one from a while ago, because I'm currently getting lots of enquiries for support with Cockapoos. They're extremely popular but do they make the ideal pet dog? (Sorry it's a long one!)
This could be a bit controversial with my fellow cockapoo owners and could spark debate but as I took on a secondhand 'special' cockapoo, I feel I can share a bit more on this mix of breeds. They're one of the most popular dogs now, and I rarely have a class without at least one enrolled. Years ago people who wanted a medium sized dog would plump for something like a beagle or fox terrier but now the cockapoo has superceded this. They are very cute looking dogs, and puppies especially look like little teddy bears.
It's important to remember that even though this is a popular and commonly seen dog, it is not a recognised breed, it's a mix of two breeds. For this reason we can't compare individuals directly like we might with a breed like the labrador, because it can depend if they're a straight cross between a cocker and a poodle, what kind of cocker - show cockers make a much more steady cross than a busy working cocker for example, if it's a cockapoo to cockapoo mating, cockapoo back to a poodle etc etc. But there are some commonly occurring traits that we see again and again:
🐾 Intelligence - both breeds are extremely intelligent, and poodles are exceptionally so (and often underrated). Cockapoos MUST use that brain every single day, or else they will go "self-employed" and find their own amusement which often involves something that they know will get their owners attention.
🐾 Energy levels: both breeds are working breeds and because of this their energy levels are almost boundless (especially if the cocker gene is from the working strain). As adults they need a LOT of exercise and chances to run, but not necessarily to chase a ball continuously which is a common solution to burning energy. Throwing a ball repeatedly creates an athlete and can increase cortisol levels so that you end up with a dog that's constantly pumped up on adrenaline (dont get me started on this - that's a whole other post!). They make great companions to people who enjoy hiking, running, cycling etc.
🐾 Coat care - contrary to breeders using it as a selling point they are NOT a non-shedding breed. The extent of their shedding depends on what proportion of their genetics are poodle. They shed in a different way and it might be minimal but they do shed, so they are not hypoallergenic (believe me - I have an asthmatic son who reacts to dog hair!). Their coat may be less of a problem for allergic people though which is what we have found in our house. Because of the mix of coats (silky and woolly) they can mat very easily, so regular brushing with appropriate equipment (and careful introduction to this) and trips to a professional groomer are essential for their comfort and welfare.
🐾 Exercise needs - they are energetic (and that's putting it mildly!); tiring one of these out physically is hard. They can keep going (and going!) even when they're tired and their adrenaline takes over, then they keep going despite sometimes making poor choices due to tiredness. Instead of trying to only meet their physical energy they need to be tired out mentally with training, food puzzles, scentwork etc.
🐾 Temperament - affectionate, cuddly and very sweet. Can be extremely prone to sensitivities like noises, people, dogs, separation, other animals etc so careful socialisation is essential. Can also display frustration which can manifest as barking when they want something and can't access it - could be attention, a dropped toy or food, another dog, a cat etc.
🐾 Resource guarding - this is a term that means a dog guards anything they deem to be of value (a resource). This can be their bed, food, a toy, their human or even something like a stone they found! While this can be true of any dog, cocker spaniels are especially renowned for this in the dog behaviour world. This has transferred to the cockapoo world and is commonly seen - every dog trainer/behaviourist I speak to about my little guarder puts on a fake shocked face and replies with "what a shock, a cockapoo that guards resources"! 🤭
So let's answer the original question; good family pet or not?
Yes absolutely, they can be a wonderful family pet. They're loving, funny, great to train, fantastic to take on family days out as they have the stamina to keep pace, a good size as they're not too big but they're not a small, breakable dog.
BUT...I feel owners should go into it with their eyes wide open:
🐶 They need very careful socialising
👐🏼 They need to have very understanding handling from day one - exchange valuable items ALWAYS to create trust; even if they're not showing obvious guarding behaviours.
⚾ Train a retrieve and a drop, this will make it easier to ask them to give things up.
🪥 Groom before they get knotty and do it every day.
🧠 They need brain training - sign up to every class you can and practice at home daily (puppy training, adolescent training, gundog training, scentwork, agility, hoopers etc etc!)
🏠 Teach them how to be alone from day one very carefully and gently...the list goes on!
Be prepared for hands on dog ownership, this is not a breed that you can just leave to their own devices and hope for the best - they are not for the faint hearted! Don't get one if you're not prepared for constant hardwork and just want a dog that looks pretty but doesn't need much input from you!
But the most important thing is to research your breeder carefully. These are one of the most commonly puppy farmed dogs - make sure you know where they're coming from and meet at least the mum first. Many, many behaviour problems stem from poor breeding - poor genetics and poor socialisation during the critical period before they go to their new homes at 8 weeks old.
Please feel free to contact me to chat about this much loved cross.
Cheryl 🐾
