Cockapoo dogs are intelligent, loving, medium-size dogs whose parents are a purebred cocker spaniel and a poodle, or two cockapoo. The dogs have low-shed, curly, soft fur in a variety of colors and big brown eyes, and can weigh from 10 to 20 pounds, though teacup varieties are smaller. Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the cockapoo has been prevalent in the United States since 1960. They are loyal family pets with a lifespan of more than 15 years.

Cockapoo Personality

Poodles are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds, and the cockapoo gets much of its intelligence from this side of the family. Cockapoos are easily trained and are good with children, even small children who like to play rough. They are also friendly by nature, and easily adapt to living with other household pets.

Cockapoo Training

Cockapoos are generally not destructive. They respond well to lots of attention from their family, and enjoy being around people. Some cockapoos are prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to chewing and housebreaking problems if they spend too much time alone. Early training and lots of attention will ensure a happy, well-behaved pet.

Cockapoo Grooming

Cockapoos have fast-growing hair that needs to be groomed regularly. Some cockapoo owners opt to cut their dog's hair into a traditional cocker spaniel cut in which the top of the back is shaved smooth while the underside and ears are left long and silky. Others decide to use a standard poodle cut, or a teddy bear cut, in which the cockapoo's hair is cut uniformly short across its body and its facial fur kept full, yet trimmed. The choice depends on your personal preference and how often you want to groom your dog. Regular brushing will help prevent matting and lengthen the time between grooming sessions. Fortunately, the cockapoo produces little dander, which makes it a good pet for people with allergies.

Cockapoo Health Issues

The cockapoo is not particularly susceptible to many medical problems, though poorly bred strains can experience heart, eye and joint trouble. If you are intent on getting a cockapoo from a breeder, reputable registered breeders can be located through the North American Cockapoo Registry.

By Lisa McQuerrey

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