Dog breeds / Cockapoo
Photo: Breogan2008 · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Dog breed
Cockapoo
The cockapoo is a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle, first bred in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. The goal was a companion dog with a gentle, friendly nature and a coat that sheds less than either parent's, which made it popular with families and people with mild allergies.
Cockapoos are usually affectionate, eager to please, and happiest when they are close to their people. They tend to be playful and quick to learn, and many are fairly vocal, using barks and whines to get attention. Their size and temperament vary a lot between individuals, depending on which parent is dominant in a given puppy.
Day to day, a cockapoo needs regular walks, short training sessions, and time with people rather than long stretches alone. Their coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent mats, and their ears and eyes need routine checks. They do well with puzzle toys and games that keep their busy minds occupied.
Good for: Families, first-time owners, and people wanting a low-shedding companion
| Size | small |
| Weight | 11–26 lb |
| Height | 10–15 in |
| Life span | 12 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | low |
| Origin | United States |
Cockapoos need regular grooming and daily company, so plan for both before bringing one home.
Living with a Cockapoo
Exercise
Most adult cockapoos need about 60 minutes of exercise a day, split between walks and active play such as fetch or games. Without enough activity they can become bored, restless, and more prone to barking or chewing.
Grooming
The coat is curly or wavy and sheds much less than many breeds, but it needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent mats. Bathe every few weeks, trim the coat every six to eight weeks, and check ears regularly because floppy ears can trap moisture.
At home
Cockapoos are generally good with children who are gentle and respectful, and they usually get along well with other dogs and with cats they have grown up with. They adapt to apartments if they get enough walks and attention, though a yard is a bonus for play. They can find long periods alone hard, so they do best in homes where someone is around for much of the day or where they can be gradually taught to settle.
Training
Cockapoos respond well to reward-based training, positive reinforcement, and short, upbeat sessions of about five to ten minutes. Early socialising with people, dogs, and everyday sounds helps them grow into confident adults. Expect a stubborn streak at times and some sensitivity to harsh correction, and plan on working on recall and calm behaviour consistently over time.
Health
Cockapoos can be prone to ear infections, hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and patellar luxation. Ask your vet about screening for these conditions when choosing a puppy and at regular checkups.
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Cockapoo
Feeding, adult
1.25–1.75 cups a day
About 558 kcal, roughly 11 lb of dry food a month at 11–26 lb. Start here and adjust to the bag and your vet. Portion calculator →
What a year costs
$1,300–$2,300
Food about $411, plus routine vet care, parasite preventives and gear. US averages; insurance and emergencies on top.
Weather
Watch above 75°F, stop at 85°F
Coat or short walks below 40°F. Small dogs lose heat fast: a coat below about 40°F, and keep walks short in the cold.
Where a Cockapoo is comfortable
Easy most of the year: California, Oregon, Washington.
Summer needs care (early walks, shade, AC): Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas.
Winter needs care (coat, short walks): Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Both seasons need care: Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, DC.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Indoor life changes everything; this is about walks and time outside.
Right now
Latest dog food recalls
Fromm: Fromm wet canned dog food
Fromm Family Foods LLC · Aug 21 · Potential metal contamination
Oma’s Pride: Canine Food
Miller Foods, Inc. · Aug 17 · Contaminated with Salmonella
Pedigree: High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor Wet Dog Food
Mars Petcare US, Inc. · Jul 2 · Potential foreign plastic contamination
Popular Cockapoo names
From 2,997 licensed Cockapoos in New York City. All forty, with counts →
Is a Cockapoo right for you?
- Yes if you want a close companion who follows you around
- Yes if you can brush the coat several times a week
- Think twice if you are often away for long hours
- Think twice if you want a very quiet dog
- Yes if you enjoy daily walks and training games
Questions owners ask
Do cockapoos shed?
Cockapoos shed far less than many breeds, but not none at all. Their curly coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting, and some individuals shed a little more than others.
Can a cockapoo live in an apartment?
Yes, cockapoos can do well in apartments if they get daily walks, play, and mental stimulation. They are adaptable, but they still need company and should not be left alone for very long.
Do cockapoos bark a lot?
Cockapoos can be vocal, especially when bored, lonely, or wanting attention. Consistent training and enough exercise usually help reduce excessive barking.
Are cockapoos good with kids?
Many cockapoos are gentle and affectionate with children, especially those who are respectful. Supervision is still recommended with young children, as with any dog.
How much does a cockapoo cost?
Prices vary widely by breeder, region, and lineage. Choose a reputable breeder who health-tests the parents, as cheap puppies can lead to higher vet costs later.
Good picks for a Cockapoo
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Written by Pawdeck editors · updated Nov 12, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.