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Breed profile

Cockapoo

A Cocker Spaniel × Poodle cross. Usually cheerful and people-focused, but size, coat and temperament vary a lot.

Apricot Cockapoo with a curly coat standing on a lawn, tongue out
A curly apricot Cockapoo on the lawn.Photo: Ellisn95 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
5–11 kg11–24 lb
Height
25–46 cm10–18 in
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Group
Crossbreed
Origin
United States
Popularity
—Crossbreed (not ranked) ·

Known for: Family dogsFirst-time owners

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Affectionate, Lively, Sociable, Eager to learn.

Health problems to know about

  • Ear infections
  • Inherited eye disease (cataracts, PRA, glaucoma)
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Obesity

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

An hour of exercise and play a day. Brush several times a week and clip every 6 to 8 weeks; check and dry ears after swims. Ask for eye and hip results for both parents.

A good fit for

Families, first-time owners, people home for much of the day.

Probably not ideal for

Owners wanting a guaranteed non-shedding coat (it varies), long hours alone (separation anxiety is common).

Sources

  1. PetMD (vet-reviewed): Cockapoo
  2. Wikipedia: Cockapoo

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

Similar breeds

All breeds
An apricot Cavapoo with a wavy coat trots across a lawn towards the camera

Cavapoo

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel crossed with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Usually sociable and bright, but size, coat and health vary widely.

Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lying with its chin on the grass in front of a hedge

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Sweet, gentle and adaptable, with serious inherited heart and neurological risks.

A black-and-white Boston Terrier lies on a grey carpet, looking at the camera with upright ears

Boston Terrier

Compact, tuxedo-marked companion with a big personality. Easy to live with, but the short face brings real breathing and overheating risks.

A sable-and-white Shetland Sheepdog stands on a stone patio beside a lawn, looking back over its shoulder

Shetland Sheepdog

Small, clever herding dog in a big coat. Quick to learn, keen to please and very fond of the sound of its own voice.

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