Paula M. Wilson - Cockapoo: Cocker Spaniels Meet Poodles!

Cockapoos are a big hit on Instagram. One cockapoo named Oliver has nearly 8,000 followers.

Cockapoos have been popular pets for more than 50 years.

hybrid dogs are usually bred to become pets, not working dogs. People seek out cockapoos because they want a friendly and snuggly companion.

Some people say that cockapoos started the hybrid dog craze. Cockapoos were first bred in the United States in the 1950s. No one knows where the first cockapoos were bred. Many people believe they were bred by accident.

The cockapoos purebred parents are two of the most popular dog breeds. Cocker spaniels have been bred for hundreds of years as hunting dogs and companions. Cocker spaniels have thick fur, floppy ears, and a friendly personality. There are two breeds of cocker spaniels: the American and the English cocker spaniel. The English cocker spaniel is taller and has a longer head than the American cocker spaniel. Either an American or an English cocker spaniel can be used to breed a cockapoo.

Cocker spaniels have long, wavy fur.

traits from both their poodle and cocker spaniel parents. They have many of the traits people find desirable in poodles and cocker spaniels.

Poodles have thick, curly fur.

The cockapoo is one of the most popular hybrid dogs. In the years since they were first bred, cockapoos have gained a large following. Cockapoos are especially popular in the United States and the United Kingdom. But their popularity extends worldwide.

Fact Box

Many celebrities own cockapoos. Actresses Ashley Judd and Jennifer Aniston own cockapoos. Singer Lady Gaga also owns a cockapoo.

CHAPTER THREE

ALL ABOUT THE COCKAPOO

Cockapoos are not all the same size. Some cockapoos are bigger or taller than others. The size of a cockapoo depends on the size of its poodle parent. The smallest cockapoos are called toy cockapoos. They grow to about 10 inches (25 centimeters) tall. They weigh about 12 pounds (5 kilograms). Mini cockapoos are usually 11 to 14 inches (28 to 36 cm) tall. They usually weigh 12 to 20 pounds (5 to 9 kg). Standard cockapoos are about 15 inches (38 cm) tall. They typically weigh about 20 pounds (9 kg).

Even the largest cockapoos are smaller than many other dogs.

Fact Box

Some cockapoos sleep flat on their backs with their legs up in the air and their heads thrown back. This position is often called a poo pose. Many owners enjoy taking pictures of their cockapoos in these funny positions.

Cockapoos can have many color combinations. Common colors include black, brown, white, apricot, cream, and red. Some cockapoos are a single color. Other cockapoos have coats with two or even three colors. A cockapoos coat color may change as the dog gets older. Some cockapoos have thick and silky coats that are slightly wavy, similar to the cocker spaniels coat. Some cockapoos have very curly coats, similar to the poodles coat.

Some cockapoos coats have a combination of colors.

Fact Box

A cockapoo may inherit a certain poodle that controls its coat color. Its coat color may fade to a lighter shade as it ages.

PLEASING PERSONALITIES

Along with physical traits, cockapoos can also inherit personality traits from cocker spaniels and poodles. Cockapoos are often calm and friendly like the cocker spaniel. They are also smart and do not shed much. They get these traits from the poodle. Because of their easygoing manner, cockapoos often get along well with small children and other pets. They make fun companions because they are often loyal and eager to please.

Therapy Cockapoos

Some cockapoos work as therapy dogs. Therapy dogs help comfort people who are sick or have disabilities. Cockapoos tend to have a gentle and loving personality, so they make great therapy dogs. In the United Kingdom, a cockapoo named Bilbo Baggins won the Crufts Therapy Dog of the Year award in 2016. Bilbo is a cuddly black cockapoo that visits a school for children with disabilities. He helps children feel calm.

CHAPTER FOUR

CARING FOR YOUR COCKAPOO

All dogs need proper care to stay healthy. Before deciding to get a cockapoo, your family should think about what a cockapoo will need. When you take good care of your cockapoo, you help it stay happy and healthy.