Simon James founded the Cockapoo For Life Website 10 years ago to help people find a Rescue Cockapoo or buy a Cockapoo puppy safely.
Simon is a lifelong dog owner going back to his childhood growing up with Labradors. He studied at Greenwich University and graduated with a BA Honours degree in Humanities.
Simon's full time career is in social housing where he often encounters dogs in unhappy situations and works with the Cinnamon Trust to arrange fostering for dogs in need. For more info see About Page and Facebook Page
When Cockapoo owners talk about common Cockapoo problems, separation anxiety inevitably comes up.
overcoming separation anxiety
Most dogs get very attached to their owner they can’t stand to be on their own. This is not uniquely a Cockapoo problem, but the Cockapoo is known to suffer particularly from separation anxiety. This is because smaller breeds of dog have been bred as companion dogs. As well as this, all dogs are pack animals that love company and family bonds.
Being apart is emotionally difficult for you the owner- and even worse for your dog. In fact, it’s just total panic for a dog that has never been taught to cope on his own.
Your prevention of separation anxiety needs to start the moment you first bring him home as a puppy or adult dog. This lesson will actually teach your Cockapoo to look forward to the time he is by himself.
5 Steps To Overcome separation anxiety
First of all get some baby gates installed around your house.
Give your Cockapoo something really nice to chew (the kong for example stuffed with treats) and leave him to it.
Leave via the baby gate and allow him to enjoy his reward.
To start with go to the end of the garden or around the block.
Keep doing this each day and increase the time you are away.
By gradually leaving him alone with something tasty for him you’re teaching him the coping strategies to stay on his own. He is learning ‘alone time’ is normal and part of his routine. Teaching this is going to save you both so much anxiety and stress- it’s essential training for the Cockapoo.
Cockapoo Problems and training programmes
Like all problem behaviours dogs can exhibit like nuisance barking, pulling on the lead, and not returning when called; a structured training program is needed. I’m always amazing why dog owners are reluctant to put the effort in at the beginning when the rewards are so great for life!
The Brown Cockapoo is adorable! We have already written about the popularity of the White, Chocolate and Cream Cockapoo. But brown is equally as popular and sought after among those searching for their first Cockapoo puppy. The picture below shows a typical mix of Cocker and Poodle style coats that is relatively easy to groom. Both are Standard size sometimes refereed to as maxi. This is the larger size for the Cockapoo and will need lost regular exercise.
brown cockapoo snuggles up with a cream cockapoo
Cockapoos are much sought after. Finding a good local breeding that doesn’t cut corners and encourages you, the buyer, to see the Cockapoo puppy with its mother before your commit is essential.
Enjoy these videos to see if Cockapoo ownership is for you
Do you have a favourite Cockapoo Colour – is it cream?
We have already looked at how popular some colours are Black, White, Chocolate. The Cream Cockapoo is another colour that is up there with the most popular. Shades of brown are often a feature especially round the ears and facial furnishings.
Red Cockapoos Coats appear along of spectrum of amazing shades.
A Cockapoo’s coat colour is decided by what genes are passed from the parent male and female to their puppies.
Dogs have approximately 19,000 genes in their canine genome but very few contribute to the colour variations in their coats. Nature has determined that most genes come in pairs, one from the Cockapoo’s mother and one from the male. Some genes have more than one version and the technical name for this is allele.
The Red Cockapoo (the same as all dog fur) is coloured with two types of melanin:
eumelanin (generating chocolate brown, grey, black pigment) and
phaeomelanin (generating tan pigments tan which notably includes all shades of red, gold and cream).
The absence of melanin will make a white coat.
Why are there so many shades of red Cockapoo?
The variations in genetic pathways coming from both parents lead to differences in concentration of the pheomelanin pigment.deposited in the hair/fur. This complex mix of genes produces a red spectrum of colour.
Are Red haired Cockapoos More Aggressive?
Research has been done on this subject. When I first heard about it I thought it was probably an old wives take similar to red headed women being feisty so I was surprised to hear there was some science behind it.
The explanation is red hair is a ‘hereditary factor for dominant–aggressive behaviour in the English Cocker Spaniel. You can read more here if you’re interested but this seems like a minor factor. Considering the importance of selecting a male and female with a good temperament and good socialisation with a loving family I certainly won’y worry about it.
Fox Red Cockapoo
have a lovely coat and are very sought after. They are not as popular as the black cockapoo or white cockapoo but they do have a strong following and are often requested from breeders.
What Is A Ruby Red Cockapoo Puppy
The deep red colour has a ruby like quality and is so gorgeous. The Puppy below is just 8 weeks old and although not the best photo, you can see the depth of the red which will come in stronger with the full adult coat at about one year.
Chocolate Cockapoos are one of the most popular colours
The cheeky grin. The Wagging tail!
We all know Chocolate Cockapoos are so popular and so wonderfully adorable and hansom. But have they always been one of the most sought after colours and why are there so many?
The popularity of the chocolate Cockapoo coat colour is primarily because this is a common primary colour for first cross (F1) breeding. Colours are inherited from the Poodle parent and the Cocker parent and the popular colours from the parent genes are mixed and bred down through genetic lines to the puppies.
I think they are a lovely colour and they come with different markings such as patches and ticking. You will see many distinct shades of Chocolate with a Poodle style close knit curl or longer wavy Cocker style coat. Owners are very proud to show off their chocolate Cockapoos…
NOt that I would recommend youtube as the place to begin your search for a chocolate Cockapoo puppy. However, videos can sometime be better than pictures as you can see the dog in a realistic setting.
A friend of mine recently bought a Cockador puppy and I was so impressed with how adorable it is I had to update my Cockapoo friends.
There is not much information about the origins of the Cockador. What I can determine by looking at Google search statistics is the term ‘Cockador’ first began to be searched on in 2005.
A Cockador is a hybrid dog similar to the Cockapoo. You may have made an educated guess that if a Cocker Spaniel is bred with a Labrador Cockador puppy is produced.
Retrievers and Labradors are known to be the most over-bred dogs, so instilling some hybrid vigor, by bringing in another blood line and strengthening the genetics with a Cocker parent is a good idea.
Cockador Temperament
You need to mindful that Labradors are gun dogs. This means they are going to have a strong retrieving instincts. Their friendly temperament has led The Labrador to be a popular choice as a disability assistance dog. We can deduce from this the Cockador will have the same friendly and trainable temperament that the Labrador is famous for.
Cocker Spaniels were also bred as hunting dogs so this retrieving characteristic is going to be enhanced further. You may want to check if the parents come from ‘Working’ or ‘Show’ stock as working dogs have a lot of energy and need a lot of exercise (think two-three outings a day).
Sizes and Colours
Cockadors will be smaller than the average Labrador which may be desirable for many people.
Brown, chocolate, blond and black are the most usual colours but again the Cocker influence will mean other colours will emerge such as bridle, roan and red tones. Depending on which parent they take after they will have a short lab coat or perhaps a slightly longer wavy coat.
Breeders
Since Cockadors are in their infancy as a breed, a first cross (F1) puppy will be most common. This means that both parent dogs would be registered with the Kennel Club so do check the available records to ensure both parents are healthy.
Follow all the normal advice when choosing a puppy. If you need to read up try both of these guides.
Whether its a cocker style wavy coat you think is adorable or the tight curls inherited from the poodle parent, the white Cockapoo has endured as one the most popular Cockapoo colours.
In short the answer to the question is yes, quite easy. Black and white are two of the main colours Cockapoo breeders want to produce. This is no doubt driven by demand from prospective Cockapoo owners.
Can A breeder determine the Colour before mating?
Dog breeding has always been a process of refinement to produce the desired results. A breeder will choose a female bitch with the requisite colour (assuming the dog has passed all the necessary breeding requirements and health checks) and then source a stud dog to compliment the female.
A F1 white coated female breed with a F1 white coated stud dog is only going to produce one colour. Once a F2 puppy is produced (a second generation dog breed back to the parent dog) the breeder can attempt to ‘breed in’ desirable colour traits.
However, fans of the Cockapoo breed enjoy the many variations in coat colours. I always find it a fun part of Cockapoo meet ups. Meeting and greeting all the dogs and owners that have such individual colours, markings and features.
Many people however simply prefer an all black or all white coat.
As you can see below its irresistible to breed a black and white male and female. The results are equally adorable and produce some very special unique patterns within the coat! The black eye patch is one of my favourites.
Whether you are looking for F1, F1b, F2 & F2b Cockapoo puppies (see here for generations explained), what you must need is a good breeder that has a heart for the Cockapoo breed.
I have compiled a list of reputable breeders, just click on the links below for an area that is nearest you.
With the Cockapoo officially the most popular mixed-breed dog in the UK another wave of interest has emerged. Cheap Cockapoo Puppies For Sale Ads proliferate the internet but it can be a trap.
Please pause to consider if the breed meets your expectations and how you’re to screen sellers of Cockapoo puppies? When dog breeds become popular, puppy farm agents fill demand with cheap cockapoo puppies for sale advertisements on Craig’s list and Gumtree. So read up, be smart, and make sure you’re making a wise purchase.
How Much Is A Puppy Cockapoo?
What is a reasonable price to pay for a Cockapoo puppy? For first time owners, reading advertisements with acronyms like F1 and F2b, makes it difficult to understand what you are paying for?
The RSPCA says, 87% of puppy trade calls it receives are from people who purchased their puppy over the internet. In fact, a whooping 38% of people enter a search term like ‘Cockapoo puppies for sale’ and begin their process to find a dog.
I searched through some registered breeders to check prices. Before the Coronavirus lockdown £850 – £1,250 was a standard price.
Since Coronavirus prices have shot up. The demand for puppies have increased dramatically because people are home more, they want company, more people are working from home so they are able to look after a dog. Prices for Cockapoo puppies have increased up to £3,500. This is price gauging and you should not pay it!
If the price is outside of this parameter have an especially enquiring mind about how and where the puppies come from. For reputable breeder, profits are very much a secondary consideration. And breeding Cockapoos and any other dog breed is an expensive business.
Below is the bare essentials for Cockapoo puppies. I haven’t included a crate which many dog owners would say is essential to help with early training.
A collar and tag £11.70
A lead £ 6.25
A brush £ 3.90
Toys to play with £ 2.85
Food and water bowls £ 5.95
In a dog’s first year with you, the total cost of essential items will be about £775.00 or ($1000). This should be one of your main considerations before starting your puppy search.
You should make absolutely sure you can afford a dog before you started your search.
How much exercise does a Cockapoo need?
Cockapoos need varying amounts of exercise depending on their parental heritage (was the sire a Working Cocker or Show Cocker Spaniel) and their size.
If you get a Cockapoo puppy bred from a standard size Poodle and a Working Cocker parent, prepare to be outside in the park a lot as they these dogs are made for a rugged out door life.
If bred from ‘Working’ stock Cockapoos need lots of exercise
How to train a Cockapoo
Every dog deserves some basic training. Why let your pet annoy you with begging, jumping up, pulling on the lead when some upfront investment of your time can save you the hassle of a disobedient dog down the line. A puppy training programme will also help build an early bond between you.
Your Cockapoo has a very intelligent and trainable brain. And he wants to learn how to please you. So do try a simple, positive rewards based training programme. I wrote a Cockapoo training programme based on the Dogs Trust methodology which I love, and it’s very easy and enjoyable.
The type of grooming and frequency depends on the type of Cockapoo you have been attracted to.
A Cockapoo with a Flat Coat, is similar in appearance to a Cocker Spaniel so will only need occasional bathing and brushing. A curly coat or Poodle coat will need to be clipped and many people choose to let a professional do that.
Taking pride in your dog’s appearance is a sign of your affection for him. It also serves as a regular health examination as you can take the opportunity to feel your dog’s body for anything unusual.
For more detailed information on grooming please read top grooming tips.
How to Socialise a Cockapoo
Cockapoos are not know to be an aggressive dog. If bred responsibly and socialised correctly from a puppy, they have a wonderful, family-friendly temperament. The reason dogs can sometimes show signs of aggressive around new people, or skittish and uncertain in new situations, is they have not had a structured socialisation programme to integrate them into the big new world they are born into.
Are Cocakpoos hypoallergenic?
One of the first things that attracts people to the Cockapoo breed is they have a reputation for being hypoallergenic. This isn’t true. But if you are attracted to a Cockapoo with a Poodle-style coat, you will find a dog that sheds less than most. It’s not just hair that people have pet allergies to, its also saliva and urine, and all dogs come with plenty of that.
For people with severe allergies sometimes the difficult decision not to have a dog needs to be accepted. Allergic reaction to hair, when the adult coat comes in, is a common reason leading to dog’s needing a new home.
Cockapoo Puppies Need A Puppy Contract
The Puppy contract will have stated what responsibilities and costs the breeder agrees to upfront. The contract also ensures there are no gaps in health provision so your Cockapoo has the best possible start in life.
When looking over the contract, there are some important points that affect your costs going forward, such as:
Q. Has the puppy been micro-chipped?
Q. Is the puppy covered by the breeders insurance policy?
Breeders often insure their litters. Some insurance policies provide free cover for new owners against a puppy’s illness or injury for a limited period after purchase.
Q. Will the puppy be vaccinated before I take him home? (see below)
Q. Will the breeder be giving you at least five days of puppy food? It’s important that new food is introduced gradually, along with what he’s used to, as a immediate change will cause an upset tummy.
Q. What date was the puppy wormed?
How Much is a Cockapoo To Look After
It’s best to get your puppy examined by your vet as soon as you can. If the breeder hasn’t covered the basics, you will have to pay out for: food, vaccination, worming, fleas, insurance, microchipping etc.
You must make sure your Cockapoo is vaccinated for common infectious diseases. This costs about £80. Boosters for your dog will cost around £45 every year, although smaller dogs might not need them.
Here is a list you must get vaccinations for:
Canine distemper
Canine parvovirus
Infectious canine hepatitis
Canine coronavirus
Leptospirosis and the canine parainfluenza virus
(The vaccine protects your dog and prevents it from being a carrier of disease and spreading infection).
How much are Cockapoo puppies
I have told you above how much you should pay for a Cockapoo but the costs of Cockapoo Puppies don’t stop there. They are just starting. And you should have been budgeting for what you need to pay for next.
black cockapoo puppies one week old
Other Puppy Health Related Costs
Neutering – £100
Your Cockapoo puppies should be neutered because it stops him/her having or siring unplanned litters. And it stops certain cancers. Neutering also reduces the risk of dogs straying to find a mate.
Fleas & Worms – £23 every three months. All dogs need to be treated for fleas and worms regularly.
Pet Insurance – Approximately £8 per month. Dogs sometimes need serious medical attention. If you get pet insurance for your Cockapoo, this will lower the cost for on-going treatments and medical emergencies.
Micro-chipping – £25.00. The law says, your dog must be micro chipped. A microchip is painlessly implanted into the loose skin between a dog’s shoulders. The chip contains a unique number for your dog. If your dog gets lost, it means that he or she will be tracked back to you and returned safely.
Remember, the bigger your dog the more he will probably eat. The cost of feeding one Standard size Cockapoo for one week is about £10.00; a miniature is about £7.50 and a toy Cockapoo dog £5.00.
Have fun!
The best thing you can do for your Cockapoo is exercise him regularly and have fun. Remember puppy’s need to play! Engaging in games, agility sessions and meet ups are the best parts of dog ownership. If you don’t get out there and make the most of the wonderful life you can have with a Cockapoo you’re missing out.
Feel free to ask me any questions below, or if you only have minutes to spare to read up on the wonderful Cockapoo breed, try my free ebook the 10 Minute Cockapoo.
Many people looking for a Cockapoo would like to rescue a dog. But where should you start your search? Rescue Cockapoos are in demand but don’t expect to be offered a puppy.
First off, lets look at the differences between a dog rescue and a dog shelter.
Rescue dogs are often located in foster homes. Mostly you will be dealing with individuals, normally fans of the breed. For the Cockapoo the CCGB has a waiting list which can be found here .
What is Respite Care
Sometimes people’s circumstances change and they just need some time away from their dog. That’s when a home is needed to give the owner respite from dog ownership. People move locations to a home where dogs aren’t allowed; have a relationship break up – there are many reasons people have to re-home their dog for a temporary period.
Many older dogs need re-homing and are adorable
Dog Shelters
This is a physical building you can visit because the shelter has accepted the dog permanently.
Animal shelters have varying degrees of standards. Some are good some are not so good. It’s easy to fall into the mind set that since a dog shelter is a place of help you need to just accept its procedures.
That would be a mistake. You should use your judgement about and be mindful of what you may be taking on. These are all important questions you should be prepared to ask.
Rescue Cockapoo Questions
Do they have a clean premises
Are all dogs have up to date vaccinations and deworming
Do they micro chip all dogs
Do they spay and neuter all dogs
Have they assessed using a true temperament test
Will they take the dog back if things don’t work out
One of the things we often forget is that not all dogs naturally enjoy being groomed, handled or cuddled. We have to teach them that these things are a normal and natural part of family life. This is a foundation to training a Cockapoo puppy as it creates a lovely bond between owner and dog.
Sometimes if some one is bitten it’s because a dog reacts fearfully to being handled. That’s because he’s never been taught what a joy it is!
Doggy body language
Body language is very different for dogs. Have you noticed how a dog barks when he sees two people hugging? Dogs just don’t understand it because hugging is not how a dog shows affection.
You have to teach your Cockapoo how to enjoy being hugged and cuddled.
For owners who have children or people that just love the physical interaction and pleasure of cuddling their dog, this is one of the best things you’re ever going to teach him to do.
You will need a good supply of yummy treats. While giving him his treat, slowly start to stroke him.
Start by stroking him where you know he will be comfortable being stroked. Down the sides of his body, up his ears, down his paws. Eventually turn him over and rub his tummy.
You are giving the treats so he links in his mind your stroking him with feeling good.
If you find an area where you dog shows concern about being stroked, just stop and go back to an area he is comfortable with and gently introduce him to being stroked in that area.
Always take it very slowly and very gradually and build it up over the time your working with your dog.
Early grooming
Sometimes you can use a brush or a fluffy glove. And while he’s chewing his treat he’s learning that brushing and stroking is really enjoyable.
Get everyone in the family to do this. Everyone must know the dog needs to be handled nicely and with respect, so that your dog knows hands are always something to be enjoyed rather than something to be worried about.
