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
There is a great demand for Cockapoo puppies in PA. But always be sure to source a reputable, local breeder (or at least within reasonable driving distance)
Below are some of the larger registered breeders in PA that specialize in Cockapoos. I would recommend visiting a breeder first armed with the questions in the pdfs above. Never make hasty decisions and buy on the first visit.
Your Cockapoo is for Life so make sure he is going to be a well-chosen healthy dog you can enjoy for the next 15 years! A good breeder will be open about their breeding practices and want you to ask as many questions as you like because it shows you are more likely to be a responsible owner.
The epicenters for Cockapoos in California are San Francisco and Los Angeles. The compact size of the Cockapoo is perfect for apartment living and the urban working professional.
Cockapoos also love the beach so Cockapoo puppies in California love the coast as much as their owners.
Always try and source a local breeder that you can go and visit before actually buying the puppy. Trust your instincts. It’s quite easy to spot someone who cares about the dogs they breed and puppies they produce just by visiting the premises and asking a few insightful questions.
A well trained dog is a joy to live with. You don’t have to worry when someone visits or if there are children around. You can just relax and enjoy your time together. That’s why Cockapoo training is so important.
Every puppy deserved to be trained
Your Cockapoo will be excited about almost any outing you can imagine. So having a well trained Cockapoo will allow him all the freedom he craves. You can take him everywhere with you, to visit friends, to the park, to the pub even to work, because you know he will be well behaved.
It’s not just about freedom though- it’s also about safety. You owe it to your dog to keep him safe, well behaved and appropriate in what he does. And also to ensure anyone that comes into contact with your Cockapoo is safe from being jumped on.
Learn How Your Cockapoo Learns
When you bring a new dog into your home, particularly a puppy, nearly all his activities will be controlled. Most people get into trouble with their puppy because they give them way too much freedom. Mayhem ensues and the ‘fun puppy’ experience soon turns sour.
That’s why it’s important to establish an early bond with your dog during training. As the Cockapoo training programme develops over weeks and months your Cockapoo will gain your trust and you can entrust him with more and more freedom.
The Cockapoo is the perfect example of a dog that has become skilled at learning from, and anticipating, human behaviour. The Poodle is known to be one of the cleverest dogs on the planet. Also the toy and miniature Cockapoo varieties have been bred as companion dogs. So you have a dog that wants to learn and wants to please- the job is half done!
A Cockapoo Training Programme
As well as learning from his owner what is and isn’t acceptable, your Cockapoo is also interacting and learning from the world around him. This is sometimes referred to by dog trainers as ‘accidental learning’.
Dogs do what works for them. If they are rewarded by doing something they will do it again.
Start training your Cockapoo from Day one
If your Cockapoo has a bad experience from doing something he will quickly learn to stop doing that thing.
If he doesn’t get anything beneficial or bad from doing something he will gradually lose interest and stop.
With that in mind, canine psychology can be summed up in three ways:
Experience something good = will do more of
Experience something bad = will stop doing it
Experience something neither good nor bad = gradually stop
Once you have learned that dogs will do repeatedly whatever they experience is good for them, you can use that to great advantage with your training programme.
A well trained Cockapoo is a happy Cockapoo and having him well trained will make you a happy and proud owner.
Other Important Cockapoo Training Tips
Cockapoo Rage Syndrome is something Cockapoo owners are keen to avoid. Training and exercise are key to not seeing that side of your Cockapoo manifest.
A balanced healthy diet is very important so check your cockapoo poo to make sure you’ve got a diet that agrees with your fur-buddy. And most dog owners believe crating is a indispensable training aid and necessary for you and your poo.
Before you start on any of those topics you might want to learn how to handle a puppy for the first time. Or if you have any particular training issues or questions, just drop a comment below.
A therapy dog is a dog that is used to benefit a person in a therapeutic way. Obviously some breeds lend themselves to this more than others.
Cockapoos provide much happiness to their owners sometimes people want to share their love and good nature with others. You may have heard of the pat and stroke schemes.
Essentially though many dog breeds that have a suitable disposition can be a therapy dog. The deciding factor is whether they are suitable for the purpose that is required. Factors to consider are your Cockapoo’s age, temperament, health, and level of basic obedience training.
Benefits of a Therapy dog
Physical –occupational therapists sometimes include a dog in a patient’s treatment plan. A common exercise might be bending down, holding a brush and brushing the dog’s coat– a simple but enjoyable exercise.
Psychological – lap dogs can: increase self-esteem; ease stress after trauma and help with self-confidence and provide much needed companionship after a bereavement. Dogs are also sometimes used to improve the mood of children in paediatric hospitals.
Social – animals can act as a social enhancer and help people adjust to a new environments and make meeting new people less daunting. The SCAS conducts research into these benefits.
Can my Cockapoo become a therapy dog?
It really depends on what you want him to do. In the UK there are two main organisations that manage visiting programmes along with some other therapeutic activities. The charity Pets as therapy will do an assessment with your Cockapoo to determine his suitability to take part in any specific activity. I recommend contacting them if you would like to explore this further.
Is a therapy dog an assistance dog?
No. Therapy dogs are not classified as assistance dogs. This is because an assistance dog is trained to carry out special tasks to aid a disabled person. They’re generally qualified by organisations registered as members of Assistance Dogs UK.
Where can I get my Cockapoo trained as a therapy dog?
The SCAS runs fun interactive courses. You can register you interest here.
Summary
Getting your Cockapoo trained as a therapy dog is lovely thing to do for those in need and also helps spread the knowledge about the benefits of our wonderful Cockapoo breed. It may be worth a try!
Cockapoos have a reputation for not shedding hair – but is it true?
The beauty of a hybrid dog is that undesirable traits can be ‘breed out’ or at least minimised by selecting a parent breed whose desirable qualities the breeder wants to genetically carry through to the offspring.
It’s not known for what purpose a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle were originally cross bred (all though the benefits are clear), but one plus is the poodle’s tight curled hair has always appealed to those who don’t want to be hovering up too much hair in their home.
All dogs shed hair
Puppy fur to Adult Cockapoo Coat
There is an age when all Cockapoos will definitely shed hair – when they loose their puppy fur and their adult coat comes in. This natural process of moulting is unavoidable but regular daily or twice daily grooming will mean less hair on your sofa! The adult coat generally ‘comes in’ at around 8 months of age.
Fyi, remember, if the moult is not groomed out, your Cockapoo’s lovely coat will start to matt and even grow into dreadlocks.
Wavy or curly coat
Moulting aside, Cockapoos still have a reputation for non shedding because of the poodle lineage. But what if the puppy inherits its coat from the Cocker? Results will vary.
Some First Cross ‘F1’ Cockapoos take after the Cocker Spaniel so offspring will have wavy hair that can grow up to 15cm long.
So if you are intent on having a low shedding Cockapoo you need to choose a puppy whose coat follows the poodle heritage.
Will the breeder know?
Breeders know a lot of things but they won’t be able to tell before 6 weeks what kind of coat an F1 Cockapoo puppy will have. And if the puppy does take after the Cocker, dog owners will tell you some Cocker Spaniels shed like crazy while some shed hardly at all. Some Cockers can get up from their bed and hardly leave any hairs while another Cocker when you stroke their back you come away with a palm full of hair.
Summary
To be honest it is a bit of myth that Cockapoos don’t shed – all dogs shed to some degree. The poodle factor has garnered the Cockapoo with the reputation as a non to light shedder but the truth is they will be light shedders at best.
When choosing a puppy, wait until 8 weeks (as you always should) before taking a puppy home from its mother. By that time it should become clear what sort of coat (wavy or curls) the dog has inherited. If the puppy’s coat is inherited from the Cocker side of the family just keep her coat short and groom often to lessen the shedding.
Finally, remember also that Poodle parents come in sizes: Teacup, Toy, Miniature and Standard. The smaller the dog the fewer the hairs shed.
Like all dogs, Cockapoos are susceptible to some genetic diseases. The parent breeds used to produce a F1 (or first cross) Cockapoo puppy will pass on hereditary diseases if not tested for breeding suitability.
This is the same for all dogs but the list below is particular for Cockapoo Parent dogs (the male and female are known as dams and sires or stud dogs ). If health tests are not carried out before breeding, the breeder and the eventual owner of the Cockapoo puppy might unknowingly be accepting a Cockapoo with health issues in later life.
As a buyer, it’s far better to understand what testing you should insist on seeing original written documentation for, rather than risk having Cockapoo health concerns as your puppy matures.
Below is a list of the most prevalent diseases to scrutinize to ensure you buy a healthy Cockapoo!
Four month old cockapoo puppy
Prcd-PRA – (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
What is it: A genetic disorder that causes blindness. Cells at the back of the retina gradually decay and die leaving the dog suffering from night blindness and most likely full blindness by end of life.
Onset age: Early adolescence / adulthood
Symptoms: Night blindness, gradual short slightness
Cure: No
Prevention: Test parents before breeding
Parent dogs affected: American Cocker Spaniel / English Shower Cocker / English Working Cocker / Miniature Poodle / Toy Poodle
Health testing: Always. For all registered cockapoos one parent must be clear.
FN – Familial Nephropathy
What is it: A recessive inherited disease that destroys nephrons (cell structure that makes up the kidney)
Onset age: six to 24 months of age
Symptoms: drinks more, urinates more, weight loss, lack of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea
Cure: No
Prevention: Test parents before breeding
Parent dogs affected: English Shower Cocker / English Working
Heath Testing: Always – Always for all registered Cockapoos. (F1 and poodle back crosses are exempt) carrying English Show & Working Cocker Spaniel genes, must have one parent clear/normal.
Phosphofructokinase (PFK)
What is it: Phosphofructokinase (PFK) is an essential enzyme needed to produce energy. The disease occurs when the gene mutates and stops producing energy from sugar sources within the dog.
Onset age: adolescence / adulthood
Cure: none
Symptoms: jaundice, sudden weakness, cramping, and anemia
Prevention: health testing
Parent dogs affected: American Cocker Spaniel
Health testing: Always for all registered Cockapoos. (F1 and poodle back crosses are exempt) carrying American Cocker Spaniel genes must have one parent clear/normal.
Glaucoma
What is it: Primary Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure build up within the eye. It is classified as either primary or secondary. The eye’s drainage becomes blocked, but the eye keeps making fluid. As a result, pressure on the eye increases.
Secondary glaucoma
What is it: Occurs when other eye diseases cause fluid drainage problems. With secondary glaucoma be watchful for eye inflammation, cataracts, retinal detachment and movement of the lens.
Onset age: Adolescence / adulthood
Cure: It is crucial to determine if the dog is affected by primary or secondary glaucoma. The treatment needed and the prognosis for vision is different for each type.
Symptoms: Can start in just one eye
Prevention: Annual vet check-up can prevent secondary glaucoma. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) also have a scheme for specialist Canine Opthalomogist. A manual examination of the eye needs to be done.
Parent dogs affected: American Cocker Spaniel / English Shower Cocker / English Working Cocker / Miniature Poodle / Toy Poodle
Health testing: Preferable
Von Willebrand disease TYPE 1 (vWD1)
What is it: A bleeding disorder. vWD1 is a protein that enables blood clotting.
Onset age: Early adolescence / adulthood. Often discovered after nail trimming, teething, spaying, sterilizing, tail docking, cropping
Cure: Type 1 is only results in mild bleeding. Type 2&3 are more severe and bleeding can occur in intestines, stomach, urinary tracts, genitals and joints
Symptoms: Spontaneous bleeding from the nose, gum and other mucous membranes. Excessive bleeding occurs after an injury, trauma or a surgery.
Prevention: Testing before breeding
Parent dogs affected: Miniature Poodle
Health testing: Advisable
Hip dysplasia
What is it: Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development within the hip joint, which leads to deformity in the joint.
Onset age: 14 to 26 weeks of age. The developmental ‘primary’ changes appear first. The secondary changes may be referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease or Osteo Arthrosis or Osteo-Arthritis.
Cure: Hereditary hip dysplasia is not curable. Secondary hip dysplasia can be treated as its primary cause is wear and tear
Symptoms: As Hip dysplasia can include joint looseness (laxity), inflammation, pain, new bone formation and bone erosion, changes in gait to pronounced lameness, stiffness after exercise.
Prevention: Not over exercising, particularly developing puppies in their first year.
Hip Score
BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme scores radio graphs. The lower the ‘hip score’ the less the better. The minimum (best) score for each hip is zero and the maximum (or least desirable) is 53, giving a range for the total score of 0 to 106.
Sires (fathers) to be bred from should ideally be ones whose offspring have consistently low scores. The same selection procedure should be used for breeding bitches, since the use of animals with higher scores will increase the risk of producing offspring with higher scores.
For fees and further information contact: CHS, 7 Mansfield Street, London, W1G 9NQ. Tel 020 7908 6380 Email chs@bva.co.uk / www.bva.co.uk/chs
The breed mean score: The suggested mean score for Cockapoos is 12/13.
Parent dogs affected: American Cocker Spaniel / English Shower Cocker / English Working Cocker / Miniature Poodle / Toy Poodle
What is it: Retinal dysplasia appears as streaks and dots in the central retina affecting a dog’s eye site. Most cases are hereditary.
Onset age: Adult dogs
Symptoms: Mild retinal dysplasia may not show symptoms. In dogs with more severe cases, the symptoms may include being afraid of the dark (even inside the house), bumping into things and noticeable visual impairment.
Cure: None
Prevention: Other than an inherited condition, retinal dysplasia may be bought on by prenatal infections like the the Herpes-virus. Herpes-virus causes inflammation of the eye and retinal dysplasia may develop later on in life. Also Parvo-virus and exposure to toxins can cause retinal dysplasia in dogs.
Parent dogs affected: American Cocker Spaniel
Health testing: Advisable
Summary
Most Cockapoo health problems can be avoided by Cockapoo Breeders UK. Why roll the dice and buy a puppy off the internet – it will probably end in heart break
Below are important facts to get you started on the important decision about whether the Cockerpoo breed is going to be compatible with your lifestyle and fulfil your expectations.
Before I get into the facts, are you wondering where to find a Cockapoo Puppy? My List of Breeders by region is here.
This site also specialises in Rescue Cockapoos and you can check by region here.
You also may have heard a lot about Cockapoo Rage Syndrome but don’t let that put you off this wonderful dog breed.
Cockapoo puppies
Cockerpoo Facts
1. In Australia the Cockapoo is known as a Spoodle or Cockerdoodle and in Sweden the name is spelled Cockerpoo. The correct spelling is ‘Cockapoo’
2. The Cockerpoo is believed to have originated in 1950’s America when a American Cocker Spaniel was bred with a Poodle.
3. The Cockerpoo is referred to as a cross breed or hybrid dog
4. The Cockerpoo is very popular in the UK and USA which has made it a popular choice for amateur breeders who “puppy farm” the breed to make a quick profit
5. The Kennel Clubs do not recognize the Cockerpoo as a breed in its own right
6. It’s difficult to estimate how many Cockerpoos exist but Google data shows that in the UK 146,480 people search for “Cockerpoo” every month compared with 112,360 searches from the USA and 4,570 searches in Australia. I think we can deduce that the UK has the highest demand for Cockerpoos in the world!
6.1 38% of people begin their search for a puppy over the internet so be careful, be smart, and read this article first.
6.2 Cockerpoo’s from a reputable breeder aren’t cheap, but don’t pay too much or too little.
Brown Cockapoo Puppy
Cockapoo Appearance
7. Due to the differences in Poodle size and colour, no “standard” Cockerpoo has been achieved. However, they can be categorized as:
8. A Standard size Cockerpoo– approx max weight 20 lbs and approx 15 inches tall
9. A Miniature size Cockerpoo – approx max weight 13 – 18 lbs and approx 11 – 13 inches tall
10. A Toy size Cockerpoo – approx 12lbs and max height of 12 inches
11. A Teacup size Cockerpoo – approx 6 lbs and 10 inches tall
Two tone Cockerpoo with white torso
The Cockapoo Coat
12. A first cross (F1) breed will result in some puppies exhibiting more poodle traits than Cocker Spaniel. This means some coats are more akin to fur than hair.
14. Cockerpoos may also have a merle coat, (where random portions are diluted to create a mottled appearance). These are common in the USA but not in UK
15. A Cockerpoo’s fur is hypoallergenic– meaning they don’t set off an allergic reaction in people.
16. Cockerpoos are a low dander, low shedding dog (a trait inherited from the Poodle)
17. Cockerpoos with dominate Poodle genes will need to be clipped, while Cockapoos with dominate Cocker spaniel genes have hair that will not to be cut
18. A Cocker-Style coat should be brushed daily to avoid kinking in the hair
19. A Poodle-Style Coat needs trimming on a regular basis (every 6 – 8 weeks)
20. Bathing should only be done when necessary to keep the coat’s natural oils and lustre.
21. Cockerpoo owners should pay particular attention to their large floppy ears that require regular cleaning to prevent infections
22. If cared for properly Cockerpoos are relatively odourless.
28. A Cockerpoo breeder can determine everything about the size, coat and colour of the dog…but not the sex
29. There are 27 registered breeders the UK
30. Cockerpoos are less prone to genetic diseases than pure bred dogs. However, If the sire (male) and dam (female) are not screened before mating, they can pass a genetic disorder to the off-spring
31. The most common genetic disorder for the Cockerpoo is PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) which causes blindness
32. Others common genetic disorders are: Von Willebrand disease (vWD), a bleeding disorder; retinal dysplasia, eyes; phosphofructokinase (PFK) which affects the muscles; familial nephropathy (FN), renal disease, hip dysplasia, hip joints; primary and secondary glaucoma, (primary glaucoma is a inherited eye disorder).
Healthy Cockapoo Puppies
Cockerpoo Exercise
33. Cockerpoos only need light exercise but they should go out on a walk at least once a day for 30 minutes
34. Because of their compact size they are suitable for apartment style living
35. They are also known for their agility and love swimming. You will get the most out of your Cockerpoo when regularly exercised
36. The temperament of any dog is determined by two things; the genetic material of the parent and early socialisation experiences
37. Poodles are noted for their intelligence while Cocker Spaniels are very quizzical and friendly. These ingrained character traits are passed to the Cockerpoo
38. Cockerpoos get along with everyone (children and cats included); they are bred to be a companion dog.
40. Because the Poodle is famed for its intelligence, Cockerpoos are easy to train
41. Like many dogs, positive reinforcement is the best way to train your Cockerpoo
41.1 Housingtraining, or potty training, is the first and most important training a dog owner undertakes. I have recently written quite a bit about how to housetrain your Cockapoo if your needing help.
Cockaerpoo Health
42. The most common health complaints are: cataracts, patellar luxation, ear infections, liver disease, hip dysplasia, and allergies (these health complaints can develop in any Cockerpoo regardless of health screening)
43. A healthy Cockerpoo will have-
44. Healthy skin (flexible, smooth and pest free)
45. Coat (full and usually fluffy or glossy)
46. Body and weight (well covered with nice round tummy but able to feel ribs)
47. Eyes (bright and clear)
48. Ears (inside –clean and free from discharges)
49. Mouth, gums and teeth (gums firm and pink, teeth free from tartar, white and no evidence of damage)
53. lots of regular exercise! Dogs are happiest when they are out and about having fun with their owner. It creates a special bond between you and allows them to have the fun and excitement that they crave!
Conversely, lack of exercise is the worst thing you can do for any dog. They aren’t bred to be at home all day. They are natural pack animals that love company and using their agility to run, swim, chase, chew, sniff and play.
For a greater understanding of the Cockerpoo breed, My First Cockapoois a good place to start. It contains a link to the updated UK registered breeding list.
Searching for a Cockapoo Rescue in NJ? There are no Cockapoo Specific rescue centres in New Jersey but the rescue centres listed below are mixed, small breed rescues that would be an excellent place to start your search.
Clancy and Leo – https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougbeckers
Janet’s Cockapoos
Breeder: Janet Northern New jersey E-mail: Janscockapoos@hotmail.com Phone: 973-632-1338 Website: http://www.janscockapoos.com/
Eden Orchards American Cockapoos
About: A small scale breeder of American Cockapoo puppies for sale as service, therapy & family pets. Breeder: Annette email: https://edenorchards.wordpress.com/ Apply for a puppy
Puppy Agent Websites
1 in 4 puppies bought over the internet will be dead within six months (source: BBC). Missing essential vaccinations and un hygienic living environments that lead to diseases like parvo virus (common when a puppy has been living around faeces) are common place as these things cost and eat into a puppy agent’s profit.
The websites below look like typical outlets for puppy mill dogs, AKA dog factories.
The subject of how many people sleep with their dogs was discussed at last year’s annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies. A survey they had commissioned reported half of patients who had sought help with their tiredness slept with their pets.
Cockapoos in particular are a breed that lends itself to being a popular nocturnal partner.
Why Is this the case?
1. As a companion dog a large proportion of cockapoo owners are single. With no partner to share a bed it’s easy for a dog to take the place of another warm body. At bed time it’s understandable that people want a bit of animal comfort and your adorable cockapoo is eager to oblige.
Dogs are looking for humans to re-create the warmth and security of the litter where they learned to be happy co-sleepers who want to snuggle up. Psychologist Stanley Coren refers to speculation among anthropologists that human-canine co-sleeping may even be encoded in our respective DNA.
2. Cockapoos are compact. It’s not like you’re making room for Saint Bernard. The largest cockapoo would be a Standard or Maxi weighing no more than 19 lbs. / 8.61 kg. The UK standard is slightly bigger than the American version of 15 inches with the longest being 24 inches long. So no need to go and buy a bigger bed.
3. They are very cuddly. Cockapoo owners would agree these are the cutest dogs on the planet. Their looks have propelled them to being one of the most popular dog breeds. On a cold night what could be more irresistible than hugging something this cute. Also a dog’s body temperature is approximately three to six degrees warmer than our own.
4. They won’t leave too much fur behind. Cockapoos are often referred to as non-shedding. This isn’t quite true. But they are minimal shedders so you won’t have to be shaking out the duvet in the morning.
Here are some tips for a better nights sleep with your cockapoo:
Brush his teeth regularly. Bad breath is never welcome so make sure you brush regularly with a branded doggy toothpaste.
Avoid dog food that makes him flatulent. Experiment with giving your cockapoo the right blend of kibble and wet food. Too much canned wet food will often cause flatulency in a dog.
Don’t take him under the covers. Dogs don’t get a solid eight hours like humans. They mostly doze and like to move around a lot. Keeping them under the duvet will constrict their nocturnal movements causing them to wake you up.
Make sure your cockapoo is not over weight. As well as being a precursor to many health issues, an overweight dog is likely to snore.
In Summary
The Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School reported that “chronic sleep deprivation may lead to a host of health problems including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even early mortality.”
Remember sleep deprivation is a torture technique so if your cockapoo doesn’t make a good bed fellow for whatever reason, be firm and deny him your bed.
However, if you follow the guidance above, sleeping with your cockapoo can be a great comfort for dog and owner.
