Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Facts & advice

Cockapoo
 

cockapoo
The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. As it can be bred from a wide variety of parents, its appearance and size can vary greatly, as can its character traits. Generally, Cockapoos are extremely friendly, easily trained, energetic dogs whose curly coats, low-shedding coats are particularly good for allergy sufferers.

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Size: Small to medium
Coat: Curly orr wavy long-haired coats that need regular brushing
Exercise 1 hour daily, plus plenty of mental stimulation
Life span: 13+ years
Breed group: Cross-breed
Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, outgoing
brown cockapoo lying in a dog bed
Cockapoos are intelligent, loyal and with good training and stimulation, make brilliant pets.
  • The perfect blend between the outgoing personality of the Cocker Spaniel with the low-shedding qualities of the Poodle
  • Happy, fun-loving and thrives on attention. These loyal dogs will offer a lifetime of companionship
cockapoo with a red rubber dog toy in its mouth
Cockapoos thrive on being busy and are playful dogs who love being in a family environment.
  • Cockapoos are easy to train, and puppy training will help them grow up to be well-rounded, happy and obedient dogs.
  • It’s important to socialise your puppy from a young age too, and to teach them to be left alone for short periods of times to avoid separation anxiety.
  • Cockapoos can become restless if left alone for too long. If you’re going to be away from your pet for a few hours, make sure to leave them stimulating dog toys and arrange for someone to check in with them.
  • Adult cockapoos have lots of energy and will need at least 30 minutes of exercise twice daily to stay healthy and stimulated.
  • It’s important to remember that puppies shouldn’t be over exercised as their joints and bones are still growing. By sticking to manageable amounts of activity and keeping an eye out for signs of tiredness – such as excessive panting or thirst – you can help your pet avoid health problems later on.
  • Both Poodles and Cocker Spaniels have a past as retrievers, so it’s no surprise that your Cockapoo will love a classic game of fetch!
There are certain health conditions that affect Cockapoos more frequently than other dog breeds. We’ve outlined some of our recent claims data to help you understand some of the health issues we see more in Cockapoos than in other dog breeds. If you’re buying a puppy, you can increase your chances of having a happy and healthy dog by choosing a reputable Cockapoo breeder.
Dogs are susceptible to various common ear diseases. These can affect the external ear flap (such as haematoma), the middle/inner ear (vestibular disease, for example) or the ear canal (otitis). A haematoma is a blood-filled swelling that occurs in the ear flap, while the ear canal can become irritated by grass seeds, parasites, allergies or infections. Irritation can lead to a condition called otitis, which simply means ‘inflammation of the ear canal’. It causes an intense itch, leading the dog to shake its head, flap its ears and scratch them using its back paws. If the otitis is due to an allergy, treatment is required for the lifetime of the dog.
Cockapoos, like all dogs, can suffer from problems affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is a long, winding tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus, with various twists and turns along the way. Conditions such as gastroenteritis or an obstruction within the bowel (due to the dog to eating stones, cloth or string, for example) commonly cause vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Treatment depends on the exact cause, but prompt intervention usually results in a full recovery.
The skin is the largest organ of a dog’s body and can be affected by a number of disorders. Like many other breeds, Cockapoos can suffer from allergies that lead to dermatitis (skin inflammation). Allergies can be caused by many different items, including things that are inhaled (such as pollen or dust mites), items that are eaten (for example, wheat), items that the dog comes into contact with (for example, washing powders), or bites from parasites such as fleas. As allergies cannot be cured, treatment may be required for life, but is usually effective enough to ensure that the dog can enjoy a happy, normal existence.
Cockapoos like other small dog breeds are more prone to dislocating kneecaps than other dogs. The kneecap (or 'patella') sits in a groove at the end of the femur (thigh bone). A dislocating (or 'luxating') kneecap is one that pops out of its groove. Dislocation happens because the alignment of the bones from the hip through the knee to the ankle is not straight, which pulls the kneecap to one side. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, but surgery may be required to reduce the likelihood of arthritis and help them to live a normal life.
Cockapoos commonly eat things they shouldn't! Foods containing chocolate, grapes and raisins are common culprits and although these foods are harmless to us, they can be poisonous to dogs and often require veterinary treatment. Cockapoos are naturally energetic and playful dogs so may be more prone to helping themselves to something they shouldn't! Keeping these foods well out of reach will help you avoid a trip to the vets.
cockapoo
close up of someone combing cockapoo fur

Cockapoos are a good choice for allergy sufferers as they shed less than other breeds.

  • Cockapoo coats can vary, depending on their parentage. Their long-haired coats can range from straight to curly and come in a variety of colours, including white, chocolate, cream, tan or black.
  • Regular brushing is needed to avoid the ‘feathered’ hair on their belly and legs becoming matted.
  • They benefit from professional trimming, particularly around the eyes to increase their range of sight.
  • Long floppy ears means their ear canals can easily become moist and prone to infection. Check their ears during grooming sessions for tell-tale signs of an ear infection such as a strange smell or black or brown wax.
  • Regular tooth brushing helps reduce the build-up of tartar, and prevent gum disease and bad breath.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Nutrition

As Cockapoos are active, energetic dogs, it’s important they receive the right levels of nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

  • Vets recommend feeding a high-quality pet food twice a day.
  • The amount of food will depend on your Cockapoo’s size, age, build and activity level. If in doubt, measure out the portion size according to the instructions on the food’s packaging
A mix between the moderate shedding Cocker Spaniel and the low shedding Poodle, the Cockapoo’s level of shedding depends on which parent it most takes after. However, in general, Cockapoos are considered a low to no shedding breed.
As a low to no shedding breed, the Cockapoo is generally considered to be an allergy-friendly pet. It’s important to remember that no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, but some breeds are better for those with allergies than others.
Due to their working dog heritage, on both sides of their family tree, Cockapoos are highly intelligent and eager to please – a combination that makes them easy to train. Cockapoos thrive on attention and will love the time spent with you during training sessions.
Cockapoos are extremely energetic and fun-loving, due to their Spaniel heritage, and often remain puppy-like well into their adult years. Generally, Cockapoos can be expected to slow down from the age of 7 onwards. Plenty of mental stimulation, physical exercise and play times are crucial to keep this active breed happy and prevent behavioural problems.
Cockapoos thrive on attention from their owner and can easily become bored and restless if left alone for too long. What’s more, they form strong bonds with their owners and can be prone to separation anxiety. It’s fine to leave your pet alone for a few hours but make sure they have plenty of stimulating toys to keep them busy and distracted whilst you’re out and consider having someone check in on them.
Cockapoos are generally amicable, good-natured dogs who get on well with other pets – including cats! However, Cockapoos are extremely playful and love to chase, an activity that your cat may not enjoy. Early socialisation and good introductions are key to helping your Cockapoo and cat live happily side by side.
Choosing the right insurance for your Cockapoo can help keep them happy and healthy whatever happens. It’s important that when choosing dog insurance, you consider the length of time policies cover different conditions, as some can become lifelong. Petplan’s Covered For Life ® plans refresh the veterinary fees each year allowing you to claim for ongoing conditions for the rest of your pet’s life providing there is no break in cover, with no hidden limits for specific conditions or diagnostic tools like MRI scans.
Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy & pet therapies

Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).

Dental illness & injury

Dental illness & injury

Our cover includes the cost of treating dental illnesses and injuries, you just need to make sure you keep up with your pets annual veterinary dental checks.

Cancer treatments

Cancer treatments & injury

With our cover your vet can choose the most appropriate and successful treatment for the type of cancer your pet has such as surgical removal, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation.

Diagnostic tests

Diagnostic tests

We cover the cost of MRI scans, CT scans and ultrasounds so your vet can diagnose problems quickly.

Hereditary conditions

Hereditary conditions

A condition that your pet has inherited or is predisposed to such as hip dysplasia. We will cover conditions that haven't shown symptoms before the start of your policy.

Physical & online consultations

Physical & online consultations

We cover the costs of telephone/video consultations as well as face to face vet consultations to give you the flexibility to choose how your pet is treated.

Prescription medicine

Prescription medicine

We cover medicines that have been prescribed when your pet is unwell (doesn't include routine care like fleas or worming).

Behavioural conditions

Behavioural conditions

Including therapy and drugs for behavioural problems such as separation anxiety or reactivity. We don't set hidden limits so you can claim up to the vet fees maximum benefit.

Surgery & specialised care

Surgery & specialised care

When needed for an injury or illness, we cover the cost of surgery and specialist procedures, like chemotherapy.

Congenital conditions

Congenital conditions

An illness that exists since birth but doesn’t necessarily show symptoms right away. We will cover conditions that haven't shown symptoms before the start of your policy.

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