- Cockapoo
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Cockapoo 
The appearance of Cockapoos may varyBreeds Cocker Spaniel, Poodle Other names Cockapoo, Cockerpoo, Spoodle (AU) A Cockapoo is a cross breed dog, first bred in the United States. It is the cross of an American Cocker Spaniel or English Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle (in most cases a miniature poodle or toy poodle), or of two Cockapoos. In a rare case, a cockapoo will mate with a poodle or a cocker spaniel, making the dog 75% poodle or cocker spaniel.
Contents
History
A Cockapoo can be the result of mating either the American Cocker Spaniel or English Cocker Spaniel with a Poodle, or of mating two Cockapoos. They have been known in the United States since about 1950. The earliest known dictionary reference was a 1960 OED citation.[1]
Legitimate breed associations such as the AKC, the UKC, and the CKC, do not recognize the Cockapoo, or any other designer cross, as a breed.
Health
Cockapoos are generally very healthy and robust medium-sized dogs. Their lifespan is generally from 14 to 18 years.[2]
A Cockapoo at 12 weeks.
Both purebred poodles and cocker spaniels can suffer from luxating patellas (loose knees), and this can be passed on to their offspring. For this reason, an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) exam is recommended to check for this problem before dogs are bred. Purebred poodles and cocker spaniels can also suffer from a number of eye disorders, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).[3] A CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) exam and DNA test for PRA should therefore be performed before breeding.[4] Like many floppy-eared breeds, cockapoos can be subject to ear infections, and it's important to keep their ears clean and dry.
Characteristics
Cockapoos have become popular because they generally combine the outgoing, loving personality of the Cockerspaniel with the low-shedding, low-dander qualities of the Poodle.[5] Poodles are intelligent and active, and thrive when they receive regular exercise.
The Cockapoo is a cross-breed, not a purebred, and does not "breed true". In breeders' terms, "breeding true" means that the pups will have consistently predictable characteristics. Cockapoos, however, may inherit the characteristics of either or both their parent breeds. While some Cockapoos appear more similar to Cocker Spaniels, others will exhibit more Poodle traits, creating a variation in Cockapoo appearance and temperament.
Cockapoos also vary in color. They may be:
- Black
- Tan, beige, or buff
- Red, including auburn and apricot colors
- Brown, varying from light to dark and tan
- Sable, a brown color with tipping and shading in black
- Cream
- White
- Silver
- White with some Cream
- Mixtures of more than one color
Cockapoos can be one solid color or can have complex markings. They may be white, black or brown with patches of any other color, usually including colored ears. They also may have spots or freckles on the muzzle or legs. In addition, they may have patches over the eyes, on the cheeks, on the chest or under the tail.[6]
Cockapoos may also have a merle coat, where random portions are diluted to create a mottled appearance.[7]
The coat of the Cockapoo will vary from dog to dog. Some will have the sleeker coat of the Cockerspaniel, while others may have a curlier coat like a Poodle. For many Cockapoos, their hair will be a mixture somewhere between the two.
Cockapoo size and weight are a function of what type of dogs the parents were. Breeders usually use a toy or miniature poodle as the poodle parent. The following table describes the weights,[8][9][10] and heights[9][11][12] of toy poodles, miniature poodles, cocker spaniels and cockapoos, using AKC standards and other information.
Breed Average Height Average Weight Toy Poodle 10 inches (25 cm) or less 7 to 10 pounds (3.2 to 4.5 kg) Miniature Poodle 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) 15 to 17 pounds (6.8 to 7.7 kg) Cocker Spaniel 14 to 17 inches (36 to 43 cm) 25 to 34 pounds (11 to 15 kg) Cockapoo 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) 12 to 24 pounds (5.4 to 11 kg) There are currentlyTemplate:When?ifsubst three Cockapoo clubs in America that are working towards developing the Cockapoo by breeding successive generations, and establishing it as a recognized breed.
See also
References
- ^ JacketFlap.com
- ^ "Cockapoo Information: About the Cockapoo Breed". American Cockapoo Club. 2008. http://www.americancockapooclub.com/train_info.asp. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
- ^ "NACR Information on Genetic Issues of Poodles and Cockers". http://www.cockapoos.com/generalcontent/nacrgeneticissues.htm. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
- ^ "Choosing a Breeder for Designer Dogs". Dog Fancy. 2006-01-11. http://www.cockapooclub.com/ccapagesgen/DogFancy060111.pdf. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
- ^ "Characteristics of the Cockapoo". Cockapoo Club of America. http://www.cockapooclub.com/. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
- ^ "NACR Guide to Cockapoo Colors and Markings". North American Cockapoo Registry. http://www.cockapoos.com/generalcontent/nacrcockapoocolors.html. Retrieved 2009-05-15..
- ^ "Cocker Spaniels With Merle Coat Pattern". Zim Family Cocker Spaniels. http://www.zimfamilycockers.com/merle.html. Retrieved 2009-06-07.
- ^ "The Poodle". Pet Guardian Angels of America. http://www.pgaa.com/canine/general/poodle.html. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
- ^ a b "English Cocker Spaniel". Dog Breed Info Center. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/englishcocker.htm. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
- ^ "The Cocker Spaniel". Pet Guardian Angels of America. http://www.pgaa.com/canine/general/cocker.html. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
- ^ "Poodle Breed Standard". American Kennel Club. http://www.akc.org/breeds/poodle/index.cfm. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
- ^ "Cocker Spaniel Breed Standard". American Kennel Club. http://www.akc.org/breeds/cocker_spaniel/index.cfm. Retrieved 2008-01- 11.
External links
Categories:- Dog crossbreeds
- Doodles
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