Cocker SpanielClose relative
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Cockapoo
Health grade B- Shoulder height25–38 cm
- Weight4–11 kg
- Life expectancy14–17 yrs
- Puppy price2,000–4,000 €
- Energy3/5
The essentials at a glance
The Cockapoo is a cheerful, people-oriented hybrid dog—a mix of the persistent flushing dog (Cocker Spaniel) and the intelligent water dog (Poodle) that promises plenty of charm, though it remains a genetic lucky dip.
- Health grade B: In the Cockapoo, there are health risks for eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, as well as joint problems such as patellar luxation (PL) and hip dysplasia (HD).
- You have time every day for long walks and mental stimulation—both parent breeds are intelligent working dogs that require much more than just a quick lap around the block.
- You are looking for an extremely people-oriented companion who prefers to be everywhere with you and forms a very close bond with the family.
- You are only buying one because it is marketed as an 'allergy-friendly beginner dog'—whether it truly doesn't shed or inherits the stubbornness of the Spaniel is decided solely by genetic chance.
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Similar Breeds
Is the Cockapoo right for you?
At a glance
Cockapoo overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
14–17 yrs
Shoulder height
25–38 cm
Weight
4–11 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 4,000 €
- Coat: Long frizzy hair, curly or wavy, requires regular care
- Origin: USA
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Cockapoo, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Cockapoo come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Cockapoo — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Amber
Green
Blue
Coat type
Illustrative imageCurly
Illustrative imageMedium
Illustrative imageLong
Perfect for you if:
- You are prepared to invest a lot of time and budget into intensive grooming, as the combination of Poodle curls and soft Spaniel fur mats extremely quickly.
- You are flexible and can adapt to whichever personality traits come through—be it the hunting instinct of the Cocker or the high sensitivity of the Poodle.
Less ideal if:
- You have a demanding job and would have to leave your dog alone for long periods regularly—this mix is highly prone to separation anxiety and frustration.
- You live in a thin-walled apartment and are looking for a silent dog—the Poodle side often brings a distinct alertness and tendency to bark.
The real vibes check
A Cockapoo looks like a living teddy bear, but beneath those soft curls beats the heart of two true hunting and working dogs. You aren't getting a pre-designed stuffed animal, but an intelligent, sensitive surprise package that needs real tasks every day. If you are ready to take this lucky dip as it comes, you will gain a charming, highly loyal companion for life.
Breed Profile
The Cockapoo is a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle and combines the best characteristics of both breeds. This active and loving hybrid dog is generally easy to train, making it suitable for novice dog owners. Although the breed is not officially recognized and comes in different colors and sizes, the sociable Cockapoo has many fans and feels particularly at home in families with children.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 25 - 38 cm (Female), 25 - 38 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 4 - 11 kg (Female), 4 - 11 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 14 - 17 yrs
- Character
- dependent, lovable, docile, charming, cheerful
- Coat
- Long frizzy hair, curly or wavy, requires regular care
- Coat Color
- Black, Tan, Beige, Red, Brown, Sable, Cream, White, Silver, Brindle, Merle, Beige-Brown
- Price
- 2000 - 4000 €
Character & Temperament
The Cockapoo is a friendly and lively dog that combines the best qualities of the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. He is extremely people-oriented and loves to spend time with his family. Due to his playful and affectionate nature, he is a wonderful companion for both children and adults alike. Cockapoos are intelligent and eager to learn, which makes training easier. They require both physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay balanced. Without sufficient activity, they can become restless or destructive. Because of their poodle heritage, they are often hypoallergenic and well-suited for allergy sufferers. The Cockapoo generally shows little guarding instinct but is attentive and friendly towards strangers. His prey drive is moderate but can be well controlled through consistent training. Overall, the Cockapoo is a loving, adaptable dog that is well suited as a family and companion dog.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
The Cockapoo is a loving mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, known for its hypoallergenic coat and cheerful character – perfect for families looking for a playful and intelligent companion!
What Awaits You
The Cockapoo is a friendly and affectionate dog characterized by its intelligence and adaptability. This breed is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, combining the best qualities of both parents. Cockapoos are active and playful, make good family dogs, and are also suitable for allergy sufferers thanks to their often hypoallergenic coat. They require regular activity and loving training.
Housing & Care
Cockapoos are friendly and affectionate dogs that are excellent as family pets. They are generally very social and compatible with children as well as other pets, provided they are well socialized early on. Cockapoos are intelligent and require both mental and physical exercise, which is why regular walks and playful activities are important. Due to their friendly nature, they are also suitable for city living, as long as they receive enough activity and closeness to their people. They often have difficulty being alone, so they should not have to stay alone for too long.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog.
Excellent with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
Well-suited to city life
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
Cockapoos are intelligent and eager-to-learn dogs that are well-suited for various types of training. They benefit from consistent but loving upbringing, with a focus on positive reinforcement. Due to their mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, they bring a high adaptability, which makes training varied and exciting. Cockapoos love to be kept busy, whether through basic obedience, retrieving games, or light dog sports like agility. It is important that training remains playful and that overstrain is avoided. They react sensitively to harsh methods, so patience and empathy are required. Frustration tolerance should be encouraged early so that the Cockapoo learns to stay calm sometimes and not constantly demand attention. Good socialization is also crucial to develop a balanced temperament. Overall, the Cockapoo is a grateful and motivated student who, with the right support, grows into a versatile and harmonious companion.
Nutrition & Care
Cockapoos are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. A balanced diet with high-quality dog food that contains all essential nutrients is important to promote their health. Since Cockapoos can be prone to overweight, you should pay attention to the amount of food and regular exercise. The coat of the Cockapoo is usually curly or wavy and sheds less than other breeds, making them especially suitable for allergy sufferers. Nevertheless, regular brushing (several times a week) is necessary to prevent matting and keep the coat clean and healthy. During shedding, increased brushing can help remove loose hairs. Cockapoos adapt well to the Central European climate. Their coat protects them from the cold, but in extreme heat, you should provide enough shade and water to prevent overheating.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
In the Cockapoo, there are health risks for eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, as well as joint problems such as patellar luxation (PL) and hip dysplasia (HD). A responsible breeder therefore has their breeding dogs comprehensively examined via an ophthalmological eye test and genetically screened. Before buying, ask to see the test results of the parent animals: patellar luxation (PL) with PL 0, hip dysplasia (HD) with HD A–B, and for progressive retinal atrophy as well as von Willebrand disease type I, a carrier is only mated with a clear partner.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing and a healthy weight, you can support their knees and hips well, but you should also plan for regular eye check-ups at the vet.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders test beforehand for progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, patellar luxation (PL), von Willebrand disease type I, and hip dysplasia (HD), and only mate carriers with clear animals.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
6
Risks tracked
4
Recommended standard
4
High severity
Eyes
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Cockapoo cost?
A Cockapoo costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €300, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,810 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (15.5 years) it comes to about ~€34,540.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€160 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€5,810
Across the dog's life
~€34,540
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €2,000 – €4,000
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The history of the Cockapoo begins in the 1950s in the USA. Breeders were looking for a dog that combined the intelligence and work ethic of the Poodle with the friendly nature and adaptability of the Cocker Spaniel. Through targeted crossbreeding of these two breeds, the Cockapoo was created, which quickly became popular as a hypoallergenic and family-friendly companion. Today, the Cockapoo is considered one of the first and most well-known designer dog breeds worldwide.
Original Use
The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle and was bred to be a hypoallergenic companion dog.
Origin
USA
Date
1950
Owner experiences
In everyday family life, many owners describe the Cockapoo as a very affectionate, cheerful and adaptable companion.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
In everyday family life, many owners describe the Cockapoo as a very affectionate, cheerful and adaptable companion. Owners often highlight how much it loves people; its gentle way with children and constant search for closeness in particular make it a valued member of the family. Its playful nature and habit of following its people everywhere bring plenty of life into the household.
At the same time, experienced owners stress that a friendly nature shouldn't be mistaken for a dog that needs little. Because it combines Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, many of these dogs have much more energy and need to move much more than prospective owners expect. Especially in the first months of life, young Cockapoos often find it hard to settle down. They tend to get overexcited quickly when there's too much going on, so a regular daily routine and deliberately built-in rest periods are essential.
Owners also report challenges with being left alone, since the dog's strong focus on people can quickly tip over into separation stress. Dealing with strangers day to day sometimes calls for a watchful eye, too: because of its teddy-bear look, people outside like to touch the dog without asking, which can overwhelm some dogs or lead to defensive reactions. Owners therefore need to stay alert and protect their dog from people who overstep.
When it comes to training, owners appreciate the Cockapoo's quick understanding and willingness to cooperate, which it inherited mainly f…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
When it comes to training, owners appreciate the Cockapoo's quick understanding and willingness to cooperate, which it inherited mainly from the Poodle. It usually learns basic cues and tricks very quickly and really enjoys shared activities such as scent games or agility.
Many owners warn, however, against seeing it as a dog that trains itself. The Cocker Spaniel side often comes through as a keen nose and a prey drive that shouldn't be underestimated. Following scent trails, flushing birds or chasing wildlife is a recurring issue with many of these dogs, one that calls for consistent anti-hunting training and a reliable recall on a long line.
On top of that, some can be quite headstrong or somewhat sensitive. Cockapoos react badly to excessive harshness, but they're just as quick to exploit inconsistency in their people. Owners report that clear, fair leadership is needed from the start, because otherwise some dogs tend to guard resources or, when unsure, draw attention to themselves by barking territorially at the fence.
On health and grooming, what many first-time owners expect and what daily life actually looks like can be quite far apart.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
On health and grooming, what many first-time owners expect and what daily life actually looks like can be quite far apart. Contrary to the myth of a dog that is guaranteed low-maintenance and allergy-friendly, many owners report a considerable amount of coat care. The mix of fine, curly Poodle coat and softer spaniel hair often mats quickly, especially in the armpits, on the ears and on the belly. For many owners, daily brushing and regular trips to the groomer are a fixed part of life.
Owner accounts keep naming the drop ears as a typical health weak spot. Because the ear canals get poor airflow and there's often heavy hair growth inside the ear, many dogs get recurring inflammation or yeast infections that call for ongoing ear care. Food intolerances, sensitive skin and joint problems such as luxating patellas are also reported in some cases.
Owners therefore keep pointing out how important it is to choose the breeder carefully. Since this is a hybrid with no single breed club behind it, experienced owners urge buyers to check closely that the parent dogs have documented screening for inherited conditions such as eye diseases and hip dysplasia, to avoid health surprises later on.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
Is a Cockapoo the right dog for me?
The Cockapoo is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Cockapoo live?
The average life expectancy of a Cockapoo is 14-17 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Cockapoo need?
Cockapoo grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Cockapoo good for families with children?
The Cockapoo can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Cockapoo come in?
The Cockapoo comes in these colors: Black, White, Cream, Apricot, Red, Brown, Tan, Sable, Silver, Merle, Roan, Black and tan.
Guides & Articles about Cockapoo
Dog Knowledge
Maltipoo vs Cockapoo: Which is Best?
Comparing the Maltipoo and Cockapoo? Discover key differences in temperament, care, and costs to find the perfect companion for your lifestyle.
Dog Owners
Cockapoo Training: Tips for All Skill Levels
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Are you a Cockapoo breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Cockapoo.