Adopt Cockapoo Shelter Dogs

Adopting a Cockapoo is a decision that will enrich your life for many years. With a life expectancy of 14 to 17 years, you're giving a new home to an extremely people-oriented, friendly and lively companion. The Cocker Spaniel–Poodle cross stands 25 to 38 cm at the shoulder, weighs 4 to 11 kg and is considered a wonderful family dog. When you look for one of these dogs at a shelter or rescue organization, you'll meet dogs who have often lost their family through no fault of their own and are now waiting for people who understand their needs.

Although the Cockapoo is very popular as a child-friendly, easygoing companion, there are situations in which owners have to give up their dog. Often illness, separation or a career change alter people's circumstances so much that there's no longer time for this very devoted dog. Because the Cockapoo loves living closely with its family, it suffers when it suddenly has to stay alone for many hours.

Breed-typical traits that are sometimes underestimated beforehand also play a part:

• Coat care: The long, curly or wavy coat sheds little, but it needs regular, thorough care so it doesn't mat.
• Mental and physical exercise: As an intelligent dog that loves to learn, the Cockapoo needs brain work as well as walks to stay balanced. Without that, it will find its own jobs to do.
• Allergies despite expectations: The Cockapoo was originally bred in the USA as a hypoallergenic companion. Even so, some people react allergically to an individual dog's saliva or dander, which can lead to the difficult decision to rehome.

When you meet a Cockapoo at a shelter, it already has its own story. Some dogs have been well socialized and know the basic commands, while others come from uncontrolled breeding and still have a lot to learn. Thanks to its high trainability and its wish to please, though, a Cockapoo catches up well on what it has missed with patient guidance. Expect this strongly people-oriented dog to show fear of loss at first and to need to relearn being alone in small steps.

Health aspects of a second-hand Cockapoo

Responsibly bred Cockapoos are considered fit companions, but their parent breeds pass on typical risks for the knees, hips and eyes. Health-focused breeders have the parent dogs checked by clinical exam for patellar luxation, by X-ray for hip dysplasia and by eye exams for progressive retinal atrophy, and they watch for von Willebrand disease in their lines – but with a shelter dog, the genetic background is often unknown.

So ask the shelter to show you all available vet records. In everyday life together, keep your dog at a healthy weight and choose joint-friendly exercise to give the knees and hips the best support, and plan regular eye checks with your vet.

A Cockapoo puppy from a breeder costs between 2,000 and 4,000 euros. If you decide to adopt a Cockapoo from a shelter, you pay an adoption fee instead, which is considerably lower. It usually already covers vaccinations, the microchip and a veterinary check on arrival; ask the shelter to show you the relevant records. On top of the adoption fee, set a fixed budget for the basics (bed, harness, good-quality brushes for the curly coat) and a financial cushion for future visits to the vet and the groomer.

• Offer structure and calm: Don't overwhelm your new companion with too many visitors in the first few days. Fixed feeding and walking times give it security.
• Build a grooming routine gently: Get the dog used to having its curly coat combed through play and positive reinforcement, so regular grooming is relaxed for both of you.
• Dose mental exercise: Use its eagerness to learn for little search games in the living room to build trust without overexciting the dog.