Cockapoo

Britain's favourite hybrid with good reason

Temperament

OutgoingHappyAffectionateIntelligentPlayful

Pros

  • Low shedding
  • Easy to train
  • Great with everyone
  • Adaptable

Cons

  • High grooming costs
  • Separation anxiety
  • Variable traits
  • Health screening essential

Ancestry

Land spaniels44%
Old European water dogs28%
Barbet and water spaniels23%
Heavier working spaniels6%
Basset and heavy hounds1%

Our best guess, not hard science. These figures come from history and old breeding records, our viewpoint, not proven fact.

PuppyAdolescentAdultSeniorAged025507510002468101214Age (years)Function & Health

Cost to care

Just like owning a car or any other liability, upkeep and maintenance is required — and dog ownership is no different. Particular breeds need more attention from the vet, others have higher grooming costs, while others will eat you out of house and home. We have built this tool to help you understand what to expect from owning this breed.

Low MaintenanceSick as a dog
Typical expected scenario
Annual cost*
£1,459
Lifetime cost*
£20,426

* Projected figures based on breed-typical UK costs (2026). Individual dogs will vary.

The Lifespan Diagram

A visual guide to how this breed moves through life. The horizontal axis shows age from birth to old age; the vertical axis represents overall function, health and quality of life. The curve rises quickly through puppyhood, holds high during the prime adult years, then gradually declines into the senior stage. The exact shape varies by breed. This is a conceptual illustration, not a clinical or veterinary prediction for any individual dog.

Method & sources

The curve score is a conceptual illustration, not observed veterinary data. Published median lifespan informed the x-axis. The y-axis was generated by piecewise mathematical functions.

COCKERSPANIEL56%POODLE44%25%21%15%28%23%27%18%16%30%20%30%20%28%23%
Cockapoo

One of the original designer crosses, around since the 1960s. Bred to pair the Cocker's friendly nature with the Poodle's low-shedding coat. Tap a circle inside to keep digging.

Suitability

ChildrenOtherdogsCatsSmall home1st-timeownerTimealone
Children
Other dogs
Cats
Small home
1st-time owner
Time alone

Scores reflect typical breed traits. Individual dogs vary with upbringing and environment.

Exercise needs

60min/dayDaily average
🚶Moderate
Copes with rest days
1h
Mon
1h
Tue
1h
Wed
1h
Thu
1h
Fri
1h 12m
Sat
1h 12m
Sun

Cockapoos are lively and playful. Daily walks plus games keep them happy and prevent separation anxiety.

Typical breed guidelines. Individual dogs vary by age, health and temperament.

Grooming

Curly or wavy low-shedding coat
25minHome grooming per week
£50/moProfessional groomingEvery 8 weeks
Shedding
Minimal
Tools you will need
Slicker brushWide-tooth combDetangling spray

Cockapoo coats vary but most are low-shedding and require regular brushing and professional grooming every 8 weeks.

Typical breed guidelines. Costs vary by location and coat condition.

Training

1out of 5EasyHard
Eager and quick
  • Inherits willingness from both parent breeds
  • Picks up commands readily with positive reward-based methods
  • Thrives on mental stimulation alongside physical exercise
Excels atObedience, agility and therapy work
Watch out forSeparation anxiety is common -- independence training should start from day one

Typical breed traits. Individual dogs vary with socialisation and consistency of training.

Cockapoo50%Cocker Spaniel👁55%Land spaniels👁25%Field Spaniel👁45%Land spaniels👁35%Sussex Spaniel👁60%Land spaniels👁40%Heavier workingspaniels👁20%Clumber Spaniel👁55%Land spaniels👁45%Basset and heavyhounds👁20%Sussex Spaniel👁60%Land spaniels👁40%Heavier workingspaniels👁50%Poodle👁55%Old Europeanwater dogs👁45%Barbet and waterspaniels👁

Known health conditions

Cockapoos can inherit health conditions from both parent breeds -- Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. Health testing of both parents before breeding significantly reduces inherited risks.

ConditionSeverityLikelihood

This is a general guide based on published breed health surveys and veterinary literature. Not all dogs will develop these conditions. Always obtain health-tested parents from a responsible breeder and maintain regular vet check-ups.

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