Cockapoo

A Cockapoo(or Cockerpoo) is the result of crossing a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, usually a Miniature Poodle. Breeders usually try to retain the small build of the spaniel, while retaining the wavy nature of the Poodle's coat. The breed's name is a pun on "cockatoo", which is a group of parrot species commonly kept as pets.

Appearance
Cockapoos weigh between 20 and 24 pounds (9 to 11 kg) and stand about 14 or 15 inches (35 to 38 cm) at the withers. Like their originating breeds, Cockapoos come in a variety of coat colours, both solids and combinations. The general shape of the Cockapoo, in particular its ears, mostly resembles the Spaniel, but the coat and face more closely resemble that of the Poodle.

Because Cocker Spaniels shed and Poodle don't, some Cockapoos shed and some don't. They are loyal, and don't cost more than a cat to feed. They don't smell, or slobber.

Temperament
Cockapoos are well known for their loyalty to their owner, and are known to get jealous if he/she pays attention to anything else. Like most spaniels, they can be very energetic, but this can vary widely from dog-to-dog. Like both their parent breeds they are trainable and intelligent.

Health
Cockapoos have few health problems, don't expect to be on a first name basis with your vet. They can suffer from problems associated with either the Cocker Spaniel or the Poodle, though rarely due to their cross bred genetic strength.

History
The Cockapoo has been popular in the United States since at least the 1970s. It has become so common that many, if not most, Cockapoos on the market today come from Cockapoo parents, as opposed to Cocker Spaniel/Poodle parents.

The Cockapoo is still under development. Strictly speaking, the Cockapoo is not yet a true dog breed because it does not 'breed true'. In breeders' terms, 'breeding true' means that, when two specimens of the same breed are mated, the puppies have consistently predictable characteristics and will resemble their parents, rather than exhibiting random characteristics of the dog breeds in their parents' ancestries. Further, the breed standards of breeds-under-development are invariably freer, more open to interpretation and cover more observable types than those of established or kennel club recognized breeds.

Expect the popularity of this dog breed to ensure its future.