At a glance the quick version
Typical adults weigh about 15-22 lb (7-10 kg). By size: toy under about 12 lb (5.4 kg, from about 6 lb), miniature about 12-18 lb (5.4-8.2 kg), standard/maxi over 19-20 lb (8.6 kg and up; no upper limit given).
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, straight to wavy or curly; low shedding
A soft single coat that may be straight, wavy or curly, with loose curls being the most common look. It sheds very little and usually has little doggy odour.123
Personality what they are like
A loving, lively and curious companion that adores its family and prefers not to be left out. Cockapoos are clever and keen to please, so they pick up tricks fast, and they tend to be friendly with people and other animals while barking relatively little.231
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. A couple of walks a day plus games such as fetch keep most Cockapoos content; many enjoy swimming. Larger, more energetic dogs will want more.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush regularly (daily for curly coats) and book a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks. Check and clean the ears weekly, trim nails about every six weeks and brush teeth often.23
Home where they are happiest
Very adaptable: settles in anywhere from a flat to a farm, as long as it gets company and daily activity.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete dog food suited to its life stage; puppies eat three to four times a day and adults twice. Adjust portions to the individual dog.2
Company who they like around
Thrives on company and does well both with single owners and with families; supervise play with young children. Prefers not to spend long periods alone.23
The story where it all began
The Cockapoo is often called the original designer dog. It first appeared in the United States in the 1960s, when Cocker Spaniels and Poodles were crossed, and breeders soon started pairing them on purpose. It has since become one of the best-known Poodle crosses on both sides of the Atlantic.321
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The Cockapoo is often described as the very first designer crossbreed, dating back to the 1960s.3
- 2
The Cockapoo also goes by the names Cockerpoo and Spoodle.1
- 3
Thanks to the water-retrieving Poodle side of the family, many Cockapoos love to swim.3
- 4
Cockapoos take part in dog sports such as agility and flyball and also work as assistance dogs.4
Recognised by the official bits
- Major kennel clubs
- Not recognised as a breed by the major kennel clubs.1
- Cockapoo Club of America
- Breed club formed in 1999 to promote the Cockapoo and set a standard for it.3
- Cockapoo Club of GB
- UK club of owners, breeders and enthusiasts that keeps an approved breeder list and a code of ethics.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cockapoo. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Parents and lookalikes
Cavapoo
Maltipoo
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Cockapoo en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, other names, recognition, sizes, coat, colours
- PetMD: Cockapoo petmd.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, diet, home, history
- Daily Paws: Cockapoo dailypaws.comused for sizes, coat, colours, temperament, exercise, grooming, history, Cockapoo Club of America
- Cockapoo Club of GB cockapooclubgb.co.ukused for UK breed club, working and sport roles
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.