As you would think from the name - a cockapoo is a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle. Cockapoos have been recognized by the American people as a very special cross since about 1960.
Cockapoos can be any size from the smallest poodle in the poodle's recent pedigree to the largest cocker in the cocker's recent pedigree, to potentially a little larger due to hybrid vigor. Thus, if the poodle is the biggest poodle in the litter but the genes carry smaller it is possible to get something smaller than either parent. This is not normally the case but it could happen. Of course, the same goes for the other end of the scale. The national average by poll of 500 cockapoo owners was 15lbs, this reflecting the usual use of a toy poodle at 8 lbs and an average cocker spaniel at 22 lbs. A teacup poodle and a toy cocker could produce a 2 lb cockapoo, while a standard poodle and large cocker have produced a 65 pound cockapoo.
Cockapoos are considered 1st generation (F1) if the parents are pure cockers and pure poodle. Cockapoo to Cockapoo is 2nd generation (F2) and progressing F2 to F2 begets F3 – etc. For recording purposes we take the lowest F factor to ‘label’ the progeny. Thus and F6 to and F2 would be considered an F3 (for more detailed information on cockapoo genetics see the Genetics Page). They are still cockapoos as long as the origin was 1/2 cocker and 1/2 poodle and nothing else has been mixed in along the way, and it stays cockapoo to cockapoo without adding back in any poodle or cocker.
Cockapoos will almost always
show strong characteristics of both
parents. They could lean a little to poodle or a little to cocker. Some
may be a little
curlier and some may have blockier heads but they definitely show both
parents
in a unique way that is what gives cockapoos such a special look, but
it
is highly unlikely they would inherit a predominance of genes from
either
parent. Second generation has the highest incidence of pups that will
lean more to the looks of either parent breed. This does not make
2nd generation bad – just something to be aware of. By 3rd
generation very few if any throwbacks are seen just as in 1st
generation and 4th generation on this almost never happens.
In getting the best of both
worlds cockapoos acquire a keen
intelligence, more from the poodle (which has consistently ranked
among the worlds smartest dogs) than from the cocker (which is not a
criticism, but cockers are not
noted for high intelligence). Cockapoos get some sturdiness from the
cocker
- as cockers have heavier
bone
structure. The cocker also contributes a laid back attitude towards
life as well as considerable ‘sweetness’ as long as the breeder has
chosen both parents based on temperament in addition to the important
factors of looks and genetic soundness. The hair coat of the
cockapoo tends to be wavy but not
as
tightly curled neither as the poodle nor absolutely straight like
some
cockers. Poodles are noted for longevity as are hybrids giving
the cockapoo a double dose of longevity. (Average life expectancy by
poll appears to be 15 to 18 years.)
The indeterminate hair type of the poodle (continuous growth of approximately ½ inch a month) contributes the low to no shedding characteristic to the cockapoo, while the cocker adds some silkiness. The resulting hair type is also very low allergenic - without an undercoat producing excess dander.
Cockapoos are noted for their wonderful dispositions and great tolerance of the indiscretions of children, with a very forgiving nature.
Thus, for people wanting a low to no odor and low to no shedding, highly intelligent dog that is easy to train and absolutely wonderful for children of all ages, playful and energetic but easy to care for, and that will be around for a while, the ideal dog is the cockapoo.
A more detailed look -
According to a 1930 AKC standards book, poodles originally came from Germany perhaps the western slopes of Russia many centuries ago; the name is from the German "pudel" meaning to splash in water. They were developed as a hunting dog. They had good scenting ability and were used to hunt rabbits, locate game birds and retrieve from land or water (notice the web feet and the hair type that sheds water so readily).The haircut on the poodle is based on a functional purpose. the shaggy coat was clipped for the water retrieving job. The dogs swam faster and had more endurance with less hair but needed some protection from the elements thus the extra hair on the chest to protect the lungs and the hair on the leg joints for warmth and protection. A pompom was left on the tail to mark the dogs place in the water as was a pompom on the head to facilitate pulling the dog back into the boat - thus the poodle cut. The French used them in circuses because of the superior intelligence and trainability thus the moniker "French Poodle". Cocker Spaniels probably originated in Spain, as the name indicates. They were first used for hunting woodcocks, thus the cocker Spainel shorted to cocker spaniel. They were considered to be merry alert little hunters, keen of scent and clever in retrieving game (and very fond of water).
A cockapoo is exactly what it sounds like 1/2 cocker spaniel and 1/2 poodle. It is not a mutt but a hybrid. A mutt can be anything that had canine parentage. A hybrid is a cross between two known entities. A breed is formed through careful record keeping over the generations until a certain ideal is well established and reproducing or breeding true.