Wildlife Wednesday: The Cockerpoo

photo credit: Gamblerscovekennel.com

Once upon a time in the 1950's a Cocker Spaniel took a liking to a Poodle and the result was a cute Little puppy known as the Cockapoo.  The American Kennel Club has not yet recognized this dog as a true breed but being a hybrid as apposed to a purebred can work in the cockapoos favor.  Hybrid Vigor can result in a healthier dog with greater longevity.  It helps to drown out the bad recessive traits (such as genetically passed disorders that are common in purebreds). In Australia this breed is called a spoodle, the Europeans call it a Cockapoo, and others dub it a Cockerpoo.  Cockapoos live to be 18 to 22 years old.  There are three different sizes to this breed.  The first is a teacup Cockapoo which is under six pounds.  The second is a toy Cockapoo which is between 6 and 12 pounds.  Finally, there is the standard Cockapoo which is usually between 12 and 35 pounds.

photo credit: Bing.com

  The features of the Cockapoo generally resemble both the Poodle and the Cockerspaniel.  There temperament is loving with mellow qualities like the CockerSpaniel but sometimes high strung like the poodle. They are very intelligent, making them easily trainable.  They are also alert, sweet natured, and famously affectionate with a patient disposition. The breed has long floppy ears and an expressive face like the Cocker and rarely sheds like the poodle.  Their hair is soft and almost hypo-allergenic and comes in many colors, most commonly cream, brown, tan, sandy, black, white, grey, and mixed.
  Despite the fact that hybrids enjoy the best traits of their parent breeds, they are prone to defects too. If a cockapoo is left untrained it may develop unwanted problems such as possessiveness over furniture, constantly begging owners to pet or play with them or refusing to come when called. To prevent these unwanted traits from occurring, the canine requires the appropriate training that helps him behave properly.  He must be taught to trust and accept you as his leader. Moreover, they like knowing their place in your family and participating as an active member.

photo Credit: animalku.com

  Most house dogs will either take up a neutral or submissive role at home. Owners, however, need to be aware that some dogs are capable of testing their owner’s dominance. A safe method to re-assert control is to get the dominant dog to work for his necessities, e.g. food. The presence of an owner that is a strong leader, plus the clarity of the role the dog has at home, gives it a feeling of greater security.

Sources: 
dogandcatfacts.com
cockapoocrazy.com