Cockapoo Owners’ Guide – Temperament, Grooming & Nutrition

Because Cockapoos have genes from Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, their coat type varies depending on which breed they are more like. Those who are more Spaniel may have straight or slightly wavy coats, whereas those who are more Poodle will have tighter curls.

Cockapoo owners often choose this breed because they shed less fur, meaning less hoovering and cleaning, and potentially fewer allergy symptoms from your family members. However, the amount that your Cockapoo sheds fur will depend on whether they are more like a Poodle or a Cocker Spaniel. It’s the Poodle in their lineage that makes them shed less fur.

Many Cockapoo owners find that their allergy symptoms aren’t so bad compared to when they have owned other breeds that shed more fur. However, allergies are very individual, and some Cockapoos will still shed fur if they’re genetically more similar to a Cocker Spaniel. Therefore, it’s impossible to predict whether a particular Cockapoo will be suitable if you have allergies.

Because Cockapoos have dangly ears, there's less ventilation, and wax and debris are more likely to build up. Add to this the fact that their fluffy coat often grows into their ear canals, and it’s no surprise that the breed is prone to ear infections. Cleaning your dog's ears regularly, treating any underlying allergies, and avoiding swimming are great ways to keep your dog's ears clean and comfortable.

Cockapoos are prone to some eye problems, including:

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This condition causes the tissue at the back of the eye to deteriorate, leading to blindness.
• Glaucoma: Increased pressure inside the eye causes pain and can result in vision loss.
• Cataracts: The lens becomes cloudy, reducing transparency and affecting vision.
• Ectropion: The lower eyelid droops outward, exposing the inner eyelid, which can cause irritation and dryness.

One of the most common Cockapoo health problems seen by vets in practice is allergies, causing itchiness, hair loss, rashes, and skin infections. Dogs can be allergic to anything in their environment, including certain foods, fleas, and pollens. Although allergies can’t be fully cured, making simple changes to your dog’s environment and diet may help ease their symptoms and can be a good first step before turning to medication.

Cocker Spaniels are prone to a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy. Because a Cockapoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel, there is a chance that the condition can be passed on.

Many small breeds are prone to patella luxation – where the kneecap slides easily out of place. In dogs unaffected by patella luxation, the kneecap sits in a groove at the top of the femur bone. This, combined with the tension from the muscles and tendons holding the kneecap in place, ensures that the kneecap can’t move side to side, only up and down. However, in some dogs, the groove (trochlea) is quite shallow, and the soft tissue is too slack to keep the kneecap in place. Thankfully, this can be corrected surgically. It's not a good idea to breed from your dog if they're affected, as the condition may be passed on.

Cockapoos often have a sensitive stomach, meaning they are prone to vomiting and diarrhoea, especially if they’ve been fed something new or scavenged something unpleasant while out on a walk. By keeping their diet as consistent as possible, you can help to reduce symptoms, but if you’re concerned there could be something more going on, speak to your vet. For more information on understanding your dog’s digestive health, you can check out this guide on what your dog’s stool says about their health.

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip develops so that the head of the femur doesn’t fit well in the socket, leading to an unstable joint. Over time, the bone will change shape, the cartilage will become damaged, and signs of arthritis will develop, including pain, stiffness, weakness, and limping. Dogs with hip dysplasia often show symptoms when they are around a year old, but the symptoms improve as the joint is stabilised by scar tissue. Symptoms then return after a few years when arthritis begins. 

If you’re looking for the best food for Cockapoos, look no further. Here’s what you need to know about your Cockapoo’s nutritional needs:

Puppies

It’s important to choose the right Cockapoo diet for your puppy that will give them the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. This means good-quality protein and plenty of energy. However, puppies also have specific requirements for minerals like phosphorus, zinc, copper, and calcium.

At Years, we know the nutritional needs of Cockapoo puppies are different from adult dogs, and other breeds, and our puppy food reflects that.

Adults

Dog food should contain high-quality protein, good fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fibre. However, it’s important to consider the specific health and nutritional needs of the breed, too. Our adult Cockapoo food options contain extra biotin, L-carnitine, Rose hip powder, and L-Theanine, not only to keep your Cockapoo looking great and feeling healthy but also to reduce itching, improve skin health, alleviate pain and stiffness from arthritis or joint issues, and support their immune system.

Because Cockapoos often have sensitive stomachs, prebiotics and probiotics can help to improve their gut health, as well as boost their immune system. If your Cockapoo has hip dysplasia or mobility issues, it’s a good idea to give supplements that will improve their joint health and any inflammation, including glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid, and Boswellia.