If you’re going to be a first time Cockapoo owner, perhaps the best place to start is by answering ‘What is a Cockapoo?’ A Cockapoo is a crossbreed or hybrid of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. While there are different Poodle sizes (toy, miniature, standard), most Cockapoos are a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle, so they are relatively small dogs.

What is the difference between Cockapoo vs Cavapoo

These days, lots of mixed-breed dogs are becoming more and more popular. You might have also heard of the Cavapoo. Rather than being crossed with a Cocker Spaniel, Cavapoos are a cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Although they look quite similar to Cockapoos, Cavapoos are usually smaller in size. Both dogs are generally friendly and sociable, and they don’t tend to bark much. They need regular grooming, although Cavapoos may have a slightly shorter coat. Cavapoos are also likely to be slightly calmer than Cockapoos, so they may be a better choice if you don’t want a particularly active lifestyle.

What is an F1 or F2 Cockapoo?

If you've been researching Cockapoos, you might have seen the terms F1 Cockapoo and F2 Cockapoo. But what do they mean?The Cockapoo isn’t yet a recognised pedigree breed because there haven’t been enough generations bred. The terms F1 and F2 are a way of quickly explaining which generation of their family line they are. When a pedigree Cocker Spaniel and a pedigree Poodle are bred together, the litter of Cockapoos produced will be F1 or first-generation Cockapoos. If two F1 Cockapoos are bred together, the litter produced will be F2, or second-generation Cockapoos, and so on. To become a recognised pedigree breed, there needs to be F7 Cockapoos being bred. Visit The British Cockapoo Society website for further information on Cockapoo generations.

How big does a Cockapoo get?

Cockapoo weight and height vary depending on whether the parent is a Miniature, Toy, or Standard Poodle. However, the majority of Cockapoos are from Miniature Poodles. As an adult, you could expect your Cockapoo to be around 36 to 38 centimetres tall and weigh between 6 and 11 kilograms.

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.

Are Cockapoos hypoallergenic?

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.

When do Cockapoos stop growing?

Cockapoos reach adult size at around 12 months old, although they don’t tend to get taller after 9 months. Adult Cockapoo size will vary depending on whether their parent was a Miniature, Toy, or Standard Poodle.

Are Cockapoos easy to train?

Cockapoos are curious, social, and have lots of energy, making them easy to train.

Are Cockapoos good dogs?

The Cockapoo temperament is mainly friendly and social. However, they can be anxious, especially if poorly socialised, and this can affect their behaviour long-term.

Do Cockapoos bark a lot?

Cockapoos don't tend to bark very much, although they can suffer from separation anxiety, especially if their routine changes suddenly.

How much exercise does a Cockapoo need?

Cockapoos have a lot of energy and require lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks or exercise of at least 1 hour would be ideal for adult Cockapoos. This could easily be split into two 30-minute sessions. For puppies, the general recommendation is to stick to five minutes of walking for each month of age, up to twice a day. E.g. A four-month-old puppy can enjoy 20-minute walks once or twice a day.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy and Happy Indoors During the Winter

Written by: Kate Hepplewhite

December 3, 2025

When winter rolls in with icy pavements, short days, and biting winds, many dog owners find themselves wondering how to keep their pups active and content inside. While skipping long outdoor walks may feel unavoidable on particularly harsh days, there are plenty of ways to help your dog stay healthy, engaged, and happily tired out - right in the warmth of your home.

What many people don’t realise is that mental stimulation can be just as effective as physical exercise in tiring out a dog. Activities that challenge their brain provide enrichment, reduce boredom-related behaviours, and help maintain overall well-being during the winter months.

Below are some creative indoor strategies to keep tails wagging even when the weather outside is less than welcoming.

1. Challenge Their Brain With Enrichment Toys

Mental games are winter lifesavers. Interactive feeders, puzzle toys, and treat-dispensing balls work your dog’s problem-solving skills and slow down eating.

Try:

Puzzle feeders of varying difficulty
Snuffle mats to encourage nose-work
Kong toys stuffed with kibble, peanut butter, or layered fillings

Nose-work in particular is incredibly satisfying for dogs - they experience the world through scent, and these tasks help burn plenty of mental energy.

2. Create DIY Indoor Games and Puzzles

You don’t always need fancy gadgets; some of the best dog activities use items you already own.

Ideas can include:

Hide and Seek

Great for recall training and mental challenge. Ask your dog to sit and stay, then hide somewhere in the house. Call them—and let the excitement begin.

Towel or Muffin Tin Game

Hide treats under cups or a towel and let your dog figure out how to uncover them.

Homemade Scent Trails

Drag a treat-filled toy along the floor to leave a scent path, then hide it. Your dog will follow the invisible “trail.”

3. Indoor Exercise to Burn Off Energy

Rainy, icy or snowy days don’t have to equal inactivity. Short bursts of movement inside keep muscles engaged and boredom at bay.

Try:

Fetch in a hallway
Stair climbing (if safe for your dog’s joints)
Tug-of-war using a reinforced toy
Balance or strength exercises on a dog-fitness wobble cushion

Even five-minute mini workouts spaced throughout the day can make a big difference.

4. Teach New Tricks or Brush Up on Training

Winter is a perfect time to expand your dog’s repertoire or reinforce good manners. Trick training builds confidence, deepens your bond, and is mentally demanding in the best way.

Fun tricks to try:

Spin
Bow
Touch/target training
Put toys away in a basket
Find it using a specific object

Short, upbeat sessions are key - dogs learn best when it feels like play.

5. Offer Soothing Calm-Time Activities

Not all indoor activities need to be high-energy. Chewing and licking help dogs relax and self-soothe.

Options include:

Lick mats with yoghurt or pumpkin purée
Long-lasting chews
Frozen stuffed toys for extended engagement

These are especially helpful during busy work-from-home days.

6. Create a Comfortable Winter Routine

Consistency keeps dogs emotionally balanced. Try to maintain:

Regular meal times
Predictable play sessions
Short but frequent outdoor toilet breaks
A cosy, draft-free resting area

Dogs thrive when they know what to expect, especially during seasons with unusual schedules or limited daylight.

How Treats from Years Can Keep Your Dog Entertained Indoors

Treats from Years aren’t just tasty - they’re a great tool for indoor enrichment on days when walks or outdoor play aren’t possible. Many of the treats in Years’ range are designed with natural, high-quality ingredients and textures that satisfy a dog’s instinct to chew, forage, and problem-solve.

Bite-sized training treats

For instance, the Years Brainy Bites range are small, soft treats (about 3 cm) that work perfectly for training sessions or quick reward games. Using treats this size allows you to reward good behaviour or to teach new tricks several times in a session without overfeeding.

Crunchy, scent-rich chews

Some treats, like the Years Sea Cookies, deliver a satisfying crunchy texture which can help with dental health while also giving dogs something to chew on.

About the author

Kate Hepplehite

Digital Marketing Manager, Years (Dog mum to a Sprollie-ocker)

Kate Hepplewhite is the Digital Marketing Manager at Years, where she combines her love for dogs with a passion for words. She shares her life with Barney, a lively Springer, Cocker Spaniel and Collie mix, who’s her hiking buddy and daily dose of joy. Together, they’re on a mission to conquer Hadrian’s Wall this year, one muddy mile at a time. When she’s not building digital campaigns, Kate is out in the country with Barney or planning their next big adventure