What is the difference between Cockapoo and Cocker Spaniel? – The Rajasthan Express

Cockapoo vs Cocker Spaniel: What Is the Difference?

People often ask “what a Cockapoo is“. The Cockapoo is a dog that looks very cute and also has a very good temperament. It is not an old pure breed. It has been created by mixing two dogs (crossbreeding) – one is the American Cocker Spaniel and the other is the Miniature Poodle. The puppies born by crossbreeding these two are called Cockapoos. Some people also call it “Cockadoodle,” but in common language, it is called Cockapoo.

Now listen to an interesting thing. The Cockapoo is considered the world’s oldest designer dog. When dogs like the Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Bordoodle, and Bernedoodle did not exist, even then the Cockapoo was found in America.

When were Cockapoo breed dogs first bred?

• Look, the Cockapoo is not an old pure breed. It is a designer or hybrid dog created in America. It is believed that it was first deliberately bred in America in the 1960s. According to some sources, it had already started in the late 1950s.
• According to some veterinary sources, the first recorded record of the Cockapoo is found in the 1950s. By the 1960s, it had begun to build a separate identity in America. But no single definite date of its origin, no single founding breeder, or no verified first litter is available. That is, it cannot be called the result of any one person or any one programme.

Where Did the Cockapoo Breed Originate?

• The origin of the Cockapoo is considered to be in America.

Which two breeds are mixed to create the Cockapoo?

The Cockapoo was mainly created by mixing the American Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Poodle. The purpose of creating it was to prepare a dog that had the Cocker Spaniel’s loving, affectionate, and friendly nature, along with the Poodle’s sharp intelligence and low‑shedding coat. In the beginning, it was developed not to meet any specific physical standard, but as a healthy and good companion dog. This is why it is also considered the symbol of the beginning of the “designer dog” revolution.

What is the difference between Cockapoo and Cocker Spaniel?

Look, the Cockapoo and Cocker Spaniel may look somewhat similar in appearance, but there is a very big fundamental difference between the two. The Cocker Spaniel is a pure breed, while the Cockapoo is a crossbreed. The Cockapoo is created by mixing the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. Because of this, differences arise in both’s size, temperament, coat, care, and health‑related matters.

First understand this. The Cocker Spaniel has a fixed standard. That is, its size, coat, and temperament can be largely predicted in advance. But this is not the case with the Cockapoo. Puppies born in the same litter of Cockapoos can have different size, coat (curly or wavy), and temperament. Because every puppy brings different qualities from its parents.

Cockapoo vs Cocker Spaniel Size and Weight

The Cocker Spaniel’s size is largely fixed.

• Cocker Spaniel male weight is usually between 11.3 to 13.6 kg and female between 9 to 11.3 kg.
• Cocker Spaniel height is about 34 to 39 cm.

The Cockapoo’s size depends on which size of Poodle was used to create it – Toy Cockapoo, Miniature Cockapoo / Mini Cockapoo, or Standard Cockapoo.

• Therefore, a Cockapoo can be from 4 kg to 15 kg or even more.
• Height can be from 25 to 40 cm. That is, the Cockapoo’s size depends on its parents, especially the Poodle.

Cockapoo vs Cocker Spaniel Temperament and Behavior

Cocker Spaniel’s temperament

• The Cocker Spaniel is also called “Merry Cocker” because they are usually cheerful, affectionate, and energetic. They form a deep bond with their owners and can be a little shy or reserved with strangers.

Cockapoo’s temperament

• The Cockapoo’s temperament is also affectionate, friendly, and energetic, but more variation is seen in it. Some Cockapoos can be more social and intelligent like the Poodle, while some are more sensitive like the Cocker Spaniel. Some studies have also shown that behavioural problems like fear of strangers or aggression can be seen slightly more in Cockapoos compared to their purebred parents. Therefore, the Cockapoo needs more good training and early socialisation.

Cockapoo vs Cocker Spaniel Coat, Shedding, and Grooming

Cocker Spaniel Coat and Shedding

• The Cocker Spaniel’s coat is silky and wavy. It has a double layer (undercoat) , because of which they shed a moderate amount. To prevent tangles in long hair, they need to be brushed daily and professional grooming is also required.

Cockapoo Coat and Shedding

• The Cockapoo’s coat can be curly or wavy. It depends on whether it has received more qualities from the Poodle or the Cocker Spaniel. If the coat is like a Poodle, the hair may shed very little, but it is not certain that every Cockapoo will shed less. And no dog is completely allergy‑free. To prevent tangles in the Cockapoo’s coat, brushing 3 to 5 times a week and professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks are necessary.

Cockapoo vs Cocker Spaniel Exercise Needs

Cocker Spaniel Exercise Needs:

• The Cocker Spaniel needs about 1 hour of physical activity daily. It loves brisk walks, play, and swimming.

Cockapoo Exercise Needs:

• The Cockapoo also needs about 1 hour of exercise daily. It can be divided into short walks and play.

Cockapoo vs Cocker Spaniel Health and Lifespan

How long does a Cocker Spaniel live?

• Cocker Spaniels are usually healthy, but because they are a pure breed, they have a risk of some genetic problems, such as allergies, eye problems, and hip dysplasia. Their average lifespan is 10 to 14 years.

How long does a Cockapoo live?

• The Cockapoo’s lifespan can be 12 to 16 years or even more. Because it is a crossbreed, it may get the benefit of “hybrid vigor,” but it can still have problems like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Therefore, while getting a puppy, definitely ask about the parents’ health tests and genetic testing.