Floppy ears, curly coat, and a personality that seems custom-designed to steal your sock drawer. The Cockapoo is part charm, part chaos. They’ll cuddle you, chase squirrels, dig when bored, and then flop in your lap as if nothing happened.
Not sure if you’re ready for that blend of fun and fur? Try our Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz to see if the Cockapoo life might suit you.
Great Names for a Cockapoo
Your little fluff-monster deserves a name to match all that personality.
Cute & cuddly: Snuggles, Pippin, Clover, Willow, Rosie, Teddy
Spunky & fun: Zippy, Dash, Jigsaw, Rocket, Rascal, Ziggy
Elegant & sweet: Belle, Luna, Aurora, Pearl, Fleur, Eloise
Classic & reliable: Charlie, Archie, Millie, Max, Daisy, Ollie
If none of those hit, go wild with the Dog Name Generator on CrazyDogs.club.
Exercise
Think of a Cockapoo as a tennis ball with paws: they’ll bounce, zoom, sniff, flop, and repeat. If you don’t give them mental and physical outlets, they’ll invent their own (often involving your shoes).
What works best:
- 1 hour or more of activity daily (walk + play)
- Off-lead time in a secure garden or field
- Games, fetch, scent trails, hide & seek
- Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys
“They are incredibly prone to separation anxiety and really shouldn’t be alone for more than 3-4 hours.”
High-Energy Warning
Don’t let the fluffy face fool you — Cockapoos have drive. Skimping on exercise leads to noise, chewing, digging, or mischief.
Temperament
Under the curly coat is a dog that wants to be everywhere you are. They’re affectionate, alert, and sometimes a bit needy — think of them as a shadow, but cuter.
You’ll notice they are:
- Friendly and sociable
- Velcro-ish — they don’t like being left out
- Sensitive to mood and tone
- Occasionally bossy with smaller dogs
From forums: one owner said, “she is a cheeky little madam … bosses my other dogs round” (though that was in context of a Cockapoo/Cocker mix)
Separation Anxiety Warning
Many Cockapoos struggle when left alone too long. 3–4 hours is often the upper limit without preparation.
Training
Training a Cockapoo is like tutoring a pet genius that might daydream. They learn fast — if you’re engaging. Bored them, and they go off to rearrange your cushions.
How to best train them:
- Start early with positive reinforcement
- Keep sessions fun and short (5–10 mins)
- Reward heavily for tricks, behaviour, and recall
- Teach leave-it, impulse control, and steady walking
“They are incredibly prone to separation anxiety … really shouldn’t be alone for more than 3-4 hours.”
Need extra tips? Use the World’s First AI Dog Trainer for guidance tailored to a clever, mixed breed.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Cockapoos are more likely to greet strangers like long-lost friends than growl at them. They bark — yes — but mostly to alert, not attack. With early socialisation, they can differentiate visitors from threats.
- Likely to bark when someone arrives
- More welcoming than defensive
- Socialisation helps avoid overreaction
Other Animals
Because they mix Cocker and Poodle, many Cockapoos get along well with other pets — especially if housed together early. But instincts vary:
- Introduce gradually, neutrally
- Supervise first encounters
- Be cautious with small creatures (rats, rabbits)
Grooming
Fluff is fun — until it isn’t. Cockapoos can inherit curly, wavy, or straighter coats. Each type demands attention.
What to expect:
- Regular brushing/combing to prevent mats
- Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks
- Ear checks (prone to infections)
- Bathing when necessary
Grooming Commitment Warning
Skip a week, and mats creep in. This coat demands consistent care, or it fights back.
Health
Cockapoos are hybrids, so health can vary. But there are common risks to watch, especially from their parent breeds.
Potential concerns:
- Ear infections (due to drop ears)
- Hip dysplasia (from larger lines)
- Eye conditions (progressive retina issues)
- Allergies / skin sensitivities
In owner anecdote: “my 1 poo broke his tibia … both dogs insured is about £70 pm”
To reduce risk, always aim for breeders who health-test their lines. Use our Best in Breeder Guide to vet them.
Cost of Ownership
Here’s a rough look at what bringing a Cockapoo into your home might cost in the UK:
- Puppy price: £800–£2,000 (depending on pedigree, health testing, size)
- Insurance: ~ £30–£70 per month (depending on age, health, breed mix)
- Food: ~ £25–£45 per month (smaller dog but active)
- Grooming: £25–£70/month (professional grooming + tools)
- Vet & health checks: £120–£300/year for general care; more if ears/eyes trouble
Famous Owners & Moments
- While full celebrity Cockapoo listings are rare (because they’re mixed), many pet-celebs, YouTubers, and influencers choose them for their looks, personality, and hypoallergenic appeal.
- They’re often featured in “designer dog” conversations, though those come with controversy.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “Cockapoos never shed.” | They shed less, but still lose hair — coat type matters. |
| “They don’t need training.” | They’re smart — lack of training leads to bad habits. |
| “They’re fine being left all day.” | Many struggle with separation — training and gradual acclimatisation is essential. |
FAQs
Are Cockapoos good with children?
Often yes, especially with supervision — they like company and gentle play.
Do they drool much?
Not typically — their muzzle is shorter and coat not drooly.
Are they easy to train?
Yes, usually — but consistency and engagement are key.
How much exercise do they need?
At least an hour a day, plus play and mental challenge.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
If you love fluff, intelligence, and a companion who wants to be everywhere with you, the Cockapoo might be your perfect mash-up. Just be ready with grooming tools, training time, and a plan for those separation anxiety moments.
Use our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner to stay organised, and capture that curly face in a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
Because Cockapoos are mixed, stats vary — here’s a ballpark:
- Size: Small to medium
- Weight: ~5–20 kg (depending on lines)
- Lifespan: ~12–15 years
- Best Trait: Affection, sociability, adaptability
- Challenging Trait: Grooming, anxiety, cleanliness