Toy Cockapoo Guide
| Height: | 10–11 inches |
| Weight: | 7–12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 14–18 years |
| Colors: | Black, white, cream, chocolate, red, and apricot |
| Suitable for: | Active families, those looking for a low-shedding dog |
| Temperament: | Cheery and outgoing, friendly, playful, and intelligent |
Cockapoos are a popular dog breed, beloved for their personalities and pampered fur. The dog is a mix between a cocker spaniel and a poodle, which is why the combined name comes out as “cockapoo.”
Toy cockapoos are smaller versions of the standard cockapoo. While a standard cockapoo can reach up to 18 inches in height, the toy cockapoo generally ranges from 10–11 inches. Toy cockapoos maintain many of the same personality traits as the standard ones, just in a smaller, cuddlier form.
If you think a toy cockapoo might be a good fit for you, remember that there are many factors to consider, such as price, healthcare, and grooming. This article reviews everything you need to know about the toy cockapoo before welcoming one into the home.
3 Little-Known Facts About Cockapoos
If you are curious to know more about these adorable little pups, here are some fun facts about toy cockapoos!
The First Cockapoos Date Back to the 1950s
Compared to other breeds, the cockapoo is relatively new. It was first recorded in the 1950s, following a surge of popularity between the poodle and the cocker spaniel.
During the 1940s, the popularity of poodles and cocker spaniels skyrocketed. They were so popular that inevitably, someone had the idea to combine them. When the two beloved dogs were combined, the result was a breed that challenged the popularity of its predecessors: the cockapoo.
The cockapoo soon grew in popularity, as the breed was hailed as a friendly, appealing partner. From then on, more people intentionally bred the poodle and cocker spaniel, and the number of cockapoos grew.
Most Cockapoos Come from American Cocker Spaniels
Did you know that most cockapoos come from American cocker spaniels, not English cocker spaniels?
If a cockapoo is bred from a poodle and an English cocker spaniel, it is often referred to as an English cockapoo.
Likewise, most poodles bred to make cockapoos are miniature or toy poodles, not the standard poodle.
No Cockapoos are Recognized by the American Kennel Club
As sad as it may be for cockapoo fans, the breed is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Why are they not recognized? The cockapoo is not a pure breed, and the organization cannot officially recognize it. Despite this, they remain incredibly popular, even overshadowing some of the dog breeds that the American Kennel Club formally recognized.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Toy Cockapoo
Another thing to consider when looking to add the toy cockapoo to your family is the breed’s temperament.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
The friendliness of the toy cockapoo extends to other pets. Toy cockapoos will generally be warm and receptive to other pets and should not become aggressive or tense around them.
Of course, it is vital to socialize all household pets properly and gradually introduce them to each other. If the pets are not properly socialized, tensions may arise regardless of how friendly the toy cockapoo is.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Toy cockapoos are great family pets. They are very affectionate dogs that love being around their family members and are excellent with children. They are happy and eager to please, making them excellent companions.
When it comes to strangers, they are not too aggressive. They do not bark often and are willing to engage with unfamiliar faces without too much apprehension.
Overall, toy cockapoos can be an excellent addition to any family, and their small size can make them suitable for any living space.
Things to Know When Owning a Toy Cockapoo
Knowing how to maintain the health of your dog is of utmost importance. Keep the following in mind when considering the toy cockapoo as your newest companion.
Food & Diet Requirements
Like any breed of dog, the toy cockapoo needs a whole and balanced diet. They require adequate proportions of protein and fat, with inclusions of vitamins, carbs, and fatty acids. Feeding your toy cockapoo AAFCO-approved dog food is the best way to ensure that you meet your dog’s dietary needs.
Toy cockapoos are known to be picky eaters. If you are struggling to find a dog food formula that suits your dog’s taste, blending dry and wet food together can be beneficial to entice your dog to eat. Be sure to speak to your vet before doing this to ensure your dog receives the proper number of calories per meal.
Cockapoos are known to struggle with weight issues; carefully monitor your toy cockapoo’s calorie intake to ensure that you are not overfeeding your dog.
Exercise
Toy cockapoos are energetic creatures that love to stay active. They enjoy retrieving and swimming, though their small size may not make them the best jogging partner.
To be active with your toy cockapoo, consider purchasing some toys to play fetch with. This will give your dog the chance to burn off energy and bond with you at the same time!
Training
As with any breed, it is vital to train the toy cockapoo. However, if this little guy is not given sufficient training, he may start to think he is the household boss. This attitude can lead to serious behavioral issues that are difficult to reverse, so be sure to discourage the behavior when it appears.
Toy cockapoos respond well to positive reinforcement, which is the best method to ensure your dog learns the behaviors you want to teach.
Grooming
Toy cockapoos require attentive grooming. Though they do not shed often, they must be brushed frequently due to their curly, thick fur.
The toy cockapoo’s fur is susceptible to matting. Matting can be extremely painful for dogs, and brushing your dog’s fur regularly is the best way to prevent unnecessary discomfort.
Health and Conditions
Although toy cockapoos are generally considered very healthy breeds, that does not mean they are not prone to certain conditions. Although they are not at higher risk for life-threatening diseases, there are still some severe complications they may suffer.
- Patella luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye disorders
- Ear infections
Serious Conditions:
Patella luxation is essentially knee dislocation. If your dog’s knee has become dislocated, you may notice that he will limp when walking or running. This condition can cause your pet discomfort and pain, and it is crucial to receive medical attention as soon as you notice the signs.
Hip Dysplasia happens as your dog grows, loosening the hip joint and causing pain. Over time, this can lead to arthritis, limited mobility, and muscle atrophy. If your dog is having trouble walking, standing, or sitting, it may be a sign that he has developed hip dysplasia and needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Minor Conditions:
Eye disorders are not an uncommon condition in dogs. Usually, they are easily treatable conditions. However, there are times when more concerning issues appear. If you notice your dog suffering discomfort from his eyes, take him to the vet.
Ear infections are another common and treatable condition in dogs. If you notice your dog whining, shaking his head, or scratching at his ears, he likely has developed an ear infection. Take him to the vet to confirm the infection and devise a treatment plan.
Male vs Female
Although there are no drastic differences between male and female toy cockapoos, some noted behavior distinctions have been noted.
The male cockapoo is incredibly affectionate and eager to please. While the female cockapoo is similar, she may be more independent sometimes and willing to give her owners some space now and then.
If your male cockapoo is not neutered, he may be prone to displays of aggression. Likewise, he may be more apt to run away. The female cockapoo is also likely to run away if she is not spayed.
Despite the slight differences between males and females, there is no superior option. All dogs have unique personalities that their sex cannot always determine.
Life Expectancy
Smaller dogs generally live longer than larger ones, and Cockapoos are one of the longest-living dogs. A Toy Cockapoo has an average lifespan of 15-17 years.
It is also important to note that the lifestyle of the dog will also affect its lifespan. For example, a Toy Cockapoo bred from healthy parents and raised in a loving environment with a healthy lifestyle of nutritious food and daily exercise will live longer than others.
Are Toy Cockapoos Suitable For Apartment Life?
Toy Cockapoos come in compact sizes and are naturally low shedders, making them perfect pets for apartments and small houses. Getting them when they are still young will also help them get adapted to confined spaces.
Can Toy Cockapoos Be Left Alone?
It depends on the individual dogs and the amount of training they’ve received. Cockapoos are generally social dogs and thrive with consistent social interactions. But, if they are trained well, they can be left alone for 7-8 hours at a time.
They also get better at handling their temperament as they get older.
However, Cockapoos are also prone to separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for long periods at a stretch, they might feel stressed and may demonstrate some aggressive behaviors.
If you do have to leave them alone for a few hours, make sure to shower them with lots of love, attention, and treats as soon as you’re back.
Final Thoughts
Toy Cockapoos make the perfect pet for small families and students living in apartments. They are compact, intelligent, active, and very friendly with everyone they come across. They also learn quickly, adapt seamlessly to different situations, and are easy to train as well.
Make sure you do your research on the breed and only reach out to responsible, ethical breeders so that you bring home a healthy and happy Toy Cockapoo.
