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A Cockapoo or Cockerpoo is a cross-bred dog, created by crossing a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, in most cases the Miniature Poodle. Breeders usually try to retain the small build of the spaniel, while retaining the wavy quality of the Poodle's coat.
History
The Cockapoo has been popular in the United States since at least the 1970s. It has become so common that many, if not most, Cockapoos on the market today are the result of breeding male and female Cockapoos rather than of a direct cross between the Cocker and the Poodle.
The Cockapoo is still under development. Strictly speaking, the Cockapoo cannot yet be described as a dog breed because it does not 'breed true'. In breeders' terms, 'breeding true' means that, when two specimens of the same breed are mated, the puppies have consistently predictable characteristics and will resemble their parents, rather than exhibiting random characteristics of the dog breeds in their parents' ancestries. Further, the breed standards of breeds-under-development are invariably freer, more open to interpretation and cover more observable types than those of established or kennel club recognized breeds.
Appearance
Cockapoos generally weigh between 20 and 24 pounds (9 to 11 kg) and stand about 14 or 15 inches (35 to 38 cm) at the withers. Like their originating breeds, Cocakpoos come in a variety of coat colors, both solid colors and combinations. The general shape of the Cockapoo, in particular its ears, mostly resembles the Spaniel, but the coat and face are usually more reminiscent of the Poodle.
Health
Because the Cockapoo has drawn on so many diverse genetic lines, it usually does not suffer from some of the genetic problems encountered more frequently in Cocker Spaniels, such as hyperactivity and skin problems of the American Cocker Spaniel. Its life expectancy is typical for a medium-small dog, about 13 to 15 years.
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