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Pedigree Dogs > Cockapoo
Breed Information
A Cockapoo is a cross breed dog. It is the cross of an
American Cocker Spaniel or English Cocker Spaniel and a
poodle (in most cases a miniature poodle or toy poodle),
or of two cockapoos.
Overall Cockapoos are usually healthy and happy dogs. As
with a lot of smaller dogs they tend to be quite
long-lived, and it's not unusual for cockapoos to live
to 15 years or more.
However, both purebred poodles and cocker spaniels can
suffer from luxating patellas (loose knees), and this
can be passed on to their offspring. For this reason, an
OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) exam is
recommended to check for this problem before dogs are
bred.
Purebred poodles and cocker spaniels can also suffer
from a number of eye disorders, including progressive
retinal atrophy (PRA). A CERF (Canine Eye Registration
Foundation) exam and DNA test for PRA should therefore
be performed before breeding.
Like many floppy-eared breeds, Cockapoos can be subject
to ear infections, and it's important to keep their ears
clean and dry.
Cockapoos have become popular because they generally
combine the outgoing, loving personality of the Cocker
spaniel with the low-shedding, low-dander qualities of
the Poodle. Cockapoos are intelligent, playful and
active, and thrive when they receive regular exercise.
There are currently Cockapoo clubs that are working
towards developing the Cockapoo by breeding successive
generations, and establishing it as a recognized breed.
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