Please note:  There is a committee working hard on opening the CCA Registry soon.  You will begin to see lots of new material on the website in preparation for the big announcement!  We will keep you posted!  Until then...kiss those Cockapoos!

        Cockapoos, as the name indicates, are a cross (hybrid) of pure Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. They have been bred informally for many decades, and have been noted for their wonderful dispositions, long lives and lower incidence of genetic defects than in the parental breeds. This type of cross breeding results in "hybrid vigor" in which the best qualities of each breed manifest in the offspring. This, however, assumes that one is not breeding from defective/impure Cockers or Poodles. It also creates a wider gene pool, thereby lessening the likelihood of the more prominent defects of each breed from being reproduced. Continued out breeding (i.e., not breeding related pairs) enlarges the gene pool even further.

        Many Cockapoo are first-generation (the direct offspring of a Poodle and  Cocker). We encourage breeders to continue, as many have, to selectively breed down the generations of non related pairs. This further enhances the desired characteristics of the Cockapoo in the succeeding generations. Breeders are being encouraged to produce successive generations and to keep detailed breeding records that will be able to stand the scrutiny required for our upcoming registry. Either breed can be the sire or dam, but the American Cocker is usually used as the dam.  English Cockers are also acceptable as dams or sires and have fewer genetic problems than the American Cocker.

        The Cockapoo derives from the Poodle its extraordinary intelligence and non shedding coat. (Realistically, no dog exists that does not shed, so a better term would be low-shed.) When combed and brushed, some hair does come out, but it is not likely that you will find dog hairs on the carpet, etc. Because the Poodle is commonly referred to as non shedding, this term will be used. Likewise, there is very little dander, which is the main culprit in allergies to dogs. This makes the Cockapoo the ideal choice for those who have problems with allergies.

        The Cockapoo's sweet nature, patient disposition and sturdy build come from the Cocker Spaniel. The resulting personality is unparalleled in its ability to relate to people and children. They are famous for being loyal, affectionate, open and friendly, non destructive, eager to please, easily trained, vigorous, clean, healthy and long lived (18-22 years).  The dog's flexibility and range of sizes makes it ideal for a number of special situations.

        The Club currently has an informational packet available that includes: the Cockapoo Club of America Consumer Bill of Rights, help on choosing a puppy and a breeder, a list of breeders in your region of the US, a color brochure about Cockapoos, and puppy care tips.  To request an informational packet, please send a $10.00 donation, (cash, personal check or money order) made payable to:  Cockapoo Club of America, to the address below.  Thank you for supporting the CCA.

Last updated 02/10/08        Copyright © 1999, Cockapoo Club of America