The Cockapoo Community

The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle and has become one of the most popular dogs in the UK over the past two decades. It is not a Kennel Club recognised breed and is not eligible for KC registration: any claim to the contrary should be treated with scepticism. What the Cockapoo is, at its best, is an intelligent, affectionate and adaptable companion dog that combines the Cocker Spaniel's warmth and sociability with the Poodle's trainability and lower-shedding coat. Understanding generation matters when choosing a Cockapoo. An F1 dog is a first-generation cross: 50 per cent Cocker Spaniel and 50 per cent Poodle. An F1b is a backcross: an F1 Cockapoo bred back to a Poodle, producing a dog that is 75 per cent Poodle and typically lower-shedding. An F2 is a cross between two F1 Cockapoos. Coat type and shedding level are significantly influenced by generation: F1b dogs tend to have wavier or curlier coats that shed less, while F1 dogs can have a wider range of coat types. No Cockapoo is truly hypoallergenic. This claim is widely made by breeders and is misleading. Allergens are present in dog dander and saliva, not only in coat, and no breed or cross can be guaranteed not to trigger allergies. Lower-shedding Cockapoos may suit some allergy sufferers better, but this is not guaranteed: anyone with significant dog allergies should spend time with the specific dog before committing. Read our full guide to [F1, F2 and F1b generations explained](/breeds/crossbreeds/f1-f2-generations) and [are doodles and crossbreeds really hypoallergenic?](/breeds/crossbreeds/are-doodles-hypoallergenic) for more detail. Cockapoos inherit health conditions from both parent breeds. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a concern from the Cocker Spaniel side; hip dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy can come from the Poodle side; and ear infections are common in both parents. Reputable Cockapoo breeders should health test both parents for conditions relevant to their breed. This is a meaningful point of difference between responsible and irresponsible breeders in what remains a largely unregulated market. Size varies depending on whether the Poodle parent is a Toy or Miniature: Toy Cockapoos are smaller (under 5kg), Miniature Cockapoos are medium-sized (up to 10kg). Both are adaptable to a range of living environments when their exercise needs are met. Purchase prices for Cockapoos are among the highest for any dog in the UK, typically ranging from £1,500 to £3,500. The combination of high demand and an unregulated breeding market means puppy farming and low-welfare breeding are significant problems in this cross: due diligence is essential.