Cocker Spaniel Information   

The Cocker Spaniel's country of origin was England and were brought to America in the 1800's. The Cocker Spaniels were commonly used to flush small prey from the brush for hunters. The name "Cocker" is derived from Woodcock, a bird they were particularly adept in finding. 

The Cocker Spaniel's average size is 15 to 16 1/2 inches at the shoulder and weight range from 18 to 30 lbs.

Cocker Spaniels are intelligent, cheerful, lively, and affectionate. There are very loyal to their family and Love to play. They make terrific pets and hunting companions. Cocker Spaniels get along well with children and other dogs or houshold pets. They should be exposed to pets and children  when they are young for maximum social potential. The Cocker Spaniel is joyous and energetic. They need to be walked daily or allowed time to exercise in the yard. The Cocker Spaniel can adjust to aparment living but will need to be taken a long walk daily with other short walks through out the day. The Cocker Spaniel requires plenty of attention and Love from it's owner. The Cocker Spaniel is quite willing to learn, so training must be consistent but not overly firm. Cocker Spaniels respond better to Love, not harsh discipline. 

Cocker Spaniels should be brushed on a regular basis and groomed every 6 to 8 weeks. Cocker Spaniels are prone to ear infections, so their ears must be kept clean on a regular basis.

The Cocker Spaniel's life expectancy is 12 to 14 years. Common health problems are cherry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis and skin allergies.

                                                                   Cockapoos    

The Cockapoo is a cross between the American Cocker Spaniel and any size Poodle. They are most commonly crossed with a toy or miniature poodle. Cockapoos originated in the United States and can be dated as far back as the 1940's. The Cockapoo is not considered a purebred because it doesn't display a consistent set of characteristics or "breed true" and it would take several generations of breeding Cockapoo to Cockapoo to be come a purebred dog. There are several ways to breed Cockapoo's, breeding a Poodle to a Cocker Spaniel would be called a first generation cockapoo. Breeding with other Cockapoos would be called a multi-generation cross, etc. With each breeding there are different characteristics. 

The Cockapoo's size will vary upon the parents. The Toy Cockapoo weighs between 5-12 lbs. The Miniature Cockapoo weighs between 12-24 lbs. and the rare Standard Cockapoo weighs between 30-65 lbs. The Miniature is the most common.

The Cockapoo is known for is excellent temperament. Cockapoos are pleasant, loyal, friendly, and eager for human companionship. The Cockapoo can become unhappy if left alone to much. The Cockapoo makes an ideal family pet and it's loving and gentle temperament makes a great pet for children. The Cockapoo gets along great with other pets and enjoys all the attention they can get from people and other pets. Cockapoos can adjust easily to apartment living and are great in any home where they can get lots of Love and affection from their owner. Cockapoos can be energetic, and do need to be walked or allowed time to exercise in a fenced yard.

Cockapoos are considered low shedding dogs, however the coat does require grooming. The Cockapoos need to be groomed every 6 to 8 weeks and should be brushed every day. The Cockapoo has a coat which combines both breeds and can be curly, or flat, or anywhere in between. Their ears should be kept clean and sometimes plucked if they take after the Poodle.

Cockapoos have a life expectancy of 15-20 years. Like other hybrids (mixed breeds), cockapoos have less health issues than most purebreds. Cross-breeding results in "hybrid vigor" in which the best qualitites of both dogs manifest in their offspring. It also creates a wider gene pool, thereby lessening the chance of more prominant defects of each breed being reproduced. Common health problems are progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, ear infections, luxating patella (dislocated knee), and hip dysplasia.