About American Cocker Spaniels

Did you know that the Cocker Spaniel's roots trace back to 14th-century Spain and England? Originally bred as a skilled hunting companion, the Cocker Spaniel was prized for its ability to flush and retrieve game birds-especially the woodcock, from which it earned its name. With its long, silky ears, bright eyes, and ever-wagging tail, the Cocker became a symbol of enthusiasm, loyalty, and joy in motion. By the 20th century, the breed had won hearts across the world-not just for its field skill, but for its gentle nature and devotion at home. Whether English or American, the Cocker Spaniel remains a perfect blend of beauty and heart. Today, the Cocker Spaniel is celebrated for its happy spirit and loving soul-whether chasing a ball, walking proudly by your side, or curling up close for a quiet moment of peace.

Joyful. Gentle. Faithful always.

The Cocker Spaniel isn't just a breed-it's sunshine wrapped in silky fur.

About the POODLE:

The poodle is an intelligent, energetic, and friendly breed known for being an excellent family companion. These dogs are eager to please and highly trainable, but they thrive on attention and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They are active, require both physical exercise and mental stimulation, and have a dense, curly coat that needs regular grooming. 

Intelligent and trainable: Miniature poodles are very smart and quick learners, making them easy to train for various activities and obedience.Affectionate and family-oriented: They are loving and loyal, bonding closely with their owners and generally getting along well with children and other pets when properly socialized.  Energetic and playful: They have a playful and joyful personality and enjoy being active, which includes walks, games, and even swimming.

Prone to separation anxiety: They bond strongly with their owners and can become anxious or destructive if left alone for extended periods, so they need plenty of human interaction.

ABOUT Cockapoos:

Cockapoos are one of the first doodle mixes and have been purposefully bred since the 1960’s. This lovable ball of fluff has been a family favorite companion ever since due to their affable nature! They are known for being intelligent, outgoing, friendly, and loving. They make the perfect companion for just about any and all environments and families as they're small enough for apartment life in the city and adventurous enough for roaming the country with their people.

Their activity level tends to extend to your desires, nature hikes and runs one day and couch snuggles the next. So long as they're spending time with you, that's what they love best! Cockapoos are a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix that is typically 10-17lbs with a "Teddy Bear" like appearance.

They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns: buff/ cream, apricot, red, chocolate, black, phantoms, sable, merle, parti, and tri-colored. Their coats can be tightly curled, have a spiral/ loose curl, or be straight and will require lifelong grooming. Their coats tend to be allergy friendly for people with mild to moderate dander allergies. Owning a Cockapoo is a longterm commitment, the typical lifespan of a Cockapoo is 12-15 years although they can live longer.

Cockapoos in general have a loving and gentle disposition combined with a fearless curiosity and a wonderful zest for life. They are intelligent, quick to learn and have a very biddable natures. Cockapoos which come from a Working Cocker Spaniel tend to be less active than their pure bred Cocker parent, mainly due to the infusion of Poodle genetics. They also have a strong desire to please as well as high intelligence. Combined with the genetics from both breeds, these qualities make for the most fantastic little hypoallergenic dogs!

The American Kennel Club

(AKC) does not recognize the Cockapoo as a breed because it is a mixed breed, not a purebred dog. Therefore, any claims of an AKC-registered Cockapoo are inaccurate; instead, Cockapoo breeders are not recognized by the AKC. To find a Cockapoo, you must search for reputable breeders and be wary of scams or puppy mills.

Why the AKC doesn't recognize Cockapoos

  •   Mixed breed status: The Cockapoo is a crossbreed resulting from a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.
    The AKC only recognizes purebred dogs.

  • Lack of a purebred registry: No authoritative registry for this type of dog currently exists.

  • An F1 Cockapoo is a first-generation crossbreed, meaning it is the direct offspring of a purebred Cocker Spaniel and a purebred Poodle. This results in a 50/50 genetic split, and the puppies can have a wide variety of coat types (straight, wavy, or curly) and appearances, though some may have traits that lean more towards one parent breed than the other. 

    Characteristics & Personality of an F1 Cockapoo 

  • Parentage: Bred from one Cocker Spaniel and one Poodle.

  • Genetic Makeup: Approximately a 50% Cocker Spaniel and 50% Poodle split.

  • Appearance: Significant variation in coat type (straight, wavy, or curly) and overall look, even within the same litter.

  • Temperament: A mix of traits from both parent breeds, often sweet and friendly.

  • Generation: It is the initial cross, making it the "first generation".

  • Hybrid Vigor: Often considered to have good "hybrid vigor" due to the fresh cross between two purebreds. 

    Cockapoos are highly trainable, with a keen intelligence. They are curious and eager to perform. They do well with one-person owners as well as with families with young children. They are very people-oriented, outgoing and happy dogs.

  • Hair. Coat is usually dense; may be wavy or curly; usually little-to-no-shedding.

  • Tails. Tails may be docked or not. (Both are acceptable.)

  • Lifespan. Generally 14 to 18 years, even into the 20’s.

  • Activity Level. They adapt well to apartments and homes, but are also “at home” on the largest farm. They have a moderate activity level. Cockapoos are not meant to be outside dogs.