Cockapoo Temperament: Pros, Cons, & Family Suitability

If you’ve ever seen a Cockapoo, you know how cute and amazing these little Doods are. They’ve got the looks, the smarts, and the personality. If you’re interested in learning more about the Cockapoo temperament, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we discuss everything about the Cockapoo personality, along with its potential pros and cons that any dog owner should consider before adopting a puppy. 

Table of Contents

• What Is A Cockapoo?
• Most Common Cockapoo Temperament Traits
• Cockapoo Temperament: Pros & Cons
  • Cockapoo Temperament: Pros
• Cockapoo Temperament: Cons

Is The Cockapoo Suitable For You?

Cockapoo Temperament: Frequently Asked Questions

• Is A Cockapoo A Good Family Dog?
• Do Cockapoos Bark A Lot?
• Are Cockapoos High Maintenance?

Cockapoo Temperament: Final Thoughts

What Is A Cockapoo?

The Cockapoo is a hybrid cross between the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. These pups can be created with either American Cocker Spaniels or English Cocker Spaniels. Due to the Cocker Spaniel’s small size, Cocker Spaniels usually come in the small to medium-sized dog category. 

It’s thought that the Cockapoo is one of the oldest Poodle mixes out there – they were first created sometime in the 1960s. But like other Doodles, Cockapoos became more widely known in the 1990s. Today, they’re one of the most coveted Doods thanks to their cute looks, amazing personality, and allergy-friendly coats.

The Cockapoo combines the best of both worlds – they’re sweet and affectionate like the Cocker Spaniel parent, and as intelligent and playful as the Poodle. What’s so great about Cockapoos is that they’ve also inherited their low-shedding qualities from the Poodle parent, making them excellent companions for people with allergies.

As one of the more established hybrid breeds, the Cockapoo can be created by using all sizes of Poodle in the mix. Smaller Toy Cockapoos have a Toy Poodle parent, whereas the most common Mini Cockapoo has a Mini Poodle parent. Then there’s also the largest Maxi or Standard Cockapoo that has a Standard Poodle parent.

Most Common Cockapoo Temperament Traits

Cockapoos are sweet and loving dogs that value human companionship above all else. They’re outgoing and fun-loving, and they make friends literally everywhere they go. Cockapoos are also very loyal and they tend to bond very well with their families. Having said that, their extremely affectionate and faithful nature means that they’re also prone to separation anxiety. 

Since the Cockapoo is the offspring of the world’s second smartest dog Poodle, these pups are well-known for their high levels of intelligence. Cockapoos are generally easy to train, and they tend to pick up new tricks and cues super fast. 

Cockapoos can also be quite energetic, especially at a young age. They’re playful and goofy pups who enjoy being at the center of the attention, a trait very common in their Poodle parents. 

When it comes to Cockapoo personality traits, we have to keep in mind that all puppies are unique and have their own personalities. Some puppies are more outgoing, whereas others are more independent by nature. In addition to that, genetics also play a role here. 

Some puppies may have a more Poodle-like personality, and others may inherit most of their traits from the Cocker Spaniel parent. We never know what we might get with a crossbreed. But, based on the Cockapoos parents and their temperaments, we have a pretty good understanding of the Cockapoo’s temperament. 

Cockapoo Temperament: Pros & Cons

Obviously, Cockapoos are wonderful companions and they’re just all-round excellent dogs. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the Cockapoo is the right pet for you. Indeed, each puppy is unique and has its own personality. Still, there are some common pros and cons that may influence your decision.

Before you adopt a new puppy, it’s crucial you’ve done your research into the most common Cockapoo personality traits. You’ll also want to consider your own lifestyle and family dynamics so you can determine whether or not the Cockapoo meshes with that. 

Keep in mind that the Cockapoo’s behavior is determined by a variety of factors, including their upbringing and environment. And as we mentioned earlier, genetics also influence a Cockapoo’s temperament and personality.

Fortunately, ethical breeders carefully select their breeding dogs through extensive health and temperament testing to ensure that they only produce new litters from healthy and strong bloodlines with sound temperaments. 

Cockapoo Temperament: Pros

Intelligent & Easy To Train

One of the best things about the Cockapoo temperament is that they’re super smart. They’re fast learners, which means that they’ll learn good manners rather quickly. In addition to that, they’re eager to please their humans, making them that much more motivated to learn new habits and tricks. 

Cockapoos respond especially well to positive reinforcement training. To be fair, all dogs do! But one thing you’ll want to consider is that Cockapoos are often sensitive. So, you should never make any loud and aggressive sounds or movements when interacting with your pup. 

Even though Cockapoos inherit their intelligence from both the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, they rely on your help to reach their full potential. We always recommend new puppy owners to start with training as soon as the puppy comes home. The sooner you start, the better. 

To raise a confident, well-rounded, and well-behaved Cockapoo, you’ll want to invest time and energy in early socialization, potty training, and obedience training. All of which are extremely beneficial for your puppy’s development in those crucial first months. 

Friendly & Good Natured

Another reason why the Cockapoo temperament is just wonderful is their sweet and loving nature. They’re very people-focused dogs that thrive in human company. And thanks to their affectionate personality, they usually form very strong bonds with their families. 

Your Cockapoo will cherish every moment that they have with you. They love going for walkies and playing with you, and after a long day there’s nothing better than to cuddle up on the couch with their humans. 

In fact, Cockapoos like to mingle with everyone. They adore their full-grown owners, and equally well get along with children and other pets. And thanks to their small yet sturdy stature, Cockapoos aren’t as delicate as some other small-sized Doods, making them a safe choice for families with children. 

In addition to that, Cockapoos like to socialize when out and about. They’re usually very friendly with everyone they meet, including strangers, cats, and dogs. Nevertheless, keep in mind that a Cockapoo puppy has to be socialized from an early age for them to confidently meet and greet new people and pets. 

Cockapoos are also very fun-loving and playful. When they’re really taking their playtime seriously, it’s not uncommon for them to become super excited. With such an enthusiastic little Dood you’ll never get bored. 

Ideal For Apartments

Thanks to their small size and moderate activity levels, Cockapoos are ideal pets for apartments, especially the smaller Mini, Toy, and Teacup variations. They don’t require too much space, and they do perfectly well on a few exercise sessions per day.

On the other hand, Cockapoos can be very bouncy and have bursts of energy, which is something to keep in mind. However, Cockapoos are usually most energetic in puppyhood and adolescence. As they mature, they usually get calmer. 

Additionally, Cockapoos can sometimes be vocal. For instance, when they desperately need your attention, or when someone’s at the door. This could sometimes be a nuisance, but they generally aren’t that loud to disturb the neighbors. 

With that being said, the Maxi Cockapoo may not be the best choice for apartment-dwellers due to their larger size. But, as the Cockapoo comes in smaller Mini, Toy, and Teacup sizes, you have plenty of options to choose from. 

Cockapoo Temperament: Cons

Separation Anxiety

Although one of the best things about the Cockapoo temperament is how affectionate they are, it can also become a problem at times. Due to their loving nature, Cockapoos easily become attached to their families. They’re also very social dogs so being around people is what makes them the happiest. 

Now, the issue might present itself when a Cockapoo has to be left alone for a longer period of time. As they so love being around people, it can be quite a shock for them to be left home alone for more than what they’re used to, especially if they’re a bit clingy.

Dogs with separation anxiety often start whining, crying, or even pacing before or after you leave the house. Some pups can also go potty in wrong places, and others may become destructive. Overall, they’ll feel anxious and stressed, which will translate into their behavior. 

Separation anxiety can be prevented and managed to some extent. Still, as the Cockapoo is prone to anxiety, they are usually better suited for people and families that can spend time with the pup throughout the day. 

High Maintenance & High Energy

One of the best things about the Cockapoo temperament is its high intelligence. However, this also means that these pups can easily get bored if they aren’t stimulated enough. For smart and active breeds, mental and physical stimulation are vital to keep them happy, healthy, and fulfilled. Otherwise, they might start acting out, even destroying your home, furniture, or garden. 

The key here is to prevent your dog from getting bored. Cockapoos need plenty of exercise, at least 30 minutes twice a day. On top of that, you’ll also want to schedule playtimes, training, and get your pup some fun puzzle games and interactive toys. All to keep your pup entertained and helping them spend all that excess energy. 

And even though Cockapoos are generally considered moderate-energy dogs, they can often have sudden bursts of energy, or get way too excited. It’s especially common in puppies and young adults. So, if you’re considering getting a Cockapoo, be sure you have plenty of time set aside for playtime and other activities.

Is The Cockapoo Suitable For You?

After learning about the potential pros and cons of the Cockapoo temperament, you probably have gained a better insight into this precious little Dood. If you’re keen on adopting a Cockapoo puppy, carefully consider all of its personality traits so you can decide whether or not this pup is the right pet for you.

Above all, remember that adopting a dog is a huge commitment that you’ll have to be fully dedicated to for the next 10 to 20 years. Does the Cockapoo match with your own lifestyle and family dynamics? Do you have the time and energy to care for a Cockapoo puppy with all of its unique needs? Here’s a quick summary to help you decide.

The Cockapoo is a suitable pet for you if you:

• Are looking for a very friendly, affectionate, and outgoing dog that won’t leave your side, ever.
• Have plenty of time for daily walkies, playtime, and training to keep your pup entertained, and overall lead a moderately active lifestyle. 
• You live in an apartment or don’t have too much space.
• Have children in your family. 

The Cockapoo might not be an ideal dog for you if you: 

• Have to leave the house for long hours and your pup would have to spend much of the time alone.
• Prefer a pup that isn’t as bouncy and energetic. 
• Don’t have much time for daily mental and physical stimulation. 

Cockapoo Temperament: Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Cockapoo A Good Family Dog?

The Cockapoo is an excellent family dog, as they’re generally very loving and affectionate. They get along with everyone, including adults, children, elderly, other dogs, cats, and even strangers. They’re also quite easy to train and they usually behave well in all sorts of situations. 

Nevertheless, it’s every puppy owner’s responsibility to put in the work in terms of training and socialization. Only then can a Cockapoo puppy grow into a confident and well-rounded adult that’s equipped to handle any encounters and situations. 

Do Cockapoos Bark A Lot?

The Cockapoo isn’t considered much of a barker. However, some pups may inherit their tendency to vocalize from the Cocker Spaniel parent. More expressive Cockapoos generally let their owners know when they need or want something, like attention. But other than that, Cockapoos usually don’t make too much noise. 

Of course, any breed can learn the habit of excessive barking. If that’s become an issue, you can luckily fix that with consistent training. You can either hire a professional dog trainer to help, or try the Online Puppy School by Baxter & Bella. 

Are Cockapoos High Maintenance?

Cockapoos are often considered high maintenance both for their grooming requirements and exercise needs. In terms of the Cockapoo temperament, these smart little Doods need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. As they say, a tired pup is a happy pup. So, you’ll want to make sure that your Cockapoo gets to exercise, play, and socialize every single day. 

Cockapoo Temperament: Final Thoughts

The Cockapoo has become super popular and for great reason. These pups really do embody some of the most amazing qualities in dogs. They’re loving, fun, and intelligent dogs that make excellent companions. But, each breed and crossbreed also comes with its potential pros and cons that any new dog owner should consider before adoption. We hope you learned some helpful information about the Cockapoo’s temperament from this guide so you can make an informed decision.