Cockapoos are extremely popular, so if you have considered welcoming one of these lovable, warm and intelligent crossbreeds into your home, we are not surprised. However, as dog ownership is not something you should take lightly, you need to be sure a cockapoo is the right breed for you.
To help you out, we have put together a guide to some of the main pros and cons of owning a cockapoo. By taking into consideration the good and the bad of cockapoo ownership, you will be able to make a more informed decision.
Pros
There Are Various Different Sizes Available
Perhaps you are interested in a cockapoo because of many of their attractive qualities but don’t want one that is as big as a standard-sized cocker spaniel. There’s no need to worry as cockapoos come in various sizes. Starting with the teacup and toy for those who want a smaller than average dog. If you want a bigger cockapoo, there is the miniature and standard to choose from. Simply put, there is a cockapoo to meet most people’s tastes and preferences.
Cockapoos Are Extremely Friendly and Loyal
One thing that makes cockapoos stand out is their friendly attitude. They are known to be extremely loyal and will get on with just about anyone. Although older and more considerate children are best, cockapoos make great family pets who will show the same love and affection to the oldest and youngest of the household.
They Do Not Shed Huge Amounts of Fur or Too Often
The idea of cross-breeding of a cocker spaniel with a poodle was originally conceived with the view of developing a breed of dog that would be better suited to allergy sufferers. As cockapoos, like the poodle half of their parentage, don’t tend to shed as much fur or produce as much dander, they are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Many breeds wrongly sell them as being 100% hypoallergenic. However, that is not really possible.
Cons
They Need Almost Constant Companionship
Their friendly and social attitude can be just as much of a downside as an advantage. As long as you give them enough attention and do not leave them in the house for too long, cockapoos are fine. However, if you have a lifestyle and commitments that mean you are out of the house much of the day, you may want to consider a different breed. Cockapoos are known to suffer badly from separation anxiety.
Not only is this not good for the dog’s mental health and well-being it can bring to the fore very unpleasant personality traits and destructive behavior.
They Are A Highly Energetic Breed
No two dogs are alike and although it is possible to come across a cockapoo who just likes to chill out, the breed is famous for its boundless energy. You can’t really get away with just taking a cockapoo for a quick 5-minute walk to the end of the road. They need to have a good half an hour to an hour a day, and some of that should ideally be off the leash.
If due to your own mobility or health issues or you simply don’t have the time to devote to that amount of exercise, a cockapoo may not be for you.
Hopefully, with this more balanced view of cockapoos, you will be able to decide whether it’s the right breed for you or not.
This post was written by Mike from www.cockapoohq.com
