Chocolate Cockapoo Guide (With Photos!)
Because of the variety of colors in the two parent breeds, a Cockapoo can be several combinations of different colors, including the stunning chocolate; a deep brown color that can be either solid or have smatterings of other lighter shades.
What do you get when you cross the lovable nature of the floppy-eared Cocker Spaniel and the intelligence and curly, hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle?
Cockapoos!
A popular hybrid dog, the Cockapoo is the adorable cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle.
Cockapoos are known for being intelligent, affectionate, and low-shedding, making them a popular choice for people who are looking for a hypoallergenic pet. In addition, Cockapoos are typically very easy to train and make excellent family additions.
In this blog post, we’ll share with you some cool facts about one of our favorite hybrids, the Cockapoo. We hope that will help you learn more about this versatile, lovable mix and decide whether it’s the right dog for you.
History Of The Cockapoo
To understand what makes the beloved Cockapoo tick, first, we need to understand the origins of the two parent breeds.
The Poodle
Contrary to public perception, Poodles are not all fancy haircuts and sparkly collars. The “princess of the ball” image is largely due to the inaccurate media portrayal of this athletic, active working dog breed.
Poodles were first bred in Germany to hunt waterfowl, running and swimming many miles a day. Their intelligence and incredible capabilities to understand what humans needed quickly made their popularity spread.
They then made their way to French circuses, where they were bred down in size to make transportation easier; hence, the Toy and Miniature Poodle.
The Cocker Spaniel
From their origins in the UK as hunting dogs, Cocker Spaniels have always been known for their affectionate nature and gentle disposition.
They are intelligent and easy to train, making them great family pets. But what really sets Cocker Spaniels apart is their cheerful personality. No matter what the situation, these dogs always seem to be wagging their tail and ready for a game of fetch.
The Chocolate Cockapoo
Cockapoos were first bred in the United States in the 1950s, and they became popular because they inherit the best traits of both breeds.
Cockapoos are intelligent, affectionate, and low-shedding, making them ideal for families with allergies.
They are also relatively easy to train, and they make excellent companion dogs. In recent years, the Cockapoo has become one of the most popular breeds in the US, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
While they are not currently recognized by the AKC as a purebred dog, a large number of Cockapoo enthusiasts are campaigning for recognition and registration as a pure breed.
What Is A Chocolate Cockapoo?
Chocolate typically refers to the deep, rich brown that is often on the coats of many solid-colored dogs like a chocolate Labrador.
However, because a Cockapoo is a hybrid that is a mix of two parent breeds that can be bi-colored or tri-colored, a chocolate Cockapoo’s coat can have splashes of cream and white.
In addition, there are several shades of chocolate that can range from light brown to dark, almost black-brown.
What Are The Other Colors Of A Cockapoo?
Although there is no one standard Cockapoo color, the most common colors are black, cream, white, chocolate, apricot, and red.
Some Cockapoos may also have a merle coat pattern, which can produce a wide range of colors, including blue, silver, and chocolate.
While there is no guarantee of what color a Cockapoo will be when born, breeders can often give you an idea of what to expect based on the coloring of the parents.
Health
Cockapoos are relatively healthy dogs that have moderate energy levels, so although they would benefit from a daily walk or dog, they don’t need excessive amounts of exercise to stay happy.
However, as with all breeds and hybrids, they are genetically predisposed to certain health problems.
Luxating Patella
A luxating patella is a condition in which the kneecap (patella) dislodges from its normal position. This can happen when the leg is extended, flexed, or rotated.
Luxating patellas are most common in small breeds of dogs but can occur in any size or type of dog.
There are four grades of luxating patella, ranging from Grade I (the kneecap dislodges occasionally) to Grade IV (the kneecap is permanently displaced).
Dogs with luxating patellas may show signs of lameness or pain, especially when the kneecap is dislodged.
Surgery is generally recommended for Grade III and IV luxating patellas, although some dogs with Grade II patellas may also benefit from surgery.
Allergies
Just like people, dogs can suffer from allergies. Allergies are one of the most common health problems in dogs, with many dogs experiencing symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny eyes.
While some allergies can be controlled with medication, others may require more intensive treatment. For example, food allergies are often managed by switching to a hypoallergenic diet, while environmental allergies may require regular baths and the use of special shampoos and conditioners.
Eye Problems
Signs of eye problems include redness, discharge, squinting, and rubbing the eyes. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for a check-up.
Eye problems can sometimes be cured with medication or surgery, but if they’re left untreated, they can lead to blindness.
Ear Problems
The beautiful, floppy ears of the Cockapoo also might be the source of consternation. Dogs with floppy ears and a long coat tend to develop ear problems more frequently than dogs with perky ears and short coats.
This is because their long ears can trap moisture and bacteria more easily, leading to an overgrowth of yeast or fungus. If left untreated, ear infections can cause pain, inflammation, and even permanent damage to the ear canal.
The good news is that ear infections can be easily prevented with regular cleaning and consistent self-care. By keeping your Cockapoo’s ears clean and dry, you can help to reduce the risk of infection and keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Dental Problems
Just like all dogs, dental hygiene is a tricky one for Cockapoos. The vast majority of dogs show signs of periodontal disease by the time they are three years old.
This is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar in the mouth which can degenerate into gingivitis, then gum disease.
Just like humans, dogs need to take care of their teeth and gums to maintain good dental health. Not only can poor dental hygiene lead to bad breath and tooth decay, but it can also cause more serious problems such as gum disease and infection.
The good news is that taking care of your dog’s teeth is not difficult or time-consuming. Give loads of dog-safe dental bones for your pooch to chew on which will help in controlling plaque and tartar.
Simply brushing your dog’s teeth daily with pet-safe toothpaste and a canine toothbrush will also help keep those chompers healthy.
In addition, regular trips to the veterinarian for professional cleanings can help to prevent more serious dental problems from developing.
Lifespan
On average, Cockapoos should take after their parent breeds, which both have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
However, the exact lifespan of a Cockapoo will depend on several factors, including diet, exercise, and genetics.
Temperament
Cockapoos are known for being intelligent, affectionate, and joyful, and they typically get along well with other pets and people.
These lovable pups have the perfect mix of temperament and trainability, making them ideal for families with children or first-time dog owners.
They don’t have aggressive tendencies and their loving nature makes them popular choices for therapy or emotional support dogs.
Size
The size of a Cockapoo depends on the Poodle parent. While the Cocker Spaniel comes in one size, the Poodle comes in Standards, Miniature, and Toy sizes.
Cockapoos that are under 12 pounds are considered “Toy”, those that are between 13 and 18 pounds are “Miniature” and those above 19 pounds are likely to have been bred to a Standard Poodle.
Are Chocolate Cockapoos Rare?
Chocolate Cockapoos are becoming increasingly popular due to their distinctive coloration. Cockapoos are most commonly black, cream, apricot, red, or chocolate.
Some solid colors will have markings that are white or cream or even the unique tuxedo.
Cost of a Chocolate Cockapoo
Cockapoos are available in a wide range of prices from good breeders. We’d be wary of a cheap Cockapoo that costs under $600; these puppies are potentially from backyard breeders or puppy mills that sell large quantities of their puppies with no regard for breeding ethics or the health of their dogs.
Litters from ethical breeders often cost upwards of $800 per pup and over $2,000 for puppies bred to dogs with superior bloodlines and genetics.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Cockapoos are adorable, lovable dogs packaged in gorgeous brown coats. We hope that this post has given you a better insight into one of the world’s top hybrids!
