Toy Cockapoo Guide (with Photos!)

If you are on the lookout for a small, affectionate, and intelligent puppy, then a Toy Cockapoo is a breed to consider. The offspring of a Cocker Spaniel and a Toy Poodle, Toy Cockapoos have the sweet temperament of Cocker Spaniels and the people skills of a Poodle. 

These mini bundles of joy are also called Cockapoodle, Cockerpoo, Cockadoodles, and Spoodles (a term for Cockapoos bred from English Cocker Spaniels). 

Toy Cockapoo
Toy Cockapoo Guide

In this article, we’ve compiled all the information you need to learn about this adorable breed and decide whether a Toy Cockapoo is the right choice for you.

Know Your Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is the first designer breed that was bred around the 1950s and ’60s. Today, you can find Cockapoos in different sizes, although they all share similar behavioral traits and temperaments, including the Toy Cockapoo. 

Genetic Lineage

Cockapoo is a mixed breed resulting from a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. Given that Cocker Spaniels are friendly and lovable and Poodles are intelligent and low-shedding breeds, Cockapoos inherit these excellent qualities from their parent dogs. 

Cockapoos are small, low-shedding, and highly intelligent dogs with a face and temperament that can win hearts. 

They come in a variety of colors and heights, and their characteristics will also vary depending on the type of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle used for breeding. 

The difference between a regular Cockapoo and a Toy Cockapoo is that the latter is bred using a Toy Poodle.

Generations of Cockapoo

F1 Cockapoos or First Generation Cockapoos are the ones with a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle as their parents. F1 Cockapoos will vary greatly depending on the type of parents and the qualities they inherit. 

When two F1 Cockapoos are bred together, their offspring is F2 Cockapoo, also called a second-generation Cockapoo. And further breeding of F2 Cockapoos results in F3 and F4 Cockapoos. 

Puppies of later generations have stable characteristics and their traits can be guessed with near certainty. These Cockapoos can be deliberately bred to get the desirable characteristics in the offspring. 

Cockapoo puppy on a Halloween
Cockapoo puppy on a Halloween celebration with pumpkin at the back.

Appearance

The appearance of a Cockapoo can vary a lot because of its hybrid nature. Their size and build depend upon their Cocker Spaniel and Poodle parents.

Generally, they are small to medium-sized dogs with big round eyes. They also have a long wavy/curly coat that accentuates their teddy bear-like appearance. 

Size of Cockapoo

Though all Cockapoos are generally small, the variation in their sizes depends upon their Poodle parent. Cockapoos are distinguished into three types depending on their sizes — Maxi Cockapoos, Miniature Cockapoos, and Toy Cockapoos

  • Maxi Cockapoo is the largest amongst the Cockapoos and is the result of a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. They are around 15 inches tall and weigh more than 19 pounds
  • Miniature Cockapoos are bred from a Miniature Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. Their height ranges between 11 and 14 inches and they weigh 13 to 18 pounds.
  • Toy Cockapoos are bred from a Toy Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel. They can grow up to 10 inches tall and can weigh around 12 pounds

As Cockapoos aren’t a recognized breed, there’s no standard for the sizes.

Cockapoo on furry cloth
Cockapoo sits comfortably on furry cloth.

Coat

Cockapoos have a single coat with long hairs that can vary from straight to wavy and loose curls. They can also have different coat colors and combinations of diverse colors and patterns often found in Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. 

Usually, Cockapoos’ coats come in five solid colors — black, red lemon, golden, and liver. They can even have bicolor or tricolor coats, but such Cockerpoos are rare. Some Cockapoos may also have a sable coat where their hairs have one color at the base and different colored tips. 

black and white cockapoo puppy
Black and white Cockapoo puppy with a scarf.

Personality

Cockapoos have a very friendly and fun-loving personality. They are cheerful and intelligent dogs who love spending time with their human friends. They are also known as the clowns of the doggie world.

As Cockapoos are active dogs, they also need constant attention and must be kept occupied with various activities like games, walks, and training. These intelligent creatures always need something to keep their brains active. Cockapoos make for a great family pet as their antics keep everyone entertained.

Cockapoos get along with everyone they meet, humans and other animals alike. 

Despite their difference in size, all of these character traits also apply to Toy Cockapoos. 

Cockapoo loves to play
Cockapoo puppy on his back loves to play!

Caring For Your Toy Cockapoo

Although Toy Cockapoos are a designer breed, they are overall quite low-maintenance and easy to care for. However, there are some aspects you may need to pay more attention to. 

Grooming

Thanks to their Poodle gene, Cockapoos are low-shedders. You don’t have to worry about finding Cockapoo hair scattered around your living rooms or on your sheets. But, that doesn’t mean you won’t have to groom your pup

Cockapoo puppy hates bath
A Cockapoo puppy hates taking a bath. (Image: Instagram/@sweetpup.stella)
  • Toy Cockapoos must be groomed regularly. They have relatively long hair than can get tangled and matted, especially if they have a wavy or curly coat. So, their coats should be brushed at least 4 to 5 times a week
  • You should also trim the hair around its eyes to prevent them from obstructing your Cockapoo’s vision. You can get their coat trimmed every 3 months
  • Bathe your pup regularly, but don’t bathe them every day as it can strip off the natural oils and damage the fur. 
  • Don’t forget to brush and trim your Toy Cockapoo’s nails. 
  • Brush its teeth regularly to remove tartar buildup and bacteria, at least thrice a week
  • Trim your dog’s nails carefully. Their nails have blood vessels in them, if you cut too deep, they might bleed. If you aren’t used to cutting them, let experienced groomers do it for you. 
  • While grooming your pup, check for infections, rashes, and any hidden injuries to rule out any health issues. 
Best Dog Shampoo For Shedding
A dog prepares for a shampoo. Is a dog ever truly ready for the bath though?

Training

Being the intelligent dogs that they are, Cockapoos are very easy to train. They are also eager to learn new things and love being active. 

One of the most effective ways to train Toy Cockapoos is to use positive reinforcement training. You can use treats to encourage your pup to learn new tricks and commands. Make sure to be gentle with them while training and do not raise your voice or show any aggression.

Cockapoo waits for a treat
The Cockapoo puppy waits for a treat! (Image: Instagram/@redthetoycockapoo)

Cockapoos are fairly obedient in a nurturing atmosphere. They enjoy being stimulated both mentally and physically, so keeping them engaged with chew toys and games is a good idea. 

Training should ideally start from a younger age as puppies are more adaptive to changes. Teach them to socialize with other people and pets and make sure to expose them to different sights, sounds, and experiences when they are young.

listens to his owner
Cockapoo listens to his owner’s commands.

Exercise

Both Poodles and Cocker Spaniels were developed as hunting dogs, so Cockapoos naturally have boundless energy. To use up that energy, your Toy Cockapoo will need a daily dose of exercise. 

Toy Cockapoos can do with half an hour of walk every day. Along with exercise, they have to be constantly kept stimulated through training and playtime. 

daily walk with Cockapoo
A daily walk with Cockapoo is good for their health. (Image: Instagram/@and_peggy_poo)

Here are some games that you can play with your Cockapoos to keep them engaged:

Scavenger Hunt: Cockapoos are both intelligent and active. A scavenger hunt will enable them to use their brains and pent-up energy in finding their toys or treats.

Frisbee: Games like frisbee and fetch are great physical activities. Cockapoos will be thrilled to play these games with you. 

Cockapoos running
Two happy Cockapoos running!

Feeding

The amount of food a dog needs depends upon its size and physical activity. Toy Cockapoos are small dogs who don’t need much food. But make sure that you feed it high-quality, nutritious food twice a day.

As your puppy grows into adulthood and eventually reaches an older age, you must change their diet accordingly to reduce fat food. The transition should be done slowly to not surprise your pet’s stomach while keeping an eye out for any food-related allergies.

Along with food, proper exercise is necessary to avoid issues like being overweight. 

switching diets
Switching dog food diets

Toy Cockapoo Health

Cockapoos are healthy animals as they are typically bred carefully. It is said that Cockapoos have the benefit of hybrid vigor, the best qualities of their parents brought together. 

Cockapoo on the floor
Cockapoo lying on the floor.

However, Cockapoos can also inherit some diseases from their parents. These are some diseases Cockapoos are prone to:

1. Cataracts

This is similar to a human eye cataract where the vision is affected and will have a cloudy appearance. Toy Cockapoos typically suffer from cataracts in old age, but it can be removed surgically. 

2. Patellar Luxation

Patellar Luxation is a common problem in small dogs like Toy Cockapoos. Also known as slipped stifles or trick knee, it occurs when the knee joint (also known as the patella) slides out of place. This can cause significant pain while moving and can even lead to crippling in dogs.

Although it doesn’t affect any other functions.

3. Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition when the thighbone doesn’t fit into the hip joint, causing pain in the rear legs. The only way to diagnose it is through an X-ray.

As this is usually an inherited condition, dogs with dysplasia should ideally not be bred further.

4. Liver Diseases

Liver diseases are common in Cocker Spaniels, so there is a high likelihood of Cockapoos inheriting these diseases. Liver diseases can be in two forms — chronic active hepatitis and copper toxicosis

5. Allergies

Allergies are common in all dogs, including Toy Cockapoos. These allergies can be triggered by anything food, contact, chemicals in shampoos and other grooming products, or even dust. To treat allergies, it’s important to identify the triggers so you can keep your pup away from them. 

6. Ear Infections

Cockapoos have inherited their long, floppy ears from their Cocker Spaniel parent. These ears can trap dirt, moisture, and debris, causing irritation and other infections. To avoid such infections, your Toy Cockapoo’s ears must be cleaned regularly and checked by the vet on their visits. 

Life Expectancy

Smaller dogs generally live longer than larger ones, and Cockapoos are one of the longest-living dogs. A Toy Cockapoo has an average lifespan of 15-17 years

It is also important to note that the lifestyle of the dog will also affect its lifespan. For example, a Toy Cockapoo bred from healthy parents and raised in a loving environment with a healthy lifestyle of nutritious food and daily exercise will live longer than others.

FAQs

Are Toy Cockapoos Hypoallergenic?

Hypoallergenic dogs are ones that do not trigger allergies in humans. It should be noted that no dog is purely hypoallergenic; every dog sheds, some more than others. The dander in the dog’s hair is responsible for allergies.

Even the dogs who don’t shed at all can drop dander and may cause allergies.

As Toy Cockapoos are low-shedding dogs, they drop a very low amount of dander. They are as hypoallergenic as dogs can get.

Cockapoo on owner's lap
Cockapoo is climbing on his owner’s lap for a cuddle!

Can Toy Cockapoos Be Left Alone?

It depends on the individual dogs and the amount of training they’ve received. Cockapoos are generally social dogs and thrive with consistent social interactions. But, if they are trained well, they can be left alone for 7-8 hours at a time.

They also get better at handling their temperament as they get older. 

However, Cockapoos are also prone to separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for long periods at a stretch, they might feel stressed and may demonstrate some aggressive behaviors. 

If you do have to leave them alone for a few hours, make sure to shower them with lots of love, attention, and treats as soon as you’re back. 

Cockapoo teddy bear look
Cockapoo looks like a teddy bear in her new haircut.

Are Toy Cockapoos Suitable For Apartment Life?

Toy Cockapoos come in compact sizes and are naturally low shedders, making them perfect pets for apartments and small houses. Getting them when they are still young will also help them get adapted to confined spaces.

black Cockapoo puppies
Two black Cockapoo puppies sitting on the stairs for a photo.

Where Should I Buy A Toy Cockapoo?

Since Toy Cockapoos are designer breeds, make sure you get them from a reputable breeder. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores at all costs as they do not follow responsible breeding practices and the puppies they produce are often prone to various diseases. 

Make sure to ask the breeders about genetics, lineage, and health history to check for any inherited diseases like hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. 

Cockapoo Club of America and North American Cockapoo Registry have responsible Cockapoo breeders registered with them.

Cockapoo puppy
Cockapoo puppy with flower on a pink blanket!

Conclusion

Toy Cockapoos make the perfect pet for small families and students living in apartments. They are compact, intelligent, active, and very friendly with everyone they come across. They also learn quickly, adapt seamlessly to different situations, and are easy to train as well. 

Make sure you do your research on the breed and only reach out to responsible, ethical breeders so that you bring home a healthy and happy Toy Cockapoo.