10 Common Cockapoo Colors (With Pictures)
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Because they are a mixed breed, Cockapoos come in all sorts of colors. These dogs can come in any color that a Poodle or Cocker Spaniel comes in. Therefore, their range of colors is quite extensive, but that doesn’t mean that they can come in any color. There are several that don’t exist in their genome.
However, that doesn’t stop some breeders from mixing in other dog breeds to create “rare” colors (that are often priced higher than other puppies). Because of the other dog breeds, though, these dogs aren’t Cockapoos at all.
Therefore, it is important to learn about the potential colors of the Cockapoo so that you can keep an eye out for scams. While other colors may be possible, here are some of the most prevalent Cockapoo colors:
The 10 Common Colors of Cockapoos
1. Apricot
| Eye and Nose Color: | Brown or Brown-red |
Apricot Cockapoos are a bit orange. Some appear lighter, while others are redder. The exact shade tends to change as the puppies age, so the shade that your puppy starts as likely won’t be the shade they finish as. Therefore, don’t get too attached to a dog’s particular apricot shade.
This coloration is known to have white markings, especially on the chest. Of course, the extent of these markings can vary a lot, as well.
2. Black
| Eye and Nose Color: | Black |
Poodles can be all-black and have been for hundreds of years. Therefore, it only makes sense that this mixed breed would come in black, too. Of course, the Poodle parent typically needs to be black for the resulting puppies to have this coloration.
Black Cockapoos can also have several white markings. However, the white markings are minimal. Otherwise, the dog will fall into our next category.
3. Black and White
| Eye and Nose Color: | Black or dark brown |
Some dogs may have extensive white markings and a black coat. These dogs are often called black-and-white dogs. Usually, dogs fall into this category if the black-and-white approach about 50/50. Usually, white is considered the base color, and the dog has large black patches. However, the genetics may be more complicated.
4. Chocolate
| Eye and Nose Color: | Green/Hazel eyes with a brown nose |
Chocolate remains a pretty popular Cockapoo color. These dogs have solid brown coats. However, the exact shade of the coat can vary. Some are extremely dark brown to the point that they appear almost black, while others are approaching apricot. Again, a dog’s exact shade will vary as they age. Many dogs experience color shifts around puberty—not to count greying as they become seniors.
5. Golden
| Eye and Nose Color: | Black eyes and nose |
Golden Cockapoos are extremely common. These dogs range from a lighter gold to golden yellow. White markings are also common and can be pretty extensive. Some dogs have completely white stomachs, for instance.
Like all coats, the color varies substantially and can change during a dog’s lifespan.
6. Phantom
| Eye and Nose Color: | Dark eyes and nose |
“Phantom” is a real coat color. However, it has been appropriated by many breeders to make their puppies sound rare—and therefore worth more money. Really, this canine has a chocolate base coat with black markings along much of its body. The genetics can vary a bit. Sometimes, dogs are mistakenly claimed to be this coloration, only to darken completely black when they age.
While this coat color is on the rarer side, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the puppy is better.
7. Red
| Eye and Nose Color: | Brown or black |
Red Cockapoos are pretty common. They aren’t bright red, of course, but more of a darker brick red. The shade will vary, and many dogs may approach the brown category during puberty or old age. Normally, this color is considered rarer, so puppies may be more expensive.
8. Roan
| Eye and Nose Color: | Depends on base color |
The roan coloration comes from the Cocker Spaniel parent. This coloration is actually more of a pattern than a color in itself. The dog will have a base coat color like one described above. However, much of the dog will be ticked with white. Therefore, the base color will fade in and out.
Some dogs with this pattern are extremely white, while others have more of the base color.
9. Sable
| Eye and Nose Color: | Brown or black |
Sable is another color that is more of a pattern than a color. This pattern involves a chocolate or black dog “fading” into a more silver, red, or gold color as they age. Usually, you don’t realize a puppy falls into this category until later. The fading often increases as they age, so they may not appear brown or black at all by the time they become seniors.
10. White
| Eye and Nose Color: | Black |
White Poodles have existed for a long time, and so this mixed breed can easily appear white, too. This coloration can be different in shade, even though we often don’t consider “white” to have different shades. Some dogs are pure, blinding white, while others are more on the “champagne” side. Many white dogs appear cream in some areas.
What about Merle?
If you read any other Cockapoo color article online, you’ll likely find merle listed. However, the simple fact is that 100% Cockapoos cannot be merle. Cocker Spaniels cannot be merle. Poodles cannot be merle. Therefore, any Cockapoo puppy advertised as merle has had other dog breeds mixed in to produce the coat color—and, therefore, isn’t a Cockapoo.
Furthermore, merle also comes with a range of health issues. The merle gene affects pigment production, which also affects the ears and eyes. Dogs with this gene are more likely to be blind or deaf. Sometimes, the disabilities are quite extreme.
For this reason, adding the merle gene into a breed isn’t recommended. While the coat coloration can be pretty, it creates a less healthy dog. It’s a defect.
Conclusion
There are lots of different Cockapoo colors out there. However, several patterns and colors cannot appear if a puppy only contains Cocker Spaniel and Poodle genes. Because this mixed breed isn’t regulated by any agency, learning what colors are possible is vital to help you avoid scams. While this list isn’t necessarily extensive, it does cover all of the major possibilities.
Featured Image Credit: mountaintreks, Shutterstock
