Cockapoochi (Cockapoo & Chihuahua): Pictures, Info, Temperament & Traits

Cockapoochis are adorable hybrid dogs with one Chihuahua parent and one Cockapoo parent. They’re small dogs that don’t tend to weigh over 20 pounds but don’t let their tiny size fool you. These dogs are full of personality and are sure to bring lots of joy and laughter to a home. They may be shy or reserved in public, but they can be quite the entertainers when they’re at home and spending time with their favorite people.

Since the Cockapoochi is a relatively new hybrid dog breed, there’s still much to discover and learn about them. However, one consistent feature of this dog breed is that they’re people-oriented and crave companionship.

This guide provides information on what we know so far about Cockapoochis and will let you know if they’re the right dog for you.

Cockapoochi Characteristics

Cockapoochi Puppies

Temperament & Intelligence of the Cockapoochi

In general, Cockapoochis are extremely loving and devoted family pets. They’re eager to please and are even more motivated to learn obedience commands or fun tricks if they know they’ll receive more attention and praise.

Smaller Cockapoochis may be a little more timid due to their tiny size. So, early socialization is key. Slowly introducing them to new people and places can help them grow their confidence and reduce anxiety.

Cockapoochis were bred as companion dogs, so they love being around people. The Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, and Poodle are all people-oriented dogs that don’t do well being left alone for long hours. The Chihuahua in particular, tends to grow a strong bond with one or two individuals and doesn’t like being apart from them for too long.

Therefore, it’s extremely vital to consider the Cockapoochi’s companionship needs before bringing one home. These dogs prefer to be around people, so even dropping them off at a dog daycare during the day may not keep them happy. They may do better if they receive individual pet sitting, but they’d much prefer being with their families than strangers.

So, if you have a more active, on-the-go lifestyle, this dog is probably not the best fit for you. However, if you work from home and don’t mind having a lapdog attached to you while you work, the Cockapoochi may be a considerable pet to live with.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Yes, Cockapoochis make wonderful companions for young children. These fun-loving dogs are wonderful playmates for children, especially because of their fluffy appearance and unintimidating size.

However, children must learn how to handle and play with Cockapoochis properly. While these dogs aren’t known to be aggressive, they may bark or nip if they feel threatened. Their small size also makes them more prone to injuries from any aggressive play.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Cockapoochis tend to be more people-oriented and less interested in other dogs and animals. They often become very attached to their families and don’t like sharing attention. So, they can usually get along with other dogs just fine if they’re playing in the dog park. However, living with another pet is a different story.

Again, early socialization and consistent training will help Cockapoochis live harmoniously with other pets. Slowly introducing Cockapoochis to new pets in a safe and unintimidating environment can help them learn to adjust well to living with another dog or pet.

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Things to Know When Owning a Cockapoochi

One key thing to remember about Cockapoochis is that they can live for many more years than the average dog. So, caring for one means taking its longevity to account and considering the long-term lifestyle changes you’ll have to make to ensure your Cockapoochi is cared for well.

The following information provides a glimpse into what life with a Cockapoochi could look like.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Cockapoochis often do best eating dog food with a formula specifically made for small dog breeds. Small dogs tend to have different nutritional needs than large dog breeds. They have a higher metabolism and aren’t able to store as much energy as big dogs, so they often need a high-calorie diet. Smaller Cockapoochis will also do well with smaller kibble or wet food to make eating easier.

Keep in mind that these dogs can grow overweight quickly due to their lower energy levels. So, it’s important to feed them the correct food portions and refrain from giving them too many treats.

Also, smaller dogs, especially Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles, are susceptible to patellar luxation. Regular exercise can help keep your dog’s bones and joints healthy. However, supplements, like chondroitin and glucosamine, can provide additional help. Make sure to consult your veterinarian to determine if your Cockapoochi would benefit from bone and joint supplements.

Exercise 🐕

Cockapoochis make great apartment dogs and don’t need as much exercise as other dog breeds. However, they still require about 30 minutes of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. A brisk walk around the neighborhood or a game of tug or fetch often suffices for physical exercise.

As intelligent dogs, Cockapoochis also need daily mental exercise. Providing enrichment activities that engage their natural instincts will keep their minds stimulated and prevent boredom. Fortunately, you can find many treat dispensing toys and puzzles designed specifically for small dogs.

Training 🎾

Cockapoochis are recommended for first-time dog owners because they’re eager to please and easy to train. These dogs are very people-oriented and sensitive to the tone of voice. So, it’s important to be calm and focused during obedience sessions. Yelling or directing any impatience or frustration toward a Cockapoochi is especially detrimental to its confidence and well-being.

When training a Cockapoochi puppy, keep sessions fun and short, and step away and take a break if your puppy’s having difficulty learning a command. Many dogs are food-motivated, so keeping a stash of low-calorie training treats can be extremely helpful when getting started with training.

Grooming

Cockapoochis are relatively low-shedding dogs, but the level of shedding will depend on the type of coat the dog inherits. Their coats tend to be slightly wavy and require regular brushing a few times a week to prevent mats and tangles. Cockapoochis with coats that more closely resemble a Poodle’s coat will need more frequent brushing as the curls get tangled more easily.

Taking your Cockapoochi to the groomer every other month for a coat trim will help it look and feel refreshed. These dogs will need a bath every 3-4 weeks in between visits to remove dirt and grease from their coats.

Cockapoochis also require special attention to their long and floppy ears. Moisture can get trapped in their ears more easily than in dogs with upright, erect ears. So, Cockapoochis will need their ears cleaned regularly. An ear cleanser can help remove debris trapped in their ears and keep them dry.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Cockapoochis are relatively healthy dogs with very few health issues. However, there are some genetic conditions they may be predisposed to from the Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, and Poodle.

Male vs Female

The dog’s sex doesn’t have a very significant effect on its personality and temperament. However, dogs that aren’t neutered or spayed may show more aggression and be more territorial. They can also be more restless and vocal. Female Cockapoochis may act moodier when in certain phases of their heat cycle.

A Cockapoochi’s temperament depends on various factors outside of its sex. While these dogs can adopt some hallmark traits from their purebred parents, they’ll also have their own preferences and personalities. Part of the delight of being a dog owner is getting to know a dog’s unique and special personality.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Cockapoochi

1. Cockapoochis are a relatively new hybrid dog breed.

It’s unclear as to when the Cockapoochi was first bred, but they’re a newer hybrid dog breed. There’s very little that’s known about these dogs when compared to purebred dogs or more well-known hybrid dogs, like Goldendoodles and Labradoodles.

However, Cockapoochis are gaining more popularity, so we’re looking forward to learning more about these dogs as more people start to care for them.

2. The size and appearance of Cockapoochis can vary significantly.

Unlike purebred dogs, Cockapoochis don’t have any breed standards. These dogs aren’t recognized by any kennel clubs, and there aren’t any other clubs or organizations formed around the breeding and care for Cockapoochis.

Because of the lack of breed standards, the size and appearance of Cockapoochis can vary significantly. They can have either a long-haired or short-haired Chihuahua parent. Their Cockapoo parent can also vary in size and appearance depending on the size of its Poodle parent.

So, it’s important to ask breeders for a Cockapoochi’s pedigree to ensure that it has Chihuahua and Cockapoo parents and isn’t a mix of other dog breeds.

3. Cockapoochis are great for first-time dog owners.

Cockapoochis are well-rounded and adaptable dogs. They love attention and are very responsive to people. These dogs have pretty easygoing natures and aren’t demanding or strong-willed. So, they’re relatively easy to train.

Cockapoochis also do well living in apartments due to their small size. They don’t bark too much, so they won’t be very disruptive to neighbors. You can also skip a walk every once in a while, as long as you fulfill their daily exercise needs by playing with them at home.

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Final Thoughts

Overall, Cockapoochis are great companion dogs that do the best living with people who can keep them company. Fortunately, their small size enables them to accompany you as you go about your day easily. Getting a dog bag or backpack may be a great way to bring a Cockapoochi with you to more places, and it’ll want nothing more than to spend as much time as possible with you.

So, if you’re looking for a friendly little companion and have the time to invest in building a strong bond with a dog, the Cockapoochi is an excellent dog to consider. These dogs are sure to reciprocate and return all the love you give them.

Featured Image Credit: Left – Cockapoo (mountaintreks, Shutterstock); Right – Chihuahua (liggraphy, Pixabay)