Toy Cockapoo Dog Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

Cockapoos are a popular dog breed, beloved for their personalities and pampered fur. The dog is a mix between a cocker spaniel and a poodle, which is why the combined name comes out as “cockapoo.”

Toy cockapoos are smaller versions of the standard cockapoo. While a standard cockapoo can reach up to 18 inches in height, the toy cockapoo generally ranges from 10–11 inches. Toy cockapoos maintain many of the same personality traits as the standard ones, just in a smaller, cuddlier form.

If you think a toy cockapoo might be a good fit for you, remember that there are many factors to consider, such as price, healthcare, and grooming. This article reviews everything you need to know about the toy cockapoo before welcoming one into the home.

Toy Cockapoo Puppies – Before You Get One…

3 Little-Known Facts About Cockapoos

If you are curious to know more about these adorable little pups, here are some fun facts about toy cockapoos!

1. The First Cockapoos Date Back to the 1950s

Compared to other breeds, the cockapoo is relatively new. It was first recorded in the 1950s, following a surge of popularity between the poodle and the cocker spaniel.

During the 1940s, the popularity of poodles and cocker spaniels skyrocketed. They were so popular that inevitably, someone had the idea to combine them. When the two beloved dogs were combined, the result was a breed that challenged the popularity of its predecessors: the cockapoo.

The cockapoo soon grew in popularity, as the breed was hailed as a friendly, appealing partner. From then on, more people intentionally bred the poodle and cocker spaniel, and the number of cockapoos grew.

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2. Most Cockapoos Come from American Cocker Spaniels

Did you know that most cockapoos come from American cocker spaniels, not English cocker spaniels?

If a cockapoo is bred from a poodle and an English cocker spaniel, it is often referred to as an English cockapoo.

Likewise, most poodles bred to make cockapoos are miniature or toy poodles, not the standard poodle.

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3. No Cockapoos are Recognized by the American Kennel Club

As sad as it may be for cockapoo fans, the breed is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Why are they not recognized? The cockapoo is not a pure breed, and the organization cannot officially recognize it. Despite this, they remain incredibly popular, even overshadowing some of the dog breeds that the American Kennel Club formally recognized.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Toy Cockapoo 🧠

Another thing to consider when looking to add the toy cockapoo to your family is the breed’s temperament.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Toy cockapoos are great family pets. They are very affectionate dogs that love being around their family members and are excellent with children. They are happy and eager to please, making them excellent companions.

When it comes to strangers, they are not too aggressive. They do not bark often and are willing to engage with unfamiliar faces without too much apprehension.

Overall, toy cockapoos can be an excellent addition to any family, and their small size can make them suitable for any living space.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The friendliness of the toy cockapoo extends to other pets. Toy cockapoos will generally be warm and receptive to other pets and should not become aggressive or tense around them.

Of course, it is vital to socialize all household pets properly and gradually introduce them to each other. If the pets are not properly socialized, tensions may arise regardless of how friendly the toy cockapoo is.

Things to Know When Owning a Toy Cockapoo:

Knowing how to maintain the health of your dog is of utmost importance. Keep the following in mind when considering the toy cockapoo as your newest companion.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Like any breed of dog, the toy cockapoo needs a whole and balanced diet. They require adequate proportions of protein and fat, with inclusions of vitamins, carbs, and fatty acids. Feeding your toy cockapoo AAFCO-approved dog food is the best way to ensure that you meet your dog’s dietary needs.

Toy cockapoos are known to be picky eaters. If you are struggling to find a dog food formula that suits your dog’s taste, blending dry and wet food together can be beneficial to entice your dog to eat. Be sure to speak to your vet before doing this to ensure your dog receives the proper number of calories per meal.

Cockapoos are known to struggle with weight issues; carefully monitor your toy cockapoo’s calorie intake to ensure that you are not overfeeding your dog.

Exercise 🐕

Toy cockapoos are energetic creatures that love to stay active. They enjoy retrieving and swimming, though their small size may not make them the best jogging partner.

To be active with your toy cockapoo, consider purchasing some toys to play fetch with. This will give your dog the chance to burn off energy and bond with you at the same time!

Training 🦮

As with any breed, it is vital to train the toy cockapoo. However, if this little guy is not given sufficient training, he may start to think he is the household boss. This attitude can lead to serious behavioral issues that are difficult to reverse, so be sure to discourage the behavior when it appears.

Toy cockapoos respond well to positive reinforcement, which is the best method to ensure your dog learns the behaviors you want to teach.

Grooming ✂️

Toy cockapoos require attentive grooming. Though they do not shed often, they must be brushed frequently due to their curly, thick fur.

The toy cockapoo’s fur is susceptible to matting. Matting can be extremely painful for dogs, and brushing your dog’s fur regularly is the best way to prevent unnecessary discomfort.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Although toy cockapoos are generally considered very healthy breeds, that does not mean they are not prone to certain conditions. Although they are not at higher risk for life-threatening diseases, there are still some severe complications they may suffer.

Serious Conditions:

Patella luxation is essentially knee dislocation. If your dog’s knee has become dislocated, you may notice that he will limp when walking or running. This condition can cause your pet discomfort and pain, and it is crucial to receive medical attention as soon as you notice the signs.

Hip Dysplasia happens as your dog grows, loosening the hip joint and causing pain. Over time, this can lead to arthritis, limited mobility, and muscle atrophy. If your dog is having trouble walking, standing, or sitting, it may be a sign that he has developed hip dysplasia and needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Minor Conditions:

Eye disorders are not an uncommon condition in dogs. Usually, they are easily treatable conditions. However, there are times when more concerning issues appear. If you notice your dog suffering discomfort from his eyes, take him to the vet.

Ear infections are another common and treatable condition in dogs. If you notice your dog whining, shaking his head, or scratching at his ears, he likely has developed an ear infection. Take him to the vet to confirm the infection and devise a treatment plan.

Male vs Female

Although there are no drastic differences between male and female toy cockapoos, some noted behavior distinctions have been noted.

The male cockapoo is incredibly affectionate and eager to please. While the female cockapoo is similar, she may be more independent sometimes and willing to give her owners some space now and then.

If your male cockapoo is not neutered, he may be prone to displays of aggression. Likewise, he may be more apt to run away. The female cockapoo is also likely to run away if she is not spayed.

Despite the slight differences between males and females, there is no superior option. All dogs have unique personalities that their sex cannot always determine.

Final Thoughts

The toy cockapoo is an adorable pup. It is affectionate, energetic, and great with children, making it a perfect fit for any family. They are generally healthy dogs with a tendency to shed less, and though grooming will require more attention, their beloved coats are worth the work. With all of this to consider, it is no wonder that so many people find the toy cockapoo so appealing!

See also:

• How Big Does a Cockapoo Get? (With Size & Weight Chart)
• Red Cockapoo: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: Bartlomiej Rybacki, Shutterstock