Most important facts
- Group
- Crossbreed
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5–11 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Wavy, low-shed
- Energy
- Moderate
- Height
- 25–38 cm
- Colours
- Wide variety
- Shedding
- Light
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£19/mo
- Gear to consider
- Detangling slicker brush, puzzle feeders, padded harness
Typical dry food, adult
About the Cockapoo
The Cockapoo is a deliberate cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, first popularised in America and established in Britain over the last few decades. The aim was a companion with the spaniel's warmth and the Poodle's coat and cleverness. This is a cross and not a breed, so size and coat follow the parents, particularly the Poodle side. Meet both parents where you can.
Cockapoos are curious, outgoing and eager to please, which makes them quick to train and easy company for families and first-time owners. Most inherit the Cocker's soft, people-focused nature with a dash of Poodle cleverness, and food rewards go a long way in training one.
They bond closely with their people and can struggle when left for long stretches, so they suit homes where someone is around for much of the day. A bored Cockapoo will let you know about it, usually with the nearest chewable object.
Common health conditions
Things Cockapoo owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Ear infections
Floppy, hairy ears trap moisture and wax, so routine cleaning and a good dry after swimming go a long way towards keeping trouble away.
Luxating patella
Kneecaps can slip in smaller dogs, and keeping weight sensible takes real strain off those small joints.
Inherited eye disease
Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy run in both parent breeds, so buy from breeders who can show current eye screening for the parents.
Allergies & skin sensitivity
Cockapoos can react to food, fleas or pollen, and the signs look alike. An elimination approach with your vet is the way to pin down the trigger.
Feeding a Cockapoo
Most Cockapoos do well on a complete food that names its protein clearly. Smaller dogs often get on better with a smaller kibble or a measured wet portion. Sizes vary a lot with the Poodle parent, anywhere from 5 to 11 kg, so feed the dog you have rather than a chart's idea of one.
If yours is itchy or prone to upsets, a simpler recipe with fewer ingredients can help, and any change of food should happen gradually over a week or so. The Food Finder asks about sensitivities so it can rank foods accordingly.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Cockapoo needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
5–11 kg
Est. daily calories
280–680 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Cockapoos eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£0.62
- Per month
- ~£19
- Per year
- ~£226
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Best food for Cockapoos
All food reviews →Matched on score, life stage, food type, breed size, fit, value and retailer availability. How we score.
Ranked shortlists for Cockapoos
Want the full food shortlist?
See foods matched to your Cockapoo by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs6/10
- Appetite5/10
- Trainability8/10
- Good with children8/10
- Shedding2/10
- Tolerates being alone3/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Friendly and eager to please
- A low-shedding coat that suits many allergy-prone homes
- A handy size for flats and houses alike
Worth knowing
- The coat needs regular grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Health varies from cross to cross
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much should I feed a Cockapoo?
Feed a complete food portioned to their waistline, not the top of the pack guide, and weigh the daily amount because small dogs are easy to overfeed by eye. There is no set amount for the breed, because the right portion depends on your dog's weight and daily activity. The Food Finder works all of that out for your dog.
What is the best food for a Cockapoo with allergies?
Start with a simple recipe built on one clear named protein and few extras, and change foods gradually over a week or more. Keep everything else steady while you do, or you won't know what helped. If you suspect a food allergy, work with your vet on a proper elimination diet. The Food Finder asks about sensitivities so it can rank suitable foods.
Do Cockapoos need grain-free food?
Most don't. Grain-free matters only for a diagnosed sensitivity, and itchy skin in the breed is at least as often fleas or pollen as anything in the bowl. A grain-free recipe deserves the same scrutiny as any other, so judge each food on its merits rather than the label.