The term 'Cockapoo' is a generic name for several variations on a theme, of a cross-breed dog, depending on parentage - so it would be impossible to exact a "Breed Standard" on it.

A Cockapoo, which is the mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, is generally accepted as loving; loyal; cuddly; fun; energetic and totally domesticated family pets.

Cockapoos have been known in the United States since about 1950 and are one of the oldest of the hybrid dog breeds. The earliest known dictionary reference was a 1960 Oxford English Dictionary citation. When new to this country nearly 10 years ago they were given the label of 'designer dogs'. We already have Cockapoos who are 8 and 9 years old in GB and as their popularity continues to increase, their substantial list of qualities are being appreciated, so the label has been dropped as the dogs have gained recognition.

The first cross with a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle results in the 'F1' Cockapoo. This is generally considered to be the most stable mating giving the most consistent results, with the added benefit of “Hybrid-Vigor” - in most cases the resultant offspring can be as much as an inch larger than the parents when adulthood is reached. There is also no worry of in-breeding / line breeding for this cross. With an “F1” Cockapoo - which breed is mum and which breed is dad may have an effect on the resulting offspring but both options are equally acceptable for producing beautiful F1 Cockapoos.

It gets more complex when two F1 Cockapoos are bred together - giving an “F2” - as potential throw backs can result from 'The Granddad Effect', where some Cockapoo puppies from the same litter can take on different characteristics from either Poodle and/or Cocker Spaniel whilst other siblings may keep the “Cockapoo” look. The Grandparent trait is not normally noticeable for some weeks after birth. Coats types can still vary and moulting / shedding is a possibility.

Further variations are where a Cockapoo is bred back to either a Poodle or a Cocker Spaniel giving an “F1b” / “F2b” (dependent on which generation the parents are).
All variations are still referred to as a “Cockapoo” but can range in size, shape, appearance, intelligence and temperament. However, they may not all share the low / non-shedding hypo-allergenic coat that is and can be suitable for those people with most allergies, so finding the right mix for you may take some investigation. Allergies are normally “dander” related not “shedding” but a dog that sheds does release dander into the home.