Health issues: Cockapoos tend to have less health issues than their parent breeds, but they can have them. Usually, if anything, you may see loose patella's (knees) which is not serious unless a grade 3. They grade them from slight (1) to 3, 3 being the worst and possible surgery needed. 

Another is juvenile cataracts, & allergies. I have never seen these issues in my dogs, or any I have bought, but I have heard of it happening and when it does it is often proven to have come from a parent with these issues.. BUT not always. And I will say I know a lot of breeders and only a couple have had any problems and they just did not use those dogs again. It is my opinion that most breeders are honest and fair.

Hybrid vigor. What is it and is it real?
A. Hybrid vigor is a term used by breeders of cross bred dogs (like a cocker and a poodle) to make people think that a 1st generation cockapoo is healthier than a 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 10th! Well I can tell you that this is hogwash! I have seen MANY 1st generation cockapoos that were very unhealthy with blindness, bad knees, etc.

I am not saying a 1st gen is bad, I am just saying there is NO difference so don't let people try to fool you. Look it up and do the research and then make your own choice.  You must breed healthy dogs ONLY, if you take a cocker with bad eyes, your going to have pups with bad eyes, eventually.. Now of course this could happen even if your parent dogs are deemed healthy, but there is much less of a chance.

I also see a lot of breeders claiming the 1st generation cockapoo has a uniform, consistent look.. Sorry, this is not true! I have bought 1st generations for my breeding program and ended up having to give them away because they did not meet the standard we have set up at the American Cockapoo Club. Or MY standard for that matter.

I have also seen many 1st generation (AKA F1) cockapoos come out looking like cockers or looking like a tight curled poodle. If one continues to breed the different generations you will see this less and less. I have rarely seen a 3rd generation pup with a straight coat, it is rare.

For those of us who continue to breed cockapoo to cockapoo, we use dogs that are of the cockapoo standard so that the puppies will come out more consistent in their look. I personally do it because I want to see them a recognized breed and if people keep breeding only first, it will never happen.

Tails: To dock or not to dock? 
Of course you will hear all kinds of arguments for and against. I personally am against it. I think it is cruel to mutilate any dog for no other reason than looks. The ones for it say, "well both the cocker and poodle are docked, so the cockapoo should as well"...WRONG..Aren't we supposed to making a new breed here that looks nothing like the parent breeds? Leave the tail alone, they have gorgeous tails!

The other one I hear a lot is that when a cockapoo has a tail it isn't hygentic, they get poo under their tail... HUH? They still have a 2-4" nub and trust me, when you don't keep the underside or the butt area clipped, pooped still sticks!! If your dog has a tail, then clip the underside of the tail about an inch, and also around the anus and the hair around and under it.

Let me say this once more, docking is CRUEL and they scream bloody murder, people who say they don't is LYING! I wish people would stop this barbaric torture..Same goes for the front dew claws! Once again, do some research there is a lot of information out there against and why. It is illegal in most countries now, all of the UK, Sweden, etc... Please check out the sites below.

http://anti-dockingalliance.co.uk/index.htm
http://siriusdog.com/articles/dewclaws-removing-dog.htm
http://www.suwanneecockers.com/litternews.html  (Read after pic 2)
http://anti-dockingalliance.co.uk/page_9.htm (list of countries who have banned it)

Coat and Grooming:
Cockapoos have 1 layer of hair, they do not have an undercoat so therefore they do not shed like other breeds. They will shed a little when losing their puppy coat, but keeping them brushed you will not even notice it. Not any of my cockapoos shed, so it is my belief they are a non shedding dog, in most cases.

As with many other breeds, the Cockapoo has 3 different coat types. We have the tight curly coat, the medium curl, and the smooth coat. While we strive for the medium curl, all 3 coat types are acceptable. There are many people who prefer the smooth coat, and same with the other coat types. 

It is very common to see all 3 types within the same litter of pups.  This can happen with 1st, 2nd, 3rd (etc.) generation litters. Some people will try to say this means that the pups come from substandard parents, this is not true. It can and does happen even with the most "perfect" specimens. And as I stated before, the coat becomes more consistent with the 3rd generation.

Coat length
The cockapoos coat should be clipped all over in a "teddy bear" type cut of about 2-3". The top of the head should be the same length as the body. If the tail is docked the hair on the docked tail should be the same length as the body. A cockapoo should never be shaven as they can easily be burned or get very cold. 

They should have facial hair and a beard, all flowing into each other and trimmed no longer than 4 inches. The ears should be trimmed straight across and even with the bottom of the beard. The face should not be shaven. Just remember to keep the eyes clear of fur and keep them well brushed. 

Colors:
Cockapoos come in so many gorgeous colors it can be hard to pick sometimes, but no matter what color you pick, you are going to love him and you will get a wonderful companion.

Any solid color, Parti color (two or more solid colors one of which must be white) , phantom ( brown, black or silver body with contrasting color on legs, under tail, eyebrows, side of face, inside ears), sable ( may be black, brown, brindle, changing to silver, silver/gold mix, red, brown, other, all with darker points),  tri-color (parti color with tan markings over each eye, on the sides of the muzzle/cheeks, on the underside of the ears, on all feet and/or legs and optionally on the chest). Merle and or roan are also acceptable colors.

Cockapoo Size
Size can be influenced by either parents recent background. Adult individuals 10" at the shoulder or less are toy size. Dogs 11"-14" at the shoulder are considered mini size, and those 15" at the shoulder and over are standard size. 

Cockapoo size is judged  by their height, not their weight. Two dogs who are the same size can vary considerably in weight depending both on their overall build and whether one is fat or thin. Poodle sizes are graded on height measured to the top of the shoulder at standing position. 

Weights of individuals will depend on the factors explained above. To give a general idea of weight, a toy would ideally weigh under 12 pounds, a Mini 13-20 pounds and a Standard 21 pounds and up. 

I have been breeding cockapoos for several years now and have been an avid breeder for more than 25 years. My father bred hunting dogs and I have been around dogs and breeding all of my life. I do my research and I am constantly out to learn more. 

What I have written on my web site is from my own research and what I have learned over the years. Am I an expert? Well, what makes and expert? I feel that yes, I am an expert and know what I am talking about to not be only my opinion. Thank you...