The cockapoo was first bred as a designer dog in the United States with the aim of producing a healthy companion dog that, it is claimed by its supporters, does not inherit many of the health defects common in the two parent breeds due to hybrid vigor.Шаблон:R If both parents are healthy this can be true and the crossbreed is typically more genetically diverse than purebred dogs; however, "hybrid vigor" indicates an increased probability of health rather than a definite one for any specific animal.[1] Cocker Spaniels and poodles have been deliberately crossed in the United States since the 1960s.Шаблон:R
In 2022, cockapoos were one of the most expensive dog varieties in the United Kingdom, costing an average of Шаблон:Currency.[2] Between 2019 and 2020, the average price in the UK rose by 168 percent, a result of increased demand caused by a national lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[3]
Dimensions and appearance
As with most animal crossbreeds, there is a great deal of variability in the cockapoo's dimensions and appearance.Шаблон:R All colors or combinations of colors can be found, though most commonly they are white and brown. The coat can also be straight, wavy, or curled.Шаблон:R Individual dogs that weigh less than Шаблон:Convert are labelled toy cockapoos, dogs that weigh between Шаблон:Convert miniature cockapoos and dogs weighing over Шаблон:Convert standard cockapoos.Шаблон:R Cockapoos can vary in temperament and in need for exercise.Шаблон:R
Crossbreeding
In order to promote the crossbreed in the United States, a dedicated club has been formed, the Cockapoo Club of America.Шаблон:R
Cockapoos are available in F1, F2, and F2B, which is dependent on the parent dogs. An F1 cockapoo is bred from a purebred poodle and a cocker spaniel. When 2 F1 cockapoos are bred together this creates an F2 cockapoo, and there are many other combinations breeding them back towards the original poodle or cocker spaniel breed.