A small dog with a big personality — that’s the Mini Cockapoo. This small dog carries the best traits of two adorable breeds: the Cocker Spaniel and the Mini Poodle.
The Mini Cockapoo is one of the world’s oldest and most coveted hybrid breeds. And who wouldn’t fall in love with them?
This breed’s size makes them suitable for even the smallest spaces, and their cute furry appearances are delightful and easier to maintain than you think.
If this darling breed has caught your interest, then keep reading. In this article, I’ll tell you the most interesting facts that you need to know about the Miniature Cockapoo!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 11 – 15 inches |
| Weight: | 12 – 9 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Cream, white, blonde, tan, brown, red, sable, merle |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, affectionate, energetic, playful |
| Suitable for: | Apartment-dwellers; first-time owners; families with kids |
What Is a Mini Cockapoo?
Also known as the Miniature Cockapoo, the Mini Cockapoo is a smart, playful, and loving dog. They’ve been bred since the 1960s and are one of the oldest hybrids. This hybrid is a mix of the Cocker Spaniel and Mini Poodle — two breeds known for their trainability, intellect, and caring personalities.
Interestingly enough, they were first bred by accident. However, early breeders fell in love right away with their cute appearance and cheery disposition.
The Cockapoo itself comes in four size variants: the Teacup Cockapoo, Toy Cockapoo, Mini Cockapoo, and Standard Cockapoo.
As a designer breed, the Mini Cockapoo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, they can be registered with the American Cockapoo Club (ACC).
Their characteristics and temperament also vary greatly, depending on their parentage. In general, Mini Cockapoos are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
They are also incredibly intelligent and extroverted. This makes them the perfect companion dog for big families or even first-time dog owners.
Mini Cockapoo Size and Weight
In terms of size, the Mini Cockapoo fits right in between the Toy Cockapoo and Standard Cockapoo.
A full-grown Miniature Cockapoo can weigh between 12 and 19 pounds and measure between 11 and 15 inches in height at the shoulder.
Of course, the dog’s final height and weight can vary depending on its parents. However, in general, you can expect a compact pet that’s easy to handle and perfect for small homes and apartments.
The growth of Mini Cockapoo puppies typically slows at around nine months of age, and they stop growing completely at 12 months.
In very rare cases, the size of your full-grown Mini Cockapoo might surprise you. In one case, a woman ended up with a Mini Cockapoo weighing 70 pounds — the size of a baby Rhinoceros!
Mini Cockapoo Appearance
Imagine your childhood teddy bear with four legs and a playful glint in its eye — that’s what a Miniature Cockapoo looks like. There’s no doubt that Mini Cockapoo is one of the cutest canines around.
The Mini Cockapoo is also one of the most diverse dogs in terms of appearance. Their coats are either long or short and curly or wavy.
They come in a range of colors such as cream, white, blonde, tan, brown, red, sable, merle, or any one of the various colors of a Poodle’s coat. They can also exhibit phantom coloration in some cases.
However, it is very likely for them to have black coats from a black Poodle or black Cocker Spaniel parent. This is a very common color for both breeds.
Aside from color, the best part about the Mini Cockapoo’s coat is that it’s typically low-shedding.
Mini Cockapoos also have dark, beady eyes, floppy ears, and a fuzzy muzzle that only adds to their irresistible charm.
Mini Cockapoo Origin and History
Cockapoos of all sizes originated in the United States. The first Cockapoo litter is believed to be accidental, but they were later on bred for their odorless, low-shedding coats, high trainability, and affectionate personalities.
To get to know more about the Mini Cockapoo, we can look at the origin of the parent breeds — the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel.
If there’s any dog that needs no introduction, it’s the Poodle. This breed can be seen anywhere, from dog shows to Hollywood movies, often with their signature haircuts.
The Poodle has earned a reputation not only for their coats but also for their intelligence, affection, and athleticism regardless of their gender. These qualities make them ideal show dogs, as well as family pets.
The Cocker Spaniel is another popular breed. Gentle, cheerful, good-natured, and undeniably beautiful, the Cocker Spaniel is coveted for both its temperament and its photogenic good looks.
Specifically, the Cocker Spaniel is known for its long, beautiful coat. Made popular by the Disney movie Lady and the Tramp, this dog is the perfect fit for families with kids.
When you bring two well-loved breeds together, you’ll get a hybrid that is twice as charming — exactly what the Mini Cockapoo is.
Mini Cockapoo Temperament and Personality
As a product of two playful, energetic, and highly-affectionate breeds, you can expect the Mini Cockapoo to bear all these traits.
In fact, one of the reasons why people continue to breed the Mini Cockapoo after all these years is because they have a great temperament.
Mini Cockapoos are very smart. Their intelligence, coupled with their high energy levels, makes them relatively easy to train — though some are so smart that they also have a tendency to be naughty.
This breed loves being around people, so they don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time.
Mini Cockapoos are also very playful, which makes them good companions for children, but their interactions should always be closely supervised.
Mini Cockapoo Lifespan and Health Issues
The Mini Cockapoo is pretty sturdy as far as small dogs go. If they are well cared for, you can expect them to live a long life, with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Due to the scientific phenomenon called hybrid vigor, Mini Cockapoos tend to have better health and improved genetics compared to purebred dogs.
That being said, they could still inherit some of the health problems that their parent breeds are predisposed to.
Here are some of the common health concerns common in the Mini Cockapoo mix:
- Cataracts: These are cloudy films that develop in your dog’s eye. It is something that the Mini Cockapoo can inherit from its Cocker Spaniel parent. Some cataracts do not affect your dog’s vision, but if they progress, they can cause visual impairment.
- Glaucoma: This is another eye condition that could plague your Miniature Cockapoo. This occurs when there is a build-up of pressure within the eye due to poor fluid drainage. It can lead to damage to the optical nerve and even blindness. Symptoms of glaucoma include eye discharge, redness and cloudiness in the eye, lethargy, and rubbing around the eye area.
- Patellar Luxation: This condition is very common among dogs, especially in small breeds like the Mini Cockapoo. Patellar luxation is characterized by the dislocation of the kneecap that could cause a loss of function and mobility in affected canines and often presents as a limp.
- Hypothyroidism: This occurs when your dog has an underactive thyroid gland that doesn’t produce enough hormones to regulate metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a fairly common condition that affects most dogs, though both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles are especially prone. Luckily, it is very treatable with maintenance medicine.
This list might sound troubling, but with the right diet, adequate exercise, and regular vet check-ups, you can sidestep and even get ahead of many of these health concerns and give your Mini Cockapoo a good quality of life.
How to Take Care of Your Mini Cockapoo
The Mini Cockapoo brings together the best traits of its parent breeds, so they make great pets for owners of any level of experience.
That’s not to say that you can be lax about their care. Like every other dog breed, the Mini Cockapoo needs attentive families that are committed to providing for all their needs.
In the following sections, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this breed’s unique needs. Read on to get a better idea of how to care for your Mini Cockapoo.
Food and Diet
Choosing good dog food is one way to keep your Mini Cockapoo in the best of health and potentially avoid preventable trips to the vet.
You should be feeding your Mini Cockapoo an appropriate amount of dog food for its weight. For dogs of their size, anywhere between 1/4 and 1/2 cups of dry dog food are ideal.
You can mix a variety of fruits and vegetables into their food as well to make it more palatable. Just make sure to consult with your vet about dog-friendly produce.
Along with their main meals, you can also give your Mini Cockapoo additional supplements. Virgin coconut oil, for instance, can help aid their digestion. An omega-3 fatty acid supplement can also help their luscious coats shine.
Cleaning and Grooming
The grooming needs for your Cocker Spaniel Mini Poodle mix depend on the type of coat it has.
Those with straight or flat coats need little grooming — only an occasional bath and a good brushing three times a week to stimulate the natural oils in their skin and keep them healthy.
Those with curly or wavy coats need more maintenance. Daily brushing is needed; otherwise, their coats might get matted or tangled. It’s also advisable to bring them to a groomer every few months for trims.
Apart from maintaining their coats, you also need to give their nails a regular trim. Long nails can cause your dog pain when it walks. You also need to brush your dog’s teeth twice a week to prevent gum disease.
Training and Exercise
The Mini Cockapoo is highly energetic, so expect to be more active with this dog breed.
While they only need a 15 to 30-minute walk every day, they also require a lot of playtimes and mental stimulation. Otherwise, you are looking at behavioral problems and a few ruined shoes.
The good news is Mini Cockapoos are very smart. This breed can learn new commands and tricks with ease.
If you start training your Mini Cockapoo puppies early on, you can pretty much guarantee that your full-grown Miniature Cockapoo will master many important commands and impressive tricks.
Dedicating 15 minutes per day to training can ensure that you’re giving your Mini Cockapoo the mental stimulation it needs to be a happy, well-behaved member of the family.
Just be sure not to over-train your dog because they can also get easily frustrated.
Also, make sure to use positive reinforcement — rewarding good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. As a training method, it’s proven to be more effective and is certainly more humane.
How Much Does a Mini Cockapoo Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Cockapoos have been in such high demand in recent years. In fact, in the United Kingdom, they were among the top breeds with the highest price rise.
Despite this, the Mini Cockapoo is still relatively affordable. You can expect Mini Cockapoo puppies to cost anywhere from $900 to $1,200 from reputable breeders.
Their compact size also means that in the long run, you can save some money on food, leashes, beds, and even deworming and vaccinations. All these typically cost less for smaller-sized dogs.
To get a better idea of the cost of all the essentials you’ll need for your Mini Cockapoo puppy, check out the table below:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $30 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
If you compare these numbers to that of other breeds, you’ll find that raising a Miniature Cockapoo is relatively easier on the pocket.
The prices above are just estimates, but they should give you a good idea of how much budget you’ll need to set aside when you bring home a Mini Cockapoo.
Places to Find Mini Cockapoo Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Designer dogs are usually more challenging to find, but this isn’t the case for the Mini Cockapoo. As mentioned earlier, they’re one of the more popular hybrids, so it’s easy to find reputable breeders.
Here are a few breeders specializing in Cockapoos:
- Palmetto Cockapoos – This breeder has locations in Columbia, South Carolina, and Valdosta, Georgia. Their Mini Cockapoo puppies come with their tails already docked and their dew claws removed. Health tests are performed on all adults to ensure good quality litter.
- Attala County Cockapoos – This family-run kennel is located in Mississippi. Their Toy Cockapoo and Mini Cockapoo litters are bred from champion line Cocker Spaniels and Mini Poodles from top kennels.
- Pure Heart Farms & Ministries – This kennel is very strict about breeding only first-generation Cockapoos, meaning that the dam and sire of each litter must be a purebred Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. They are located on a one-acre property in Huntsville, Alabama.
Mini Cockapoo puppies aren’t often given up for rehoming, so it’s quite rare to find them in a rescue or shelter.
If you want to try your luck, you can check out these rescues:
- NorCal Poodle Rescue – This group is run by volunteers who rescue Poodles and Poodle mixes in the Northern California area. All their rescue dogs are desexed, microchipped, and vaccinated before being put up for adoption. Most of their dogs are Poodles, but they will occasionally have Poodle mixes, such as Mini Cockapoos.
- Doodle Rock Rescue – Based in Dallas, Texas, this group takes in abandoned Poodles and Poodle mixes from around the United States. Since they focus on Poodle mixes, they might have a Mini Cockapoo at some point.
- Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue – This group doesn’t have a set facility, so they place their rescues in foster homes throughout their volunteer network. They rehome Poodles and Poodle mixes and have recently rescued a few Cockapoos.
If you’ve decided to take the adoption route, you may have to wait long and hard for a Mini Cockapoo to turn up.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Mini Cockapoo
If you’ve read this far, you can probably already name all the advantages of owning a Mini Cockapoo. You must also weigh the cons to guide you to the right decision.
Here, I’ve listed down some of the benefits and downsides of choosing a Mini Cockapoo as your pet.
First, let’s look at the list of the pros of owning a Mini Cockapoo:
- Easy to train: The Mini Cockapoo’s high intelligence also means high trainability. This means that house training and obedience training will go much more smoothly with them.
- Loyal and affectionate: Many people who experience anxiety or other mental health issues turn to dogs for emotional support. The Mini Cockapoo would be great in that department, as they are highly affectionate.
- Low-shedding: With coats that barely shed, the Miniature Cockapoo is a choice pet for people who have allergies. This means they release fewer allergens that can trigger reactions in those who are prone to them.
- Compact size: Their small size means they can do well even in small spaces. It also makes them easy to handle, and you can bring them practically anywhere. On the other hand, the cost of caring for them will be slightly more affordable, as they’ll need less food and smaller doses of medicines.
Now, here are some of the cons of choosing a Mini Cockapoo as a pet:
- Prone to separation anxiety: The affectionate nature of the Mini Cockapoo can sometimes translate to anxiety when they are separated from their humans. This trait is often observed in Cocker Spaniels and is passed on to many of their Cockapoo babies.
- Not good watchdogs: The Miniature Cockapoo is a natural extrovert and will befriend everyone, even strangers. While this is a great trait when you’re bringing them to the dog park, it isn’t ideal if you’re searching for a watchdog who can protect your family.
- High energy: Mini Cockapoos are extra-playful and bursting with energy. That energy can translate to destructive behavior if you can’t commit to daily walks, exercise, and mental stimulation.
- Unpredictable traits: As a crossbreed, it’s tricky to predict some of their physical traits. While Mini Cockapoos tend to have similar traits across the board, their final size, weight, and temperament will ultimately depend on their parents and overall upbringing.
All dogs come with their own set of pros and cons, and with this list, you can now better envision what life is like with a Mini Cockapoo. This way, you’ll be able to decide whether or not this breed is the right one for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mini Cockapoos Shed?
Mini Cockapoos shed minimally. It’s one of the desirable traits that has kept this hybrid breed alive for decades.
The amount a Mini Cockapoo sheds still depends on its genes and the coat type. For instance, a Mini Cockapoo with a curly or wiry coat is expected to shed less than its straight or flat-coated counterparts.
The trade-off is that curly or wiry coats require more maintenance, so you need to weigh your priorities. In general, however, the breed is known for its low-shedding coat.
Are Mini Cockapoos Hypoallergenic?
No dog breed is completely hypoallergenic because allergens come from a dog’s drool and dander.
That being said, Mini Cockapoos are not hypoallergenic, but their minimal shedding means they are less likely to cause allergic reactions in the people around them.
Many people with allergies have been able to live with this breed without any problems. However, if you have known allergic reactions to pets, it is still important to test yourself with a Mini Cockapoo.
Do Mini Cockapoos Bark a Lot?
The Mini Cockapoo is not known to be a barker. This breed tends to bark only very rarely. A Mini Cockapoo might only bark out of boredom or to alert its owner.
Of course, every dog is different, so you may still end up with a Mini Cockapoo that’s more vocal than others.
Thankfully, there is a way to regulate this behavior so that they minimize their barking. Since Mini Cockapoos are highly trainable, they can quickly learn to bark only at certain times.
Are Miniature Cockapoos Aggressive?
Miniature Cockapoos are not known to be aggressive. On the contrary, they have a reputation for being some of the friendliest and most trusting dog breeds out there.
However, Mini Cockapoos can be anxious when left alone, and anxiety in dogs sometimes manifests in behavior that some might classify as aggressive — for instance, destroying toys or nipping.
This can be prevented by addressing the source of their anxiety and training Mini Cockapoo puppies to be independent early on.
Final Thoughts
One look at a Miniature Cockapoo, and you might fall in love instantly. Their cute little faces are nothing if not endearing.
The good news is that they’re almost as easy to care for and to love. You don’t need to be an experienced dog owner to care for a Mini Cockapoo. You just need to be committed to the basics of canine care.
If you can return the boundless love and affection that this breed will give you, then you can be confident that the Mini Cockapoo is indeed the right dog for you.
So, what do you think about this mix? Share your thoughts about the adorable Mini Cockapoo mix in the comment section!
