We can date the Cockapoo back to the 1960s, even though its popularity has exploded over the last few years. It’s common knowledge that they make great family pets, but you may wonder if your lifestyle suits them. Are they couch potatoes, or do they have endless energy and need to be outside running around all day?
What Were Cockapoos Bred For?
Cockapoos were one of the first, if not the first, designer breed established by breeding two pedigree dogs. They weren’t bred for a job but rather their coat. The Cockapoo was created to have a non-shedding coat to serve as an intelligent companion.
They’re super trainable and flexible to different living situations. They make great family pets and therapy dogs, so while they weren’t bred for a job, some do have jobs!
We have a dog bred to be a companion of two working breed dogs. Both Poodles and Cocker Spaniels were bred as hunting dogs, so in theory, when we put them together, you should get a dog that wants to be outdoors all day and goes stir-crazy inside. Not quite.
Do Cockapoos Enjoy Being Indoors?
Some days I can pick up the lead, and my dog is too busy lying on the couch to contemplate getting up. Cockapoos are clever dogs; you can leave it to them to find the most comfortable spot in the house to sleep most of the day away.
If there’s so much as a drizzle in the air, my own hardy little working breed mix won’t dare venture outside to the toilet unless she’s desperate. Sometimes I have to accompany her for moral support.
If there’s a spot of the sun coming through the window you can guarantee a Cockapoo will find it and bask in it like they’re trying to recharge its batteries. It’s a hard life looking adorable and making friends with everyone they need, so they need their beauty sleep.
Even if you have a Cockapoo that loves to be out in all weather, the mixture of a curly-coated and flat-coated dog means they might be low shedding, but their fur is very good at sucking up all the mud. It’s not the most insulating fur, despite looking quite thick, so they are prone to getting cold sometimes and benefit from indoor warm-up indoor time.
Will a Cockapoo Enjoy The Outdoors?
While they are designer dogs, don’t be fooled into thinking you have a dog who doesn’t like to get its paws dirty. Cockapoos may not like to go out to the toilet in the rain, but once you get them outside, they’re ready to go. You might have a slow start, but the second you unclip that lead to let them have a run, they will suddenly have all the energy in the world.
Mud and puddles are no match for these little curly-coated energiser bunnies. They will somehow find the dirtiest paths to splash down and, after a good run, will usually return to you wearing half of the foliage they’ve been running through to show you exactly where they’ve been.
Cockapoos may love a cuddle on the couch, but they also love sprinting full speed down a beach after a ball or making friends with every single dog they come across and playing until they tire them out, then it’s off to the next potential friend.
They are versatile dogs, so it might be that every Cockapoo is different, and it depends on what they’re used to and how they’ve been brought up that might make them lean more one way or the other. So, to answer the question, are Cockapoos indoor or outdoor dogs, I have to give a resounding yes to both and no to both. It depends on the day!
Mike is the proud owner of a 7-year-old Cockapoo named Luna. He loves to share stories, tips and information about owning a Cockapoo. With over7 years of experience as an owner, Mike is passionate about helping others own and care for their dog.
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