Breed Standards for the Cockapoo

General Appearance. Cockapoos have a sturdy, squarely-built appearance. The length from the body measured from the breastbone to the rump is approximately the same-to-slightly longer than the height from the highest point of the shoulder to the ground. He stands up well at the shoulder on straight forelegs with a top line that is level-to-slightly sloping toward moderately-bent hindquarters. He is a dog capable of great speed and endurance, combined with agility. The body must be of sufficient length to permit a straight and free stride. Cockapoos should never appear low and long, or tall and gangly, but should always be in proportion. 

Size and Weight. Size of Cockapoos can be influenced by either parent's recent background. Adult dogs 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.  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. 

Head, Expression. Large, round, well-set, well-spaced eyes with a keen, soulful, endearing and intelligent expression.  The color of the eyes should be dark brown on dogs with black noses. Brown dogs have brown noses. Dogs with light-colored noses may have lighter (i.e.: greenish, hazel) eyes. The eyes should not have a droopy appearance. Hair should be scissored back so as not to obstruct the eyes or vision. The ears should hang fairly close to the head, starting above the eyes and hanging to well below eye level. They should be well-feathered, but never erect or carried up over the head. Ideally the bottom of the ears should be level with the beard. The skull is moderately rounded but not exaggerated, with no tendency towards flatness. 

Bite. Aligned bite, with neither over- nor under-bite.  Level bites (incisors striking edge to edge) are acceptable, but scissors bite (lower incisors striking just behind the uppers) is preferred.

Neck, Top Line, Body. The neck rises strongly from the shoulders and arches slightly as it tapers to join the head. Carried high and with dignity, the neck is never pendulous (no throatiness - skin tight). The top line is level- to-slightly sloping toward the hindquarters. The chest is deep and moderately wide, with well-sprung ribs, its lowest point no higher than the elbow.

Tail. The tail is set on line with the back and carried on line with the top line or higher; when the dog is in motion the tail action is merry. The tail can be left long or docked like the parent breeds; both are acceptable. The tail should be well feathered and full coated when left long. If not docked, the tail is to be curled up over the back and left long, never shaven. If docked, tail should be no more and no less than 4 inches.

Forequarters. The shoulders are well laid back, forming an angle with the upper arm of approximately 90 degrees, permitting easy movement and forward reach. When viewed from the side with the forelegs vertical, the elbow is directly below the highest point of the shoulder blade. Forelegs are parallel, straight, with strong pasterns. Legs should be set close to the body. Front dew claws can be left or removed, back dew claws should be removed. Feet should be in balanced proportion with the dog; however, the feet should be compact, with arched toes and turn neither in nor out.

Hindquarters. When viewed from behind, the legs are parallel when in motion and at rest. Moderately angled at the stifle, and clearly defined thighs. When standing, the rear toes should be behind the point of the rump.

Coat Types. As with many other breeds, Cockapoos have three different coat types. There is the tight curly coat, the medium curl, and the flat coat. While we strive for the medium curl, all three coat types are acceptable. It is very common to see all three types within the same litter of pups.  This can happen with 1st, 2nd, 3rd (etc.) generation litters.

Coat length. The Cockapoo's 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. 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 never be shaven. If the dog is not being shown, then a shorter or longer coat is allowed. Just remember to keep the eyes clear of fur and keep them well brushed.

Color and Markings. 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 white base and 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. The nose and rims of eyes should be one solid color. Brown colored dogs may have brown noses, eye rims, lips, dark toenails and dark amber eyes. Black, blue, gray, cream and white dogs have black noses, eye rims and lips, black or self colored toenails and very dark eyes. In light-colored dogs, the liver-colored nose is quite common.

Temperament. Cockapoos are very people-oriented, outgoing, and happy dog. The playful personality appeals to young and old alike. The Cockapoo has a keen intelligence any adult can appreciate, coupled with a forgiving nature that makes it unparalleled as a children's dog. They are as much at home in an apartment as they are on the biggest farm. They are extremely easy to train in just about any situation, but are people dogs and should not be left alone for extended periods of time.