Cock-a-poos can be extraordinarily cute puppies, and can grow up into great dogs!  They are a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle and generally wind up small to medium-sized.  The breed came highly recommended to us, and our two puppies have lived up to their billing as perfect animal companions for a family with small children. 

GREAT With Kids

Actually, our two cock-a-poo puppies WERE our first two children, and they were named accordingly!  So, how did they respond to their changing roles as the family grew not once, but twice?  Perfectly.  They are very attentive to the kids, and have adapted to being routinely bumped down in the pecking order.  Our children can do just about anything with them, up to and including taking food out of their mouths.  Right now they're handling the notion of playing second fiddle to the two children very well.        

Hypoallergenic

Our dogs do not shed.  Their hair keeps growing until we have them professionally groomed.  This was important to us for two reasons.  For one thing, it helps with keeping the house clean.  There really isn't any hair in the house to speak of.  Secondly, the dogs are less likely to be the source of air-borne allergens, and on this count we have had no trouble whatsoever.  

Intelligent

Smart CAN translate into easy training, and that is exactly what we have experienced.  They're quick on the uptake.  Paper training, commands, and crate training have been no problem for them at all.  Plus, they have an easier time learning (and re-learning) the family routines as things change around the house.

Drawbacks

GROOMING COST:  Grooming can be expensive, unless you do it at home.  We pay around $30 a dog about once every two months, and it is certainly worth the expense.  Groomers take care of clipping the nails, cleaning out the anal glands (yuck!), and ensuring an even cut.  Save money here by decreasing the frequency of grooming, but not in the summertime!  They will want to have their hair cut short in the hot summer months.

INCONSISTENCY:  Cock-A-Poo is not an AKC registered breed.  You don't know exactly what you're going to get in a first-generation dog.  Second-generation dogs tend to be more predictable, both in appearance and in temperament, but they can also be more expensive. 

ACTIVITY LEVEL:  Our dogs LOVE activity, and and are very playful - especially with each other and with other dogs.  We give them plenty of time outside, and a fenced-in yard is recommended.  They are always happiest after a long run.

INTELLIGENCE:  Intelligence can translate into opportunism.  As well, you may be faced with a battle of wills on occasion.

OVERBREEDING:  Overbreeding is a possibility that you have to be alert to.  Cock-A-Poos have desirable traits and are a popular breeding combination right now.  That said, high market demand can drive unhealthy breeding practices.   Know your breeder, and be certain that they are reputable.  Get references, and do your homework.  If you see advertisements in the newspaper from the same people all the time, you're probably looking at a puppy mill.  Steer clear! 

If you're considering  adding a Cock-A-Poo to your family, you're heading down a rewarding path.  I wish you the best of luck with your adoption, whatever breed you choose! 

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