Common Cockapoo Health Issues

Cockapoo Health: Common Issues & How to Avoid Them

One of the (many!) reasons that people choose cockapoos over other dog breeds is because of their status as a crossbreed. As well as inheriting the good looks and behavioural traits of both poodles and cocker spaniels, there is also an assumption that their mixed breeding makes them less susceptible to the health concerns that often affect purebreds. 

But is this true? Read on to find out more about cockapoo health problems. 

While crossbreeds can be less at risk from health issues related to inbreeding, they can still be prone to certain genetic health issues from the parent breeds. Some of the health problems cockapoos can inherit from cocker spaniels and poodles include:

• Eyesight problems, as cocker spaniels can be prone to glaucoma, and both breeds have links to Progessive Retinal Atrophy
• Ear infections, as a result of their long ears becoming irritated or getting dirt trapped
• Hip Dysplasia, a common joint problem for cocker spaniels and other medium to large dog breeds
• Skin infections due to sensitive skin

Also, while cockapoos are a well-known crossbreed, they have actually been around since the 1950s and many people regard them as a breed in their own right. In many cases, cockapoo puppies are no longer the result of a poodle and cocker spaniel parent and are instead second, third or fourth generation cockapoos. This means they could soon have their own range of cockapoo health issues specific to the breed. 

Avoiding cockapoo health problems.

Of course there’s no controlling whether your dog may have health concerns as they get older, and accepting this is a normal part of responsible dog ownership. However, one way to minimise the risk of owning a cockapoo with health problems is to ensure your puppy comes from reputable breeders only. These breeders should have screened parent dogs for health issues before creating the litter, hopefully eliminating the risk of unhealthy genetics being passed on.

Increasing your knowledge of the breed in general will also help you to prevent these health issues from developing. For example, knowing that their ears are susceptible to infections can help you ensure they’re kept clean and you’ll also be more likely to spot signs of any problems. 

Finally, learning all about cockapoos’ diet and exercise needs will also mean you can help your dog live its best life by giving it the nutritional care it needs.