Cockapoo Characteristics
Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Adult weight: 20 – 25 lbs.
Adult height: 13 – 15 in.
Origin – United States
Cockapoos, adorable and playful designer dogs, have become increasingly popular in recent years. But with this rise in popularity comes a question many potential owners have: How much does a Cockapoo cost? This comprehensive guide will break down the various factors influencing their price, along with the ongoing costs of owning one.
What Two Breeds is a Cockapoo?
The Cockapoo is a delightful mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. This crossbreed combines the best of both worlds, resulting in a dog with a charming personality and a low-shedding coat. However, since Cockapoos are not a recognized breed by major kennel clubs, there can be variations in their appearance and temperament.
Factors Affecting Cockapoo Puppy Cost
The price of a Cockapoo puppy can vary significantly depending on several factors:
Breeder Reputation and Experience
Reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs often charge more for their puppies. They invest in health testing for both parent breeds, ensuring that the puppies are less likely to inherit genetic health issues. They also focus on socializing and training their puppies, which adds value to the price.
Pedigree and Lineage
Cockapoos with exceptional lineage or champion bloodlines can command a higher price. While not officially recognized as a breed, some breeders strive to establish strong lineages within the Cockapoo community, and this can be reflected in the price.
Coat Color and Type
Certain coat colors, like merle and phantom, are rarer and therefore more expensive than common colors like white or brown. Additionally, Cockapoos can have different coat types, with curly or wavy coats often being more desirable and pricier than straight coats.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders conduct health tests on the parent dogs to screen for genetic conditions common in both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. These tests add to the breeder's expenses, but they offer peace of mind to buyers knowing their puppy is less likely to develop hereditary health problems.
Average Cockapoo Prices
The average price of a Cockapoo puppy from a reputable breeder ranges from $800 to $2,000, with an average of around $1,350. However, puppies with rare coat colors or exceptional pedigrees can cost upwards of $3,200.
Cockapoo Adoption Fees
Adopting a Cockapoo from a rescue organization or shelter is a more affordable option, usually costing between $100 and $300. This fee typically covers the cost of vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and other basic care provided by the shelter.
Are Cockapoos Worth It?
Absolutely! Cockapoos are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them great family dogs. They are intelligent dogs, eager to please, and relatively easy to train. Their low-shedding coats are a bonus for allergy sufferers.
Is a Cockapoo High Maintenance?
Cockapoos can be considered high maintenance due to their grooming needs. Their curly or wavy coats require regular brushing, combing, and trimming to prevent matting. However, their temperament makes them easy to handle and groom.
Lifetime Cost of Owning a Cockapoo
Owning a Cockapoo involves more than just the initial purchase or adoption fee. Be prepared for ongoing expenses like food, grooming, vet care, and supplies. The first year can be more expensive due to initial vaccinations and spaying/neutering.
Monthly Costs
Dog Food: $60 - $80
Professional Grooming: $60 - $80 (DIY) or $50 - $60
Vet Care (average): $25 - $75
Additional Costs
Initial Supplies: $400 - $500
Vaccinations: $150 - $300
Microchipping: $50 - $70
Neutering or Spaying: $150 - $400
Over a Cockapoo's lifetime, you can expect to spend around $18,000 to $20,000, not including potential medical emergencies.
Expert Insights From Spot
According to Spot's internal data, the claims most often submitted for Cockapoos are preventative care claims for heartworm and flea medications, fecal worm screens, heartworm tests, and Lyme disease vaccinations. Spot has received over 602 claims from pet parents of Cockapoos for heartworm and flea medications, 362 claims for fecal worm screens, 258 claims for heartworm tests, and 176 claims for Lyme disease vaccinations. The most expensive claims were for prescription foods, with an average cost of about $350. If you do decide to add a Cockapoo to your family, we hope this information will help give you an understanding of the kinds of veterinary services this breed may need during their life.
How can Spot Pet Insurance help?
Spot accident & illness pet insurance plans offer a wide variety of coverages, from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight management are not covered). For an extra cost, Spot dog insurance plans offer preventive care coverage add-ons to help cover the costs of certain routine vaccinations, annual wellness exams, and other preventive care treatments. You can view the add-on preventive care coverage options. Get in touch with us to know more!
Conclusion
While Cockapoos can be a significant financial investment, their loving nature, intelligence, and low-shedding coats make them a worthwhile addition to many families. By understanding the factors influencing their price and budgeting for their care, you can ensure that your Cockapoo lives a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life with you.
