What Is the Lifespan of a Cockapoo? (2024)

Today we are going to talk about what is the lifespan of a Cockapoo! If you have ever lost a dog, you know how heartbreaking it is to let them go. Wouldn’t it be nice if dogs could live as long as we do?

Unfortunately, we know that dogs rarely see us reach old age. Before purchasing or adopting a dog, many prospective owners wonder about the life expectancy of each breed.

Although each one has an average lifespan, the way you care for your dog will impact his quality and length of life. Continue reading to learn about the lifespan of a Cockapoo and how to extend it.

Other articles you would like: What Is A Maltipoos Lifespan? and What Is A Bernedoodle’s Lifespan?

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What Is the Average Cockapoo Life Expectancy?

So, how long do Cockapoos live? On average, the Cockapoo’s life span is 12 to 15 years old. Most dogs live about 10 to 13 years, so the Cockapoo life span is slightly above average.

Poodles have a life expectancy of 10 to 18 years, while Cocker Spaniels live about 10 to 14 years. Cockapoos inherit genes from each parent breed, so their lifespan depends on which genes they inherit from each parent.

Typically, smaller dogs live longer than larger dogs, and the same is true for Cockapoos. Toy or miniature Cockapoos live about 14 to 14.5 years, while standard Cockapoos live about 11.5 to 12 years.

If you’re wondering how old Cockapoos get, one Cockapoo on record lived to be 23 years old.

Life Stages of Cockapoos

During the Cockapoo’s lifespan, each dog will pass through four major stages.

Puppyhood

Cockapoos are puppies from birth until they are 12 months old. During this stage, they are energized and enjoy jumping and chewing. They can seem out of control, but they are also very sweet.

Adolescence

Adolescence lasts from 12 months old until 18 or 24 months. Smaller Cockapoos move into adulthood at 18 months, while larger Cockapoos are adolescents until they are 24 months old.

This stage can be very wearing for Cockapoo owners. The dogs often reach a rebellious stage, where they look for trouble and test boundaries.

Adulthood

Between 18 or 24 months and 8 years, Cockapoos are adults. Adult Cockapoos are easier to train, but they can be stubborn. They are still very playful and friendly.

Seniority

Senior Cockapoos are eight years old or older. As your dog approaches the end of the Cockapoo life expectancy, he will lose energy and his appetite. He may need certain medications or extra trips to the vet.

Cockapoo Diet

Your dog’s diet will be a huge factor in his susceptibility to diseases. The right diet can extend his life expectancy.

Most Cockapoos should eat food designed for small dogs. The label will have instructions about the amount of food your dog requires.

It is important to follow these guidelines carefully because overfeeding leads to obesity, and obesity can shorten the lifespan of a Cockapoo.

Additionally, high-quality dog foods are best for Cockapoos because this breed is prone to allergies.

The instructions on the dog food may not inform your decision regarding a feeding schedule. Such schedules can help ensure that your dog is consuming the right amount of food throughout the day. Here are general guidelines to help you:

From 0 to 4 months: four meals per day
From 4 to 6 months: three meals per day
After six months: two meals per day

Ingredients for Cockapoos

Cockapoos are prone to eye conditions, but many ingredients can protect their eyes. Eggs, cold-water fish, carrots, blueberries, kale, and garlic are perfect for a Cockapoo’s diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin prevent joint problems. Fatty fish, canola oil, and spinach are great sources of these nutrients.

How To Feed Your New Puppy

Your puppy’s food should have at least 22.5% protein to allow him to grow at a healthy rate. If his old food does not contain enough protein or lacks certain ingredients, you may want to change his diet. However, you should do so slowly.

It can be difficult for puppies to adjust to a new home. You can make the transition smoother by feeding your puppy the same food he ate before you adopted him.

For two weeks or more, do not change his food. Then, mix a little bit of new food with the old food for one week or more. Gradually add more new food for 7 to 10 days.

Cockapoo Exercise

Exercising can increase the lifespan of a Cockapoo. They should exercise for at least 20 minutes every day.

As puppies, Cockapoos will need more exercise to burn off excess energy. Multiply your puppy’s age in months by 5 to discover how many minutes of exercise he requires. For example, a 7-month-old Cockapoo will need 35 minutes of daily exercise.

Miniature Cockapoos also require more exercise than most. You can break their exercise into two 30-minute blocks.

Cockapoos have great stamina when it comes to walking. They can walk for long periods, so hikes and walks around your neighborhood are great options.

They also enjoy games such as fetch, tug of war, and playing with other dogs. Bringing your Cockapoo to agility classes can exercise his brain and help you bond with him as well as have a positive effect on the lifespan of a Cockapoo.

Poodles are great swimmers, and some Cockapoos inherit this trait. Cockapoos with joint problems benefit greatly from swimming, which allows them to exercise without being in pain. If your Cockapoo is swimming for the first time, try a lifejacket.

However you choose to exercise your Cockapoo, you should always have water ready for him.

Common Health Problems for Cockapoos

Cockapoos are considered healthy dogs but prone to some health conditions. They inherit certain genetic predispositions from both Cocker Spaniels and Poodles.

Cocker Spaniel Health Conditions

Cocker Spaniels and Cockapoos can suffer from lymphoma, a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells.

Multicentric lymphoma, which occurs in the lymph nodes, is the most common. You can periodically check your Cockapoo’s lymph nodes for swelling to catch this early.

Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health concerns for Cockapoos.

The hip joint consists of a ball and socket, but a malformed joint can lead to intense pain. Most breeders ensure that the parent dogs do not have hip dysplasia before breeding them.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is most common in small dogs with long backs and short legs. It affects the discs in the dog’s spine.

IVDD causes pain and may lead to paralysis. Dogs who are hesitant to move or arch their backs often may have IVDD.

One serious health concern among Cocker Spaniels and Cockapoos is cardiomyopathy. Thin walls of the heart cause congestive heart failure and, eventually, death. Dogs who cannot exercise, barely eat, and breathe heavily may have cardiomyopathy.

Poodle Health Conditions

Poodles and Cockapoos are prone to several eye diseases. Progressive Retinal Atrophy causes blindness over a short period. Glaucoma causes vision impairment rather than blindness, but the pressure inside of the dog’s eyeball is painful.

Cataracts may cause blindness, but medication and surgery can treat this condition.

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that affects some Cockapoos and Poodles. When a dog has a seizure, he will collapse, convulse, chew on his tongue, and lose control of his muscles and limbs.

Although this may sound scary, the condition can be treated with medication.

Health Conditions Affecting Cocker Spaniels and Poodles

Poodles are prone to liver disease and Cocker Spaniels are prone to kidney disease. Thus, Cockapoos are more likely to suffer from liver and kidney disease than many other breeds.

Cockapoos suffering from this condition may lose their appetite, run a fever, drink and urinate more than usual, experience jaundice, and become weak and tired.

Provide your Cockapoo with a diet low in protein and phosphorus to reduce his chance of developing liver or kidney disease. Milk thistle can also improve liver health.

Preventative Care for Cockapoos

To increase the Cockapoo’s lifespan, dog owners can follow a few preventative measures.

Grooming

Grooming is essential for all dogs. It promotes a healthy coat and reduces the risk of skin infections, improving life expectancy. Cockapoo dog owners should also focus on cleaning their dogs’ ears and brushing their teeth daily.

Screening for Health Conditions

Catching health concerns early helps prevent long-term damage. If you purchase your Cockapoo from a breeder, ask for the health records of your puppy’s parents.

When you share this information with your vet, he can monitor your Cockapoo closely for genetic conditions.

Bring your Cockapoo to the vet every year. Veterinarians can diagnose disorders early and find the right treatment. If a health condition goes unnoticed, it can progress quickly and be irreversible.

Conclusion For “What Is the Lifespan of a Cockapoo?”

So, how long does a Cockapoo live? The lifespan of a Cockapoo is slightly longer than that of the average dog. Their average lifespan is 12 to 15 years, but your dog’s exact life expectancy will depend on how you care for him.

Cockapoos should have diets specific to their breed. Certain ingredients can protect against diseases. They should also receive a healthy amount of exercise, which will keep them strong and promote muscle health.

Owners should familiarize themselves with common health conditions among Cockapoos. Monitoring your dog for diseases can prevent long-term deficits. When you care for your Cockapoo, you provide him with a long, healthy life.

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