The dark truth about Cockapoos has been revealed in a new study.
With their teddy bear–like features, Cockapoos are now some of the most popular dogs in the UK.
The Beckhams, Jack Grealish, and Jonathan Bailey are just a few of the famous faces who have shared their lives with the dog, which is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.
But if you’re thinking about getting one, new research may ring alarm bells for you.
Experts from the Royal Veterinary College have warned that Cockapoos are 44 per cent more likely to suffer behavioural issues than purebreeds.
These issues include owner–directed aggression, stranger–directed aggression, dog rivalry, and problems with separation.
‘There have been numerous studies documenting the prevalence of aggressive behaviours in Cocker Spaniels (often termed “Cocker Rage”), particularly Golden Cocker Spaniels,’ the researchers explained.
‘The combination of being a smaller breed and Cocker Spaniel parentage could explain why Cockapoos display an exacerbated level of aggression–related behaviours.’
The team analysed data from a total of 9,402 dogs – including Cockapoos and their purebred progenitor breeds (Cocker Spaniels and Poodles)
The Beckhams, Jack Grealish, and Jonathan Bailey are just a few of the famous faces who have shared their lives with the dog, which is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle
In recent years, there’s been a huge increase in people crossbreeding puppies, often to try to combine the best traits of different dogs.
For example, you might hear about Cockapoos, Goldendoodles and Puggles, as well as Bolonoodles and the Chipoos.
However, despite their popularity, there has been limited research on crossbreeds’ behaviour.
Writing in their study, published in PLOS One, the researchers, led by Gina T. Bryson, said: ‘Despite rapidly rising public demand for certain designer–crossbreed dogs, there is currently very little published research reporting their behaviour, even though breed–associated behaviours (actual or perceived) are a key factor influencing breed choice during pre–purchase decision–making.
‘Consequently, during pre–purchase research, prospective owners considering whether to acquire a specific designer–crossbreed are forced to rely on anecdotal information.’
To get to the bottom of it, the team analysed data from a total of 9,402 dogs – including Cavapoos (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle), Labradoodles (Labrador x Poodle), Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle), and their purebred progenitor breeds.
For each crossbreed, the researchers compared 12 different behavioural traits to their purebred progenitors.
These traits were: trainability, attachment/attention seeking, excitability, separation related problems, dog–directed fear, non–social fear, stranger–directed fear, touch sensitivity, dog–directed aggression, stranger–directed aggression, dog rivalry, and owner–directed aggression.
In recent years, there’s been a huge increase in people crossbreeding puppies, often to try to combine the best traits of different dogs. Pictured: actor Jonathan Bailey with his cockapoo, Benson
Last year, a three–year–old girl had her arm ripped open by a cockapoo in Rainham Kent. Bunnie Skinley had to be rushed to hospital in London for emergency plastic surgery after the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle crossbreed brutally mauled her unprovoked
The results revealed that, in 44.4 per cent of comparisons, the crossbreeds had more undesirable behaviours than their progenitor breeds.
In particular, Cockapoos were found to have the most undesirable behaviours.
Compared to Poodles and Cocker Spaniels, Cockapoos scored ‘significantly higher’ on 16/24 behaviours, including owner–directed aggression, stranger–directed aggression, and dog rivalry.
Meanwhile, Cavapoos scored worse on 11/24 behaviours, while Labradoodles scored worse in five behaviours, but better in six.
‘The combination of being a smaller breed and Cocker Spaniel parentage could explain why Cockapoos display an exacerbated level of aggression–related behaviours than their progenitors and other Poodle–mix designer–crossbreeds,’ the researchers explained.
While Cocker Spaniels and Labradors are both from the gun dog group, the researchers point out their slightly different roles – with Labradors bred to retrieve game and therefore to work closely with their handler.
The team epxlained: ‘The Cocker Spaniel breed was developed to flush out game from dense areas of woodland and grassland, and therefore required high–energy levels, mental resilience and intelligence.
‘The result is a breed that is anecdotally described as an “interesting mixture of brains, energy, speed and independence” which can be “more of a problem in pet homes”.
Labradoodles scored worse in five behaviours than their progenitors, Labradors and Poodles – but better in six
Scott Putman from Bedford, unexpectedly found himself go viral on TikTok after a video of his cockapoo, Arlo, destroying rolls of toilet paper racked up more than 100,000 views
‘When bred with a Poodle, these behavioural tendencies, combined with the smaller resultant crossbred offspring, could potentially result in more undesirable behaviours.’
The findings will come as no surprise to many Cockapoo owners, who say their pets are costing them thousands in vet bills.
Jenna Beverley, owner of two–year–old cockapoo Toby, said her pet has been such ‘hard work’ that she wouldn’t get another one.
Jenna, from south Yorkshire, who herself works in veterinary medicine, described Toby as a ‘nightmare’ for food, as well as being clingy, and snapping at and attacking other dogs he doesn’t like, especially bulldogs and Labradors.
She previously told FEMAIL: ‘He’s my boy but he’s hard work!
‘I would warn others about the things that can go wrong when crossing two breeds, there’s no guarantee on anything, especially temperament.’
Meanwhile, Scott Putman from Bedford, unexpectedly found himself go viral on TikTok after a video of his cockapoo, Arlo, destroying rolls of toilet paper racked up more than 100,000 views.
Scott told FEMAIL: ‘People, if they look at sort of pictures, they think it’s going to be a breeze. It’s not always like that.’
What’s more, last year, a three–year–old girl had her arm ripped open by a cockapoo in Rainham Kent.
Bunnie Skinley had to be rushed to hospital in London for emergency plastic surgery after the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle crossbreed brutally mauled her unprovoked.
Based on the study findings, the researchers are urging prospective owners to really think about it before getting a crossbreed.
They concluded: ‘The results of this study highlight the importance of owners thoroughly exploring the characteristics of any breed or crossbreed during pre–purchase research to avoid mis–informed breed selection.
‘In addition, prospective owners should meet the parents of any prospective puppy and appraise their behaviour before making any final acquisition decision.’
