Toy Cockapoo quick guide (Before you buy)

Toy Cockapoos (aka Toy Cockadoodles/Toy Spoodles) are similar to standard, Miniature, and Teacup Cockapoos except for size. Toy Cocker Poodles are under 10 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 12 pounds.

First seen in the 1950s, a Toy Cockapoo is sired by a Toy Poodle stud and born of a Cocker Spaniel dam.

Buying this fluffy companion should not be done on impulse. To know the dog and if he fits your lifestyle, Scroll On.

Related posts:

Toy Cockapoo Overview

Height Under 10 inches
Weight7 to 12 pounds
TemperamentHappy, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Friendly, People-oriented, Quirky, and Intelligent
Lifespan14 to 18 years

Cockapoo is a popular crossbreed known for her friendliness, intelligence, adventure drive, happiness, and remarkable sense of humor. They also benefit from hybrid vigor and are supposedly healthier than their parent breeds.

They come in 4 different sizes, coat types, and colors.

The three sizes are;

  • The standard Cockapoo
  • The Miniature Cockapoo
  • The Toy Cockapoo
  • The Teacup Cockapoo

Toy Cockapoos cross a Toy Poodle and an American and/or English Cocker Spaniel and are the second smallest. English Cocker Spaniel is about 2 inches taller than their American cousins resulting in slightly taller Toy Spoodles.

Despite his size, this dog should have a sturdy build and a healthy coat.

This happy-go-lucky is as active as any other Cockadoodle and has a remarkable affinity to water due to their Poodle ancestry. He can go from an active dog to a cuddly couch potato.

Coats & colors

Just like any other Cockapoo, the Toy Cockapoo may have any of the following coat types;

  • Straight coat
  • Wavy coat/ringlet
  • Curly/woolly coat

The curly coat sheds the least but is the most grooming intensive and will require daily brushing to prevent tangling and matting. Wavy coats are not that labor intensive but should be conditioned before line brushing to maintain the ringlets. Straight coats can grow as 15 cm and need brushing following hair growth.

And despite being a low shedder, this dog is not hypoallergenic as most allergies are not triggered by cast-off hair but by protein flakes deposited on the coat due to licking. However, he should have no odor.

Potential colors include;

BlackTanRoan
Merle (Rare)Brindle (Rare)Silver (Rare)
White/CreamRed (Auburn to Apricot)Tan (Beige to Buff)
Brown (Light to dark shades)Sable (Brown with black tips)Parti (Black & White/Brown & White)
Teacup Cockapoos

Temperament & personality

Like her larger brothers and sisters, the Toy Cockapoo is an intelligent, affectionate, loyal, friendly, and outgoing family companion. They are known for being super playful and for their contagious smiles.

These fluffs are also intuitive. They pick up on your routine and emotions and are thus great therapy dogs. Consider this sensitivity if you are prone to chronic anxiety as it affects their emotional well-being.

All in all, they require early socialization and training to develop into well-rounded and well-behaved dogs. Physical and mental activities also prevent boredom and undesirable traits from developing.

Buying a Toy Cockapoo

Price;

A Toy Cockapoo costs between $1000 and $3000 depending on the coat type and color, pedigree, sex, location, and breeder. The price should be within the accepted range. Any significant deviation on the higher or lower side should set off your red flag alarms.

There are also ownership costs for feeding, grooming, vet checks, and so on that average at around $1500 yearly.

Tips for buying;

For a healthy pup, you should get your Toy Cockadoodle from a reputable breeder or adopt it from an established rescue. It’s normal for responsible breeders to have waiting lists.

These breeders take care of their pups’ well-being and want them to end up in the best homes. They are conversant with animal husbandry, genetics, diseases, temperament, behavior, and so on. As such, they should answer any questions without hesitation.

The breeder should be an invaluable source of information on puppy care. They may also have specific requirements such as spay and neutering and will offer a health guarantee and sales contract. The contract should have a provision for a refund.

Ensure you meet the pup’s parents and ask for their genetic and health records. The is also a chance to inspect the breeding and kennel conditions. If possible, ask to meet other pups for a general sense of their health and behavior.

On the other end of the spectrum, puppy mills and sketchy breeders are primarily concerned with the mighty dollar and may not have the desire or grasp to breed healthy pups. Don’t be afraid to ask relevant questions.

Toy Cockapoo Care

1. Grooming

Toy Cockapoo coats are prone to tangling and matting, especially in areas with a lot of movement, such as under the collar, armpits, behind the ears, and so on.

Frequent brushing is required to keep knots at bay and as a great bonding experience. Combined with a Teddy Bear Trim for a pro groomer, the coat should be easy to maintain. If left ungroomed, it forms knots that turn into tangles and mats.

The floppy ears also need frequent cleaning to reduce the risk of ear infections. Combine this with trimming long nails, brushing the teeth, and cleaning any tear stains.

2. Feeding & nutrition

Toy Cockapoos are picky eaters, but it is best to seek a vet’s advice on the proper diet. The diet should have the right amount of proteins, fats, vitamins, fatty acids, and carbs.

Choosing a diet formulated for small dogs is highly recommended and can be dry, wet, raw, or homemade food.

Watch the number of calories you give him to prevent obesity.

3. Exercise

Despite enjoying the occasional pampering, the Teacup Cockapoo is a very energetic dog that needs daily physical and mental stimulation. About 30 minutes of daily exercise is sufficient.

It’s vital to keep your Toy Spoodle occupied, happy, and boredom-free to prevent the development of undesired behaviors. He will be high-strung if his exercise needs are not met.

Activity needs can be met by the occasional walk to the park, indoor, and brain games such as puzzles and fetch.

When walking a Toy Poodle Cocker Spaniel mix, use a leash attached to a harness to have the dog under control ad ensure he heels behind or beside you through proper leash training. Be the leader of the pack. These dogs also love water sports, thanks to their Poodle bloodline.

4. Training

Like other Cockapoo sizes, the Toy Cocker Poodle is intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable.

Don’t let this dog believe he is the alpha of the house as he will develop small dog syndrome and behavioral issues. Be a firm pack leader.

Positive reinforcement and a proper reward system will give the best results. As such, investigate what motivates the dog and use it during training.

Additionally, potty and house training are crucial for pups under six months old as they have difficulty holding their bladders. You will need a potty spot, preferably outdoors, and learn to anticipate their potty needs with a well-structured routine. Take the dog out for potty breaks after each meal, before/after sleeping, after exercise, and so on.

When taking out your toy Cockapoo to relieve himself, give him time and reward him for correct potty methods.

Accidents will happen, and you should deal with them through proper cleaning with an enzymatic cleaner to get rid of the odor. Don’t hit the dog or make a big deal out of it, as this teaches it to hide it from you. Have patience and be persistent with potty and house training.

Health Concerns

Though most Cockapoos are generally healthy, no breed is free of hereditary or non-hereditary medical complications. For Toy Cockapoos, this will include;

  • Patella luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Ear infections

Ensure you certify the pup’s health before picking him up from a breeder. The pup should have had the first vaccinations and deworming.

The pup and parents should be certified by relevant bodies such as OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of Animals) for medical complications common in Cockapoos and toy-sized dogs. Avoid buying a pup whose health is not certified.

To Sum up

The Toy Cockapoo is a perfect companion for apartment dwellers and families.

She thrives on attention and will exhibit signs of anxiety if left alone for extended periods. If you can meet his physical and mental needs, he will be perfect for you.

Do you think this happy-go-lucky is right for you? Leave your feedback in the comment section below.

There your go, WOOF!