Breed Standard for Cockapoo:

General Appearance:

• The Cockapoo is a small to medium-sized dog with a well-proportioned body and a sturdy build.

• They should have a friendly and alert expression, reflecting their sociable and intelligent nature.

• The overall appearance should be balanced, with no exaggerated features.

Size:

• The Cockapoo typically ranges in height from 10 to 15 inches (25 to 38 cm) at the shoulder.

• Weight can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent, but generally falls between 10 to 30 pounds (4.5 to 13.6 kg).

Coat:

• The coat of the Cockapoo can vary widely depending on the genetic contribution from the Poodle parent.

• It may be curly, wavy, or straight, and may be of various colors, including white, black, brown, cream, or a combination of these colors.

• The coat should be of medium length, dense, and may be low-shedding or hypoallergenic, like the Poodle parent.

Head:

• The head should be proportionate to the body, with a slightly rounded skull.

• Eyes are typically round or almond-shaped, expressing a bright and intelligent demeanor.

• Ears may be drop or semi-prick in shape, and they should be set high on the head.

Body:

• The body of the Cockapoo should be well-muscled and compact, with a level topline.

• Chest should be deep and well-developed, providing ample room for lung capacity.

• Legs are straight and sturdy, providing agility and grace in movement.

Tail:

• The tail may be docked or left natural, depending on individual preference and local regulations.

• When undocked, the tail is typically of medium length and may be carried erect or slightly curved.

Temperament:

• Cockapoos are known for their affectionate, playful, and outgoing nature.

• They are intelligent dogs that thrive on human companionship and enjoy participating in various activities, including obedience training, agility, and interactive play.

• Cockapoos are typically good with children and other pets when properly socialized from a young age.

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The Cockapoo — also known as the Cockerpoo, Spoodle, Cock-A-Poo, and Cockerdoodle — holds a unique distinction in the history of dog breeding: it is widely recognized as the world's first intentionally bred designer dog. Created in the United States in the 1950s by crossing the Cocker Spaniel with the Poodle, the Cockapoo predates the Goldendoodle, Labradoodle, Bernedoodle, and every other designer breed by decades. The Cockapoo Club of America was founded in 1999 to establish a formal breed standard and support the Cockapoo breeding community. In Australia the breed is known as the Spoodle, and in the United Kingdom as the Cockerpoo — both with large, dedicated owner communities. Whether you call it a Cockapoo, Cockerpoo, or Spoodle, this breed is the original designer dog — and Designer Kennel Club is the registry built to serve it.

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Despite the Cockapoo's 70-year history and the Cockapoo Club of America's 1999 breed standard, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not register Cockapoos, Cockerpoos, or Spoodles. AKC registers purebred Cocker Spaniels and purebred Poodles individually, but any cross between the two is permanently ineligible for AKC registration regardless of generation (F1, F1B, or Multigen) or how thoroughly the breeding is documented. This means the world's first designer dog has no AKC registration pathway — a documentation gap that affects millions of Cockapoo owners across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Designer Kennel Club (DKC) was built specifically to serve Cockapoo owners and breeders who need official registration papers and cannot obtain them through AKC.

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Designer Kennel Club provides official registration papers and ownership documentation for Cockapoos, Cockerpoos, Spoodles, Cock-A-Poos, Cockerdoodles, Mini Cockapoos, Toy Cockapoos, and Maxi Cockapoos with no AKC papers or pedigree lineage required. DKC Foundation Dog Registration ($65) accepts any Cockapoo without existing documentation. For breeders, DKC Litter Registration ($100) gives each puppy an individual DKC registration number that new owners can use to register their Cockapoo puppy for $45. All registrations are completed online and papers are delivered as a PDF via email within 2–3 business days.

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Registering your Cockapoo or Cockerpoo with Designer Kennel Club establishes an official record of breed, ownership, and identification. DKC registration is accepted as official breed documentation for veterinary records, grooming services, training programs, apartment and housing requirements, and general ownership verification. Whether you have a standard Cockapoo, a Mini Cockapoo, a Toy Cockapoo, or a Maxi Cockapoo — DKC registers all sizes and all generations. Register at designerkennelclub.com/registration.