Cockapoos |
Description - Cockapoos (or cockerpoos, as sometimes called) are the hybrid resulting from the cross between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle. Although believed to have first appeared during the 1960's in the United States as a result of "unplanned mating", cockapoos have been sharply rising in popularity over the past decade. So much so, that large numbers of "breeders" have been frivolously crossing nearly any two breeds of small dog, and marketing those puppies as "cockapoos". Fortunately, however, many people who are dedicated to the "success" of this splendid hybrid have been striving to establish it as a recognized "breed".
Temperament - Cockapoos are very friendly, intelligent, fun-loving dogs, and are wonderful with both children and adults. They are quite friendly towards other dogs and housepets (including cats). Cockapoos are easily obedience-trained, and they excel in agility training & competition. |
Cavapoos |
Description - Cavapoos (sometimes called Cavoodles or Cavadoodles) are the result of hybridisation of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the (in most cases, Toy) Poodle. Although it is unknown exactly where intentional breeding for this cross first began, it is believed to have recently become most popular in the United States and Australia. Like most other Poodle hybrids, popularity of the Cavapoo is attributable to their very low-shedding, low-dander coat, high intelligence and their abundantly loving and outgoing personalities. Like the two parent breeds, Cavapoo puppies' tails are docked soon after they are born. Cavapoos' ears are somewhat long, starting at or just below the eye level and typically hang down a little below the jaw. Cavapoos typically have plush, soft coats of a variety of colors (e.g., buff & white parti and red (chestnut) & white parti (both known as Blenheim), ruby (apricot), black & white parti, tri-parti, phantom) and other "dilutions" of the parent breeds' colors. As with several of the other Poodle hybrids, because of their thick, luxurious coats, Cavapoos must be combed (not brushed) thoroughly from snout to tail on a regular basis to minimize hair-tangles and knots. In addition, the hair near the entry to their ear canals and within the ear must be minimized to reduce moisture buildup, which risks ear infection. Cavapoos usually range in size from about 12 - 14 inches (shoulder-height) and can weigh from 12 - 15 pounds. Their life expectancy is often more like their Poodle parent's, which is usually around 15 years. |
American Cocker Spaniels |
Description - The "popular Cocker Spaniel", referred to as the American Cocker Spaniel, was derived over time through careful breeding of English Cocker Spaniels brought to the United States. The American Cocker Spaniel is smaller than the English Cocker, and has a different conformation. The head is domed with a chiseled, abrupt stop. The snout is broad but short in comparison to that of it's "English counterpart", with the upper lip hanging down past the lower jaw forming jowls. Ears are quite long and hang on either side of the head. The body is compact with a short back: the topline characteristically slopes downward gradually from front to rear. The tail is docked appx. two-fifths (40%) of its original length at a very young age. Front legs are straight and sturdy. The dewclaws (i.e., vestigial "thumbs") on all four legs should be removed at the time the tail is docked. The coat is luxuriant, medium in length, feathered, and comes in a broad range of solid and parti-colors (e.g., buff, black, black & tan, red & white). The breed is a modest-to-average shedder. Commonly, they range in size from 14 - 15 inches (shoulder-height) and in weight from 24 - 28 pounds. Their average life expectancy is about 12 - 15 years. |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels |
Description - The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, considered one of the largest of the toy breeds, is actually one of the smallest of the Spaniels. It has historically been a lap dog, and was affectionately known as the "comforter" by the nobility in the United Kingdom, as ladies back in the 18th and 19th centuries who needed to ride in a carriage when the weather was cold would take along one of these Spaniels curled up on their laps to keep them warm. Adult Cavaliers are generally 12-13 inches (30-33 cm) tall at the shoulder, and weight from 10-18 pounds (4.5-8.2 kg). Although occasionally trained and used as hunting dogs (and thus had their tails docked), the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel primarily functioned as a cuddly, affectionate lap-companion, so the tail is usually left entire. The coat is silky, straight or slightly wavy, and of moderate length, with feathering occurring on many regions of the body. Four coat colors are recognized in the standard: Blenheim (red/chestnut & white- and buff & white-parti), Tricolor (black & white with tan markings), Black & Tan (referred to as "King Charles"), and Ruby (solid red/chestnut). |