The Cocker Poodle Spaniel is a cute breed of dog that can captivate any family. Such animals are notable for their good disposition, quick wit, and can be easily trained. You will never get bored with these doggies, as they are very active. What care does a cocker poodle need? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this breed? All this will be discussed in our material.
General information
What is a cocker poodle (cockapu)? The following can be said about the breed:
- origin - a mixture of a poodle and a cocker spaniel;
- average life expectancy is about 13 years;
- height - up to 40 cm;
- weight - no more than 15 kg;
- character - flexible, somewhat touchy;
- color - a wide variety of colors;
- susceptibility to diseases: joint dysplasia, allergies, dermatitis, hearing and vision impairment;
- training - quick training for teams.
Temperament
Cocker poodle, whose photo can be seen in the article, is able to become a true friend to any person. Doggie perceives young children very well. The breed gets along with other pets. Cocker poodle needs attention. However, it does not show signs of jealousy when the owner contacts other animals.
Representatives of the breed are distinguished by a sharp mind. Such doggies quickly adapt to unfamiliar surroundings. They are characterized by increased activity and a quick reaction. These pets inherited a great scent from poodles and spaniels. For this reason, they are able to quickly find a host in a crowd of people.
Representatives of the breed need a company. They are demanding of affection. If the owner is ready to show attention to the pet, he often pleases with performing all kinds of tricks. If you decide to have a cocker poodle, you need to be prepared to spend time on all kinds of games.
Care Features
Keeping a cocker poodle is not difficult. Since the breed is not demanding on living conditions. However, the owner will still have to show some responsibility:
- Hair care - comprehensive combing is done only during the annual shedding. The rest of the time, the dog must be combed regularly. Otherwise, tangles are formed on the pet's body. It is necessary to look after the coat of dogs of the breed at least 3 times a week.
- Bathing - no more than once a month. The dog needs to be washed as the coat becomes dirty, which in an apartment is extremely slow. Instead, you need to pay increased attention to the hygiene of the pet’s ears. Since the breed is prone to infection with all kinds of infections.
- Exercise - Walking is extremely important for a cocker poodle. These doggies love to eat well. They need the release of stored energy. Walking with such dogs is recommended for at least an hour and a half a day. In this case, it is not necessary to go out. It is enough to throw a doggie ball in the apartment.
- Education - representatives of the breed remember teams and rules of behavior well. Based on this, there are no problems with their training. It is necessary to instill the necessary qualities in a pet from an early age. Otherwise, his behavior may be ugly. A strong hand should be applied to education, but do not go too far so as not to offend the pet.
disadvantages
A comparative minus of the breed is extreme vigor, a tendency to pester the owner with his presence at every step. In addition, cocker poodles like to bark loudly, making shrill sounds with almost any external stimulus. Such features can cause some inconvenience to family members.
The disadvantage is also the suspiciousness of such pets. Not receiving proper attention, the dog may become discouraged, begin to take offense at the owner. In this state, the dog is able to stay long enough.
How to get a cocker poodle?
The breed is extremely common in the United States. In domestic spaces, a few breeders are engaged in its selection. You can buy a dog with official documents in large cities. However, often there is a need to queue until the next litter appears.
Organization of a trip to developed European countries can accelerate the purchase of a pet. However, in this case, you will have to burden yourself with additional costs. As for the cost of puppies, it is, on average, from 1000 conventional units. If the baby's parents were participants in prestigious competitions, the price can be raised by several hundred.