What a New UK Study Says About Cockapoos (and Why It Matters for Dog Lovers)

Kiwi the Cockapoo

If you’ve spent any time around dog parks, social media, or, let’s be honest, your own sofa, you’ll know just how popular “Doodle” dogs have become.

Cockapoos, Cavapoos and Labradoodles — with their teddy-bear looks and cheerful personalities — have captured hearts across the UK. Our very own Kiwi the Cockerpoo inspired these children's stories because of these very qualities, as seen in tales such as

Kiwi and the Cricket Match

And yes… one of them may currently be reading this over your shoulder while pretending not to be interested.

But a new UK study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has taken a closer look at these much-loved crossbreeds — and the findings might surprise some owners and future puppy buyers.

🐾 The Big Takeaway: Looks Can Be Misleading

The study looked at over 9,000 dogs across the UK, comparing Cockapoos, Cavapoos and Labradoodles with their purebred parent breeds.

One key message stood out clearly:

You can’t assume a crossbreed will automatically be easier, calmer, or better behaved.

In fact, the research found that:

• Doodle breeds showed more undesirable behaviours in many cases

• These included things like:

  • Anxiety and fear (e.g. loud noises, traffic)

  • Separation-related behaviours (barking, distress when left alone)

  • High excitability (doorbells… walks… leaves… everything, basically)

Sound familiar? Yes, we’re looking at you, Kiwi and remembering Kiwi and the Birthday Surprise!

🐶 Cockapoos in Particular

For those of us firmly in the Cockapoo fan club (membership: enthusiastic, slightly muddy, occasionally chaotic), there was one finding worth noting.

The study found that Cockapoos showed higher levels of certain undesirable behaviours compared to their parent breeds, including:

• Higher excitability

• Some increased levels of aggression (such as frustration or rivalry with other dogs)

• More behavioural challenges overall compared to Cavapoos and Labradoodles

Now — and this is important — that doesn’t mean Cockapoos are “bad” dogs.

It simply means they are:

👉 Intelligent👉 Energetic👉 Sensitive👉 And very, very capable of getting themselves into (and out of) trouble

(Again… Kiwi has entered the chat to remind us about Kiwi and the Music Festival Mystery)

🧠 Why This Happens

Crossbreeds don’t come with a “perfect mix” guarantee.

A Cockapoo might inherit:

• The sensitivity and attachment of a Cocker Spaniel

• The intelligence and alertness of a Poodle

Which can be a wonderful combination…or a slightly over-enthusiastic, emotionally invested, doorbell-reacting whirlwind.

It all depends on:

• Genetics

• Early socialisation

• Training

• Environment

• 
  

📱 A Quiet Warning About Advice

One really interesting point from the study:

Many Doodle owners rely on non-professional advice — things like:

• Social media

• Friends and family

• “It worked for my neighbour’s dog”

The problem?

That advice can be inconsistent… or just plain wrong.

✔️ So What Should You Do?

Whether you already have a Cockapoo curled up beside you, or you’re thinking of bringing one home, the message isn’t “don’t get one”.

It’s simply:

Do your research. Choose responsibly.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

• 🐾 Meet the parents Their behaviour matters just as much as their looks

• 📚 Use reliable sources Trainers, behaviourists, vets — not just TikTok

• 🐕 Understand the breed mix You’re getting both sides, not a “best bits only” version

• 🧩 Be ready for training and patience These dogs are clever — which is both a gift and a challenge

• ❤️ Set realistic expectations A dog is not a soft toy… even if it looks like one

• 
  

🐾 A Final Thought from Kiwi’s Corner

Cockapoos — and all Doodles — can be absolutely wonderful companions.

They’re affectionate, funny, loyal… and occasionally responsible for:

• Missing sandwiches

• Rearranged furniture

• “How did you even reach that?” moments

But happy dogs and happy owners start with realistic expectations.

Because when we understand our dogs properly, we can:

• Train them better

• Support them better

• And enjoy them for exactly who they are

Chaos included.

If you love dog stories (and the occasional real-life reminder that dogs are gloriously imperfect), you’ll find plenty more adventures from Kiwi right here.

FAQs

Are Cockapoos good family dogs?

Cockapoos can make wonderful family dogs, but they are not automatically easier to train or calmer than other breeds. Like all dogs, they need consistent training, socialisation, and realistic expectations from their owners.

Are Doodle dogs easier to train?

Despite popular belief, recent UK research suggests that Doodle breeds such as Cockapoos, Cavapoos and Labradoodles are not always easier to train than their parent breeds. Some may show higher levels of excitability or anxiety.

Why do Cockapoos have behavioural problems?

Behavioural challenges in Cockapoos can come from a mix of genetics, environment, and training. They often inherit intelligence and sensitivity from both parent breeds, which means they require proper guidance and stimulation.

Should I get a Cockapoo puppy?

Cockapoos can be a great choice for the right owner. Before choosing one, it’s important to research the breed, meet the puppy’s parents, and understand the training and care they will need.

Are crossbreed dogs healthier or better behaved?

Crossbreeds are sometimes assumed to be healthier or easier, but research shows this is not guaranteed. Each dog is an individual, and behaviour depends on many factors beyond breed type.