cockapoo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, everyday
Quick answer
What does “cockapoo” mean?
A hybrid dog breed that is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hybrid dog breed that is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.
A popular designer dog breed, specifically bred to combine the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the gentle, affectionate nature of the Cocker Spaniel. They are often kept as family pets or companion animals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical and widely used in both varieties. The concept of "designer dogs" is equally prevalent.
Connotations
Connotes a fashionable, friendly, family-friendly pet. Sometimes associated with being a trendy or somewhat expensive choice.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties due to the global popularity of the breed.
Grammar
How to Use “cockapoo” in a Sentence
[owner] has/got a cockapoo[cockapoo] is [adjective]to buy/own/adopt a cockapooVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cockapoo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to cockapoo our spaniel with a local poodle. (Note: this is a highly non-standard, jocular/creative use)
American English
- They're planning to cockapoo their dogs to get a litter of puppies. (Note: this is a highly non-standard, jocular/creative use)
adjective
British English
- She has that classic cockapoo energy—playful and a bit daft.
American English
- The groomer specializes in that teddy-bear cockapoo look.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of pet retail, breeding, grooming services, and veterinary care.
Academic
Rare; might appear in studies on animal breeding, genetics, or pet ownership trends.
Everyday
Common in conversations about pets, family life, and lifestyle choices.
Technical
Used in veterinary medicine and professional dog breeding circles to specify the hybrid.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cockapoo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cockapoo”
- Spelling: 'cockapoo', not 'cokapoo' or 'cock-a-poo'. Using it as a general term for any dog (it's breed-specific).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not recognized as a pure breed by major kennel clubs like the AKC or The Kennel Club (UK). It is a hybrid or 'designer' breed, and names like Cockerpoo or Spoodle are also used.
They are often marketed as such due to their Poodle heritage, but no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Cockapoos tend to shed less, which can reduce allergens.
A cockapoo is a Cocker Spaniel-Poodle cross. A cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.
In standard English, no. 'Cockapoo' is solely a noun referring to the dog. Any verbal use is highly informal, creative, or jargon within specific breeding contexts.
A hybrid dog breed that is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.
Cockapoo is usually informal, everyday in register.
Cockapoo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒkəpuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːkəpuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As friendly as a cockapoo”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COCKer Spaniel playing POOl with a POOdle—the result is a COCKAPOO splashing in the water.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (primarily a concrete noun for a specific animal type).
Practice
Quiz
What is a cockapoo?