Cockapoos make great companions for a variety of different people. Though, like all other dogs, they don’t live nearly as long as humans do. But what is the average life expectancy of a Cockapoo dog? Do smaller Cockapoos live longer than larger ones? And is there anything you can do to extend your Cockapoo’s lifespan?
Related: Cockapoo Temperament Guide: Cocker Spaniel Poodle Mix | Is A Male or Female Cockapoo Better?
How Long do Cockapoos Live?
Cockapoos can live anywhere from 10 to 16 years. Smaller sizes may exceed 16 years with ease, while larger sizes may be lucky to reach 13 years. Making sure that your Cockapoo lives a healthy life with special attention to diet and exercise will ensure they live as long as possible.
Genetics of Cockapoo Life Expectancy
Poodle Life Expectancy
Poodles come in a large variety of sizes. Due to the massive size difference between the largest and smallest Poodles, there is also a rather large difference in their life expectancy. The smallest Poodles live roughly 16 years. The largest Poodles only live to about 12.
The size of Poodle used in breeding becomes critical in determining not only the size of your Cockapoo but also its life expectancy.
Cocker Spaniel Life Expectancy
Cocker Spaniels don’t come in different sizes. They are split into American and British varieties. The difference in life expectancy between these two is negligible.
Cocker Spaniels live roughly 10 to 15 years, averaging at around 13.
Cockapoo Life Expectancy
Cockapoos can live anywhere from 10 to 16 years, depending on their size. This is a large range and overall depends on the size of the Cockapoo, as wealth as the health of its parents.
On average, if you have a relatively healthy Cockapoo with no major genetic predispositions for disease, it is safe to say that it would live around 13 or 14 years.
Cockapoo Life Expectancy Summarized: Teacup, Toy, Mini, and Standard
The lifespan of a Cockapoo can be difficult to estimate correctly because sizes vary so much and there are many other factors involved. Below is a simplified summary, assuming that your Cockapoo is equal parts Cocker Spaniel and Poodle.
| Cockapoo Size | Life Expectancy |
| Teacup | More than 16 years |
| Toy | 15 to 16 years |
| Mini | 13 to 15 years |
| Standard | 10 to 13 years |
Why Does Size Affect Cockapoo Lifespan?
It’s clear the size of a Cockapoo, and any other dog, greatly changes their expected lifespan. But why is this?
The honest answer is that nobody knows for sure. At least, not yet. Some evidence shows that dogs with larger bodies age faster. But it seems that there is still a lot of research that needs to be done in this field.
Another reason may be that larger dogs suffer from health conditions related to their size. Heavier dogs are harder on their joints, leading to more joint issues, etc. Some of these conditions are life-threatening, while others affect the quality of the Cockapoo’s life so much that owners often decide to put them down.
Related: Cockapoo Size and Weight Guide | 8 Cockapoo Health Problems to Know Before Buying
Does Generation Affect Cockapoo Lifespan?
Poodles and Cocker Spaniels have different life expectancies. This means that later, backcrossed generations, which often have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics present, are more likely to follow the Poodle life span trends.
Or at least lean closer to them.
In the case of the Cockapoo, backcrossing with a Poodle often leads to a longer lifespan. This is very prevalent in the smaller varieties.
If you want as long of a lifespan in your Cockapoo as possible, talk to your breeder about getting an F1b, or an F1bb Cockapoo. Just be aware that there may be certain genetic conditions that you need to look out for.
Related: Cockapoo Generations Explained: F1, F1b, F1bb, F2, and More
Maximizing Your Cockapoo’s Life Expectancy
Genetics can play a very big role in the lifespan of a dog. This is especially true where Purebred dogs are involved, as they often suffer from certain genetic conditions.
However, genetics is not the only thing that influences the life expectancy of your Cockapoo. And even if there is a genetic issue, there are still some things that you can do to maximize their lifespan.
Just keep in mind that your Cockapoo may still die early, even if you do everything right. There are some things that you cannot control.
But here is what you should do to give your Cockapoo the best chance at a long life.
Use a Reputable Breeder
If you get your Cockapoo from a reputable breeder, it will be less likely to suffer from certain genetic conditions. A reputable breeder will be knowledgeable about the issues the breed may face and produce many litters that have none of those issues.
In most cases, the breeder will also have completed genetic testing on the dogs that they are breeding or will have selected the parents to produce certain desirable characteristics in your Cockapoo.
Educate Yourself on Health Predispositions
It may not always be possible to get your Cockapoo from a reputable breeder. What if you want to adopt and don’t have much information about the Cockapoo you are considering?
In cases like this, and even if you know that your Cockapoo should be quite healthy, it is important to educate yourself on health issues the breed may be prone to.
In my opinion, if you know what to look out for and what some of the early symptoms and possible treatment options are, then you will be more likely to pick up on those issues before they become serious. In many cases, this prevents other issues and greatly increases the quality and duration of your Cockapoo’s life.
Further Reading:
