Are Cockapoos More Prone to Behaviour Problems?

Understanding Cockapoo Behaviour Challenges

Are Cockapoos more prone to behaviour problems? Recent research suggests that owners report more challenges in certain areas. But does this mean Cockapoos are inherently problematic?

Many people are asking whether Cockapoos have more behaviour problems than other dogs. Behaviour is shaped by a mix of breeding, early experiences, expectations, and environment.

You might have seen headlines claiming that Cockapoos, Cavapoos, and Labradoodles face more behavioural issues than purebred dogs. It sounds straightforward, right? It isn’t.

A new study examined behaviour in these dogs based on owner reports. With over 9,000 dogs included, it provides a broad snapshot of what owners experience daily. The headline finding was that Cockapoos and Cavapoos scored higher for traits like excitability, fear, separation-related behaviours, and aggression. This challenges a common belief.

Many choose a doodle cross expecting a dog that is easy to live with, straightforward to train, and naturally suited to family life. However, this study does not support those assumptions. The conclusions are not as simple as they seem.

What This Study Actually Measured About Cockapoo Behaviour

This study did not directly observe dogs. Instead, it used a questionnaire where owners reported their dog’s behaviour. That matters.

“Undesirable behaviour” in this context refers to actions that owners found difficult, frustrating, or concerning. It does not necessarily mean something is objectively wrong or that the behaviour has been assessed in context.

Moreover, it does not explain why that behaviour is happening. Importantly, it does not demonstrate that being a Cockapoo or Cavapoo causes these behaviours.

How Breeding and Early Experience Affect Cockapoo Behaviour

All dogs in this study were acquired from 2019 onwards. This timing is significant, as it coincides with a surge in demand for doodle crosses. When demand rises quickly, breeding can struggle to keep up. This often leads to large-scale or commercially driven breeding, where the focus on temperament, health, and early life experiences may diminish.

As a result, more puppies are produced with less information available about their temperament, early experiences, or how they were raised before joining their new families. Research shows that early experiences can significantly influence behaviour later in life.

In this study, breeding background was included but in a limited way. Therefore, it is challenging to fully understand how much this may have shaped the results.

Why First-Time Owners Report More Cockapoo Behaviour Problems

Another crucial factor is who is bringing these dogs home. In this study, around half of the crossbreed owners were first-time dog guardians. This matters.

There’s nothing wrong with being new to dogs, but expectations are often shaped by what people have been told. If you believe your dog will be calm, easy, and low effort, then normal dog behaviour can feel surprising or overwhelming.

A dog getting excited when the lead comes out, barking at other dogs, or struggling to settle can be labelled as a “problem.” In reality, these behaviours may need understanding and support. For instance, many Cockapoos described as hyperactive are often struggling to settle after busy or stimulating days.

Why Some Dog Behaviour Can Appear Improved When It Isn’t

There’s another layer to consider that often gets overlooked. Some behaviours may seem “improved” in certain contexts because they are being suppressed, not because the dog feels more comfortable or at ease.

A dog that appears quieter or more compliant isn’t necessarily feeling better. This distinction is vital for understanding your dog's emotional state.

What This Study Really Shows About Doodle Behaviour Problems

This study is useful. It reveals that many doodle owners report challenges. However, it cannot determine whether these challenges relate to genetics, breeding, early experiences, owner expectations, or the broader popularity of these dogs.

And popularity matters. When a type of dog becomes widespread, you will naturally see more of them, including those in homes where guardians are struggling. This doesn’t automatically mean they are more problematic. It may simply indicate there are more of them, in a wider variety of homes, with varying expectations.

Living with a Cockapoo: What to Know About Behaviour

If you live with a Cockapoo, Cavapoo, or Labradoodle and things feel challenging at times, it’s essential to hear this: Your dog is not broken. Your dog is not behaving this way to make life difficult. This study does not prove that these dogs are worse.

If you’re living with a Cockapoo and want help making sense of what you’re seeing, you can explore this further in my Cockapoo Calm course.

Choosing a Cockapoo or Doodle Puppy: What to Look For

If you’re considering getting a doodle or want to understand what matters early on, look beyond appearance and marketing. You can explore this further in my Doodle Hub, including a free guide on choosing a doodle puppy with care.

This guide covers what to ask breeders, what to look for, and what can influence behaviour long before your puppy comes home. It highlights how much breeding, early experiences, expectations, and support shape behaviour. That is where the focus needs to be.

Thank you for reading and for caring enough to want to understand your dog a little more.

Caroline

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Dr Caroline Rees - PhD Animal Behaviour

Research Reference: Cockapoo and Doodle Behaviour Study

Bryson et al. (2026)Comparing undesirable behaviours between ‘designer’ Poodle-cross dogs and their purebred progenitor breeds, PLOS ONE.