Cockapoo Danger: Study Reveals Aggressive Trait in Popular Designer Dogs
With their charming curly coats and reputation as family-friendly companions, Cockapoos and other designer doodle breeds have surged in popularity across the UK. These adorable crossbreeds, often a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, have captured the hearts of many households and even celebrities like Lady Gaga and Harry Styles. However, beneath their angelic appearance lies a concerning truth revealed by recent research and expert insights.
Resource Guarding: A Hidden Risk in Cockapoos
Dog trainer Annie-Mae Levy from Woofz has issued a stark warning about a specific dangerous trait in Cockapoos: resource guarding. In her professional experience, she encounters dog-human aggression in nearly every breed, but Cockapoos, along with Cocker Spaniels and Labradors, are particularly prone to bites due to this behaviour. Levy explains that these dogs have been bred to possess items, such as during retrieval tasks, which can escalate into aggressive guarding if not properly managed.
"Dogs become aggressive for a huge range of reasons, but mainly we are called in to deal with fear-based reactivity or resource guarding when there has been a dog bite," Levy stated. "I think it would surprise most people to hear that bites due to resource guarding are predominantly from cockapoos, cocker spaniels, and labradors." She emphasises that consistent training and seeking professional help are crucial to address such issues early on.
Study Exposes Behavioural Issues in Designer Breeds
A comprehensive study led by the Royal Veterinary College analysed data from both crossbreed and purebred dogs, including Cockapoos, Labradoodles, Cavapoos, and their parent breeds. The findings are alarming: Cockapoos were found to be 44% more likely to suffer from behavioural problems compared to other breeds. Specifically, they exhibited higher levels of owner and stranger-directed aggression than Poodles, as well as increased stranger-directed fear and dog-directed aggression compared to Cocker Spaniels.
Additional undesirable traits identified in the study include:
- Trainability challenges
- Separation-related problems
- Excitability issues
Similar concerns were raised for Cavapoos, which differed significantly from Poodles and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels on multiple behavioural scales. While Labradoodles scored better than Poodles in some areas, they were worse off compared to Labradors on five scales, highlighting the variability in crossbreed temperaments.
Implications for Dog Owners and Public Safety
The research, published in the journal Plos One, underscores the importance of thorough pre-purchase research for potential dog owners. The authors urge the public to explore breed characteristics carefully to avoid misinformed selections. "The results of this study highlight the importance of owners thoroughly exploring the characteristics of any breed or crossbreed during pre-purchase research to avoid misinformed breed selection," they noted.
Incidents like a recent case in Kent, where a three-year-old child's skin was reportedly "ripped open" by a stranger's Cockapoo during the school run, serve as grim reminders of the risks. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, all dogs are prohibited from acting "dangerously out of control," regardless of breed, with owners facing potential prosecution, fines, or prison sentences if their pet injures someone.
Ultimately, dog owners bear the responsibility for due diligence before adoption. As the study concludes, while not all Cockapoos are badly behaved, awareness and proactive management are key to ensuring safety and harmony in homes with these beloved but complex pets.
