We human beings are a funny old bunch. Some of us are never happier than in the baking heat while others love the cold side of the pillow and sleeping with a window open to stay super cool. But what about our little dog buddies?
The Cockapoo is often prized for its impressive coat whether it is smooth and silky like its Cocker spaniel influence or a bundle of curls more like its Poodle parentage. But what does all that hair mean in terms of coping with the various seasons and temperature fluctuations that come with them?
In this article, we will provide a low down on what you need to know about keeping your Cockapoo happy, healthy, and safe from winter chills through to summer heat. We will cover what the Cockapoo’s coat type means for how it copes with different temperatures, how it regulates temperature, and what to consider in more extreme weather such as a frolic in the snow or a hot day at the beach.
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Cockapoo Coat Type
As with all hybrid breeds, there is always an element of roulette to what characteristics will be most prevalent in the offspring and this is often most instantly noticeable in coat color and texture. In fact, even puppies from the same litter will display not only color variations but differences in coat type.
Generally speaking, the different coat types seen in most Cockapoos can be split into the three following categories:
1.Single coated tight and curly – more akin to the Poodle parent
2.Single to double coated loose to wavy – softer ringlet type curls
3. Double coated slightly wavy to straighter – smoother in appearance like the Cocker Spaniel
It is helpful to think of these not as three distinct types but rather a spectrum with a tight and curly coat at one end and a straight silky coat at the other. In reality, most Cockapoos will fall somewhere in between the two.
Can Dogs Regulate their Body Temperature?
Dogs unlike us humans do not perspire as their main means of controlling their body temperature. They do have some sweat glands in their paw pads and ear canal but their main way of managing temperature changes is through panting.
Most people recognize that dogs pant when the weather is hot. In this nifty mechanism, the dog is breathing in through the nose and using the moisture from its nose tissue to capture the heat being generated from its body. By breathing this out through the mouth they effectively expel the excess body heat and keep themselves at the right temperature.
It is worth keeping an eye on just how quickly a dog is panting though as the faster they go the more heat they are trying to expel. There is an upper limit and prolonged fast and shallow panting suggests it’s worth getting your buddy somewhere cooler.
Those sniffers are not just useful for cooling a pooch down they can also adapt their breathing to breathe out through the nose rather than the mouth when they are trying to conserve heat in colder temperatures. You can read more about this in our article do Poodles sweat?
The Cockapoo like many other dogs generally can manage most mid-range temperature fluctuations without much difficulty. Read on to find out some points to consider when we faced with extremes of temperature. We will start with the colder end of the scale and what your Cockapoo might think of that wintery walk.
Do Cockapoos Like Snow?
Most Cockapoo owners report that their dog’s naturally inquisitive nature makes them more than happy to explore and play in the snow. Their longer curly coats however make them extremely prone to collecting snow around their paws and bellies which can quickly become compacted and pull uncomfortably on their skin. To stop your Cockapoo from turning into a walking snowball there a few tips below you can try.
- Spraying a little coconut oil on legs, paws, and belly before heading out. It can make snow less likely to cling.
- Snow booties can stop snow gathering uncomfortably in between paw pads. Be warned these can take a bit of getting used to for your pup (they will also do a seriously wonky walk the first time they put them on!).
- All in one style snowsuits cover both the body and the legs to avoid snow build-up.
With all extreme variations in temperature, care should always be taken to not expose your Cockapoo for extended periods in very low temperatures. When returning home if they have still gathered some snowballs in their coat the easiest way to remove them is to use warm, but not hot, water to gently melt them. Using hot water can be too much of a temperature contrast and be uncomfortable for your dog.
Chilly Cockapoo – Do They need Jackets?
In general, Cockapoos have coats that set them up well for dealing with the cold, but it is worth remembering they are not an artic breed and are not the largest of dogs therefore care does need to be taken when the mercury starts to drop.
Dogs acclimatize well to the environments they live in so a Cockapoo who lives in a generally colder part of the country may not be as troubled by chilly days. By comparison, if you generally live somewhere warm and experience a sudden cold snap it is likely your little buddy could do with an extra layer before hitting the streets.
Another bonus of using a coat in colder wintry weather is it can prevent your Cockapoo from getting soaked through in a wintery shower. Wet dogs have a harder time retaining heat and can quickly become cold plus they can take a long time to fully dry out.
As well as considering if you are going to pop a coat on your Cockapoo cold weather also brings others challenges for paws. Long walks on frozen or frosty streets and parks can cause splitting or irritation to your Cockapoo’s paws. Anti-freeze or grit can be picked up on paw pads and not only irritate your dog but can prove potentially life-threatening if they ingest by licking it on their return home.
Be sure to inspect your Cockapoo’s paws after winter walks and rinse off any dirt or grit on your return home. You can also purchase a variety of paw balms to use before and after walks to keep those paw pads in tip-top condition.
Hot Dog – Do Cockapoos Overheat?
On the other extreme, what do we need to take into consideration for your Cockapoo once the sun is shining and the heat is rising? Dogs will require to drink more in hot weather as they need the moisture to effectively expel heat. Ensuring there is access to fresh water and shaded areas will help your Cockapoo manage his body temperature.
Some people prefer to keep their Cockapoo’s coat clipped in shorter summer months which can help a dog feel more comfortable especially in dry dusty climates where their coats may trap dirt in dry summer months.
It is important to pay attention to the temperature of the walking surfaces your Cockapoo will be exposed to. A general rule of thumb is that if it is too hot for a human to stand barefoot in, it is too hot to walk your dog on. Planning walks for early morning or late evening when the sun is less strong can help make sure your pup is a cool little dude.
Do Cockapoos like the Beach?
As the sun blazes in the sky what could be better than heading to the beach in order to cool off with a refreshing dip in the ocean? What about your Cockapoo sidekick will she be digging out her floatie and donning her bikini? Remember to ensure that your furry friend is cool and comfortable on the journey there. Get the AC cranked up or get those windows down.
Once at the beach make a shaded area for your pooch to cool off and ensure there is plenty of access to fresh drinking water. Just like people your Cockapoo can get sunburnt. You can get doggy sunscreen to apply to those easy-to-burn places like noses and tips of ears (if they are not too hairy).
Most Cockapoo owners report their Cockapoos enjoy a dip in the sea, but care must be taken to introduce them slowly and never let them swim unsupervised as they can be easily washed out by waves or stronger currents.
Can my Cockapoo Live Outside?
We know the Cockapoo coat is a great insulator and can cope with most mid-range temperature fluctuations. In an outside setting you can provide water and shaded areas to help a Cockapoo cope with the heat, but does that mean your Cockapoo is suited to living a life completely outside?
It’s a tricky topic with many people highlighting dogs are animals and once would have lived solely outside as many working breeds still do. However, in essence, the Cockapoo is a dog bred specifically for its domesticity and a companion breed.
While they love a good dash through the great outdoors ultimately, they love it more with their human beside them. Most Cockapoos crave regular contact with their humans and often instill themselves as fully-fledged family members so while they can (in theory) live outside they are much more likely to thrive inside a home.