Cockapoos are fabulous hybrid dogs, combining the best of Poodles and Cocker Spaniels. Therefore, they can come in a range of sizes depending on if they’re toy, miniature or standard poodles combined with the variable of whether they’re American or English Cocker Spaniels. This leaves much to question when it comes to hunting.
So, do Cockapoos make good gun dogs? Since both came into the world for the purposes of hunting, YES! Poodles are excellent water retrievers and Spaniels are ideal for flushing out and collecting game from difficult to reach woodsy areas. Plus, both species are very smart and easy to train.
Of course, this is going to depend on their size, age, health conditions and any other genetic issues they may have as a result of being a hybrid. But, if your vet clears your pup for hunting and other working activities, you can train your Cockapoo to be a good gun dog.
It Depends on the Cockapo’s Genetics
The type of Cockapoo you have and its parentage will be a huge determining factor in deciding whether it can be a good gun dog or not. Hopefully you know these details and it will help you decipher this quicker.
Cocker Spaniel Side
For instance, if you have one that’s part Cocker Spaniel meant for show, then it will be fairly docile and quiet. But, if it comprises genes of a Working Cocker Spaniel, then it will have more of an instinct for hunting. While you can probably train one meant for show, you will have to work at it a little bit and be persistent.
Poodle Side
In the case of Poodles, standard Poodles intended for fishing and catching birds will do better as a gun dog than a mini Poodle meant for the show circuit. Regardless, all poodles are excellent retrievers. So, it’s not out of the realm of possibility, even if you do have a shorty-pie.
It’s All in the Training
The main takeaway is that if you’re in the market for a Cockapoo to be a gun dog, go with a working mix. However, if you already have a different hybrid, this isn’t to say you can’t train it to become a good gun dog. But you will have to put in the time, skills and patience to ensure you properly train your dog for the job.
General Cockapoo Characteristics
The behaviour, personality and temperament of the Cockapoo will lend themselves to being an excellent gun dog. This will be true regardless of the specifics of its mix and parentage. They’re curious, loyal and loving with a penchant for sociability.
They’re active, alert and require plenty of activities that are both mentally and physically challenging. Part of their health necessitates full involvement of their minds and bodies. Such characteristics make Cockapoos well suited to hunting, working and other similar activities.
The training for becoming a gun dog will give them this outlet. It has layers of challenges, forces them to focus their minds and allows them to hone their inborn talents. Plus, you’ll be able to help them control the urge to jump into any large body of water they come across.
Final Thoughts
If you ever had any doubt about a Cockapoo’s ability to be a gun dog, hopefully this article has removed any question of that. Of course, you should evaluate your dog and make sure it’s healthy enough to hunt and work. But if all is in the clear, then you’ll find your pooch to be the best buddy for this and you won’t regret it.
