The Royal Veterinary College says owners of cockapoo crossbreeds are reporting higher rates of problem behaviours than owners of the pure breeds they derive from. The finding comes from an online survey of UK dog owners run from 21 February to 21 April 2023 (ET) that produced 9, 402 valid responses. Vets and behaviour scientists say the results challenge widespread assumptions about designer doodle temperament and training needs.
Cockapoo behaviour highlighted in large UK survey
The RVC study compared popular poodle crosses with their parent breeds and found crossbreeds differed from purebreds in just over half of comparisons across multiple behaviour categories. Cockapoos were singled out for higher rates of aggression and rivalry with other dogs and for showing elevated scores on owner-directed aggression, stranger-directed aggression, non-social fear such as traffic or novel objects, separation-related issues and excitability when compared with poodles and cocker spaniels. The research team also reported that in 82% of cases where a parent breed displayed some problem behaviour, the doodle offspring were likely to show a more exaggerated version of that behaviour.
Immediate reactions from vets and experts
Dr Rowena Packer, senior lecturer in companion animal behaviour and welfare science at the Royal Veterinary College and senior author of the paper, said: “These aren’t the kind of behaviours we want to ignore. They’re not benign. ” The RVC framed the results as a warning against preconceived beliefs that designer crossbreeds are naturally easy to train or universally safe with children. The animal charity Dog’s Trust noted that a pet’s breed is not a reliable indicator of an individual dog’s behaviour, and highlighted the role of health and socialisation. Daniel Mills, professor of veterinary behavioural medicine at the University of Lincoln, said the study underlines the interaction of genes with environment and called for caution in drawing simple genetic conclusions from the findings.
What owners and prospective buyers need to know next
The RVC paper drew attention to owner factors that may shape outcomes: crossbreed owners were more often first-time owners and were more likely to rely on non-professional training advice from social media, friends and family. Researchers also noted that some parent breed traits, such as the cocker spaniel’s high energy and mental resilience, can become more problematic in smaller crossbred pets housed in typical pet homes. Experts advise thorough pre-purchase research and realistic planning for training and socialisation.
Looking ahead, researchers and commentators expect follow-up work to better identify causes and long-term patterns: Mills recommended tracking animals and their owners across time to tease out whether cultural factors, owner experience or inherited traits are decisive. The RVC cautioned that misplaced assumptions about designer crossbreeds can have serious consequences for welfare and public safety. For owners and buyers weighing up a cockapoo, the message is clear—do not assume ease of training or a problem-free temperament without evidence and professional guidance.
