Cockapoo health: what owners should know

As a cross, the Cockapoo can inherit conditions from either parent. These include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and familial nephropathy, a kidney disease known in English Cockers. Ear infections are common because of the hairy, floppy ears.

Good breeders DNA test both parents for prcd-PRA and familial nephropathy, and have hips scored and eyes examined. Ask to see the results rather than accepting a general health guarantee. See a vet if you notice ear odor or discharge, head shaking, bumping into things, cloudy eyes, skipping on a back leg, or increased thirst.