Why Do So Many Cockapoos and Doodles Have Behaviour Issues? A Behaviourist’s Perspective

If you’ve recently seen headlines about a study from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons suggesting that Cockapoos and other mixed breeds may display more behavioural issues than purebred dogs, you’re not alone. Searches like “are cockapoos prone to behaviour problems”, “why is my doodle reactive”, and “best family dog temperament UK” have been steadily rising, and as a behaviourist working across Berkshire, I can see exactly why this conversation is gaining traction.

In my day to day work as a dog behaviour consultant and dog trainer, I see a significant number of poodle crosses; Cockapoos, Labradoodles, Cavapoos, and similar mixes. These dogs are often chosen because they’re marketed as the “perfect family dog”: friendly, low shedding, easy going. But unfortunately, the reality I see in practice is often very different. Many of these dogs are struggling with reactivity, separation anxiety, sensitivity, and in some cases, aggression. This isn’t about blaming the dogs, it’s about understanding why this is happening.

The surge in popularity of “doodle” breeds has led to a huge increase in demand, and where there is demand, there will always be supply. Sadly, much of that supply comes from puppy farms and backyard breeders who are not prioritising health, temperament, or ethical breeding practices. Instead, dogs are often bred for appearance or market trends, without appropriate health testing or consideration of behavioural traits. Research within Animal Behaviour Science consistently shows that poor early genetics and inadequate early life experiences can significantly increase the likelihood of fear, anxiety, and stress related behaviours later in life.

One of the most important and often overlooked factors in behaviour is pain. In the past 12 months, every single Cockapoo or doodle-type dog I have worked with has had an underlying health issue identified once further investigation was pursued. This aligns with growing evidence in pain related behaviour in animals, which highlights that pain is a major driver of behavioural change. Dogs experiencing discomfort are far more likely to display reactivity, aggression, or avoidance behaviours. This is why a quick vet check is rarely enough to rule pain out, and why behaviour work must always consider physical health alongside training.

Conditions such as separation anxiety, lead reactivity, and even aggression are frequently linked to underlying discomfort or chronic stress. While this is a much bigger topic in itself, the key takeaway here is that behaviour does not exist in isolation. When we see a dog struggling, we need to ask why, not just how do we stop it.

It’s also important to look critically at the study itself. While it highlights behavioural differences, it does not appear to account for where these dogs came from, or whether their parents were health and temperament tested. This is a huge missing piece. If a large proportion of these dogs are coming from poor breeding environments, then what we are really seeing is not a “crossbreed problem” but a breeding and welfare problem.

And to be clear, this is not limited to mixed breeds. Popular purebred dogs are just as affected when demand rises. In my work, I also see a high number of Cocker Spaniels and Labradors presenting with very similar issues; anxiety, over-arousal, reactivity, often linked to the same root causes: poor breeding practices, lack of health testing, and early life stress. Popularity, unfortunately, often comes at a cost.

From a behaviour perspective, what matters most is not whether a dog is a Cockapoo, a Labrador, or a mixed breed. It’s their genetics, their early experiences, their health, and their current environment. When these factors are compromised, we see the fallout in behaviour.

This is one of the reasons I am a strong advocate for rescue. There are so many dogs already in need of homes, and adopting an adult dog gives you a much clearer picture of their temperament and behaviour from the outset. And even if you don't want an adult, there are thousands of puppies in rescues waiting for homes. While no dog is without challenges, having that transparency can make a huge difference in finding the right match and setting both dog and guardian up for success.

If you’re currently struggling with a Cockapoo, doodle, or any dog showing signs of anxiety, reactivity, or behavioural change, you’re not alone and it’s not your fault. These issues are often far more complex than they first appear. As a dog behaviourist in Berkshire and Worldwide Online, I specialise in working with anxious, reactive, and rescue dogs, focusing on identifying the root cause of behaviour and creating a plan that supports both you and your dog.

If you’d like support, or even just to understand what might be going on with your dog, you can get in touch to arrange a consultation - I work with clients remotely all over the world.

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Karolina