The Cost of Owning a Cockapoo: Budgeting for Your New Pet

Written by Jo Littlewood

Hey there, fellow Cockapoo lover! If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably considering inviting a Cockapoo into your life – and that’s great news! As a proud Cockapoo owner myself, I know just how wonderful these curly-coated companions can be. My little pal, Ziggy, has been an absolute joy, but as much as I adore him, there’s one important thing I quickly learned: owning a Cockapoo isn’t all puppy-dog eyes and wagging tails. There’s a cost, literally!

And, it’s not just about the upfront purchase or adoption price. The ongoing expenses are the real “gotcha”! And that’s what we’re going to explore today, the real cost of owning a Cockapoo.

Of course, it’s hard to give you a hard-and-fast figure for how much the total costs are, but at the end of the article I do my best to give some approximate ball-park figures.

Initial Costs of Owning a Cockapoo

Alright, let’s dive into the details, shall we? The initial cost of getting a Cockapoo can come as quite a surprise if you haven’t done your homework.

It’s not just about the purchase or adoption fee (though that can be a bit of a pinch on the wallet!)

You’ve also got to factor in the cost of initial vet visits, vaccinations, and the big decision of whether or not to neuter or spay your pup.

If you’re wondering how much a cockapoo costs – see here for our analysis of the UK average price.

Then, you’ve got to think about all of the things you need to get to prepare for the arrival of your cockapoo puppy. This doesn’t just mean things like getting a crate but also things like no chew spray and other household adaptations like flexible play pens

There are many wonderful breeders and adoption centres out there that can help you find your perfect Cockapoo companion to help you reduce the initial outlay. But you’ll still need to consider these other costs in your calculations. 

How much does it cost to own a cockapoo
Do you think he knows how much we spend? 🙂

Cost of Feeding a Cockapoo

I remember my early days with Ziggy when I underestimated just how much a little Cockapoo could eat! They’re small but don’t be fooled; these dogs can pack away some food! The cost of feeding a Cockapoo can be a tad more than you’d initially imagine.

It isn’t just about filling their bowl with any ol’ dog food. Nope! It’s about giving them a balanced diet that keeps them healthy and their curly coats glossy.

We’re talking quality dog food, delicious treats for training, and even dietary supplements. It can take time to figure out the best food for your cockapoo, so that means in the first year or two you’ll be switching food brands and food types as you get to know your dog. Cue extra expenses – especially if you find that they prefer the more expensive food brands!

I’ve had my fair share of trial and error finding the best food for Ziggy, and trust me, it’s worth investing in quality brands (your pup and your rugs will thank you!). I’ve got a whole list of Ziggy-approved food that I’ve been trying and testing over the years, all available in. You’re welcome to steal our shopping list!

Cost of Cockapoo Healthcare

Let’s face it, just like us, our dogs need regular check-ups too. It’s not just about getting the occasional booster shot, but also about ensuring that our Cockapoo’s eyes are sparkling, teeth are gleaming, and that their overall health is tip-top.

Routine vet visits, dental care, preventative treatments, can all add up. And, if you’re anything like me (I mean, who can resist those puppy dog eyes?), you’d want to provide the best care possible for your fluffy friend.

And then, there’s the unexpected emergencies. Luckily, here’s where pet insurance comes in. “Pet insurance, really?” I hear you ask. Yes, really! It’s one of those things you don’t realise you need until you need it. And then, oh boy, you’ll be grateful to have it. My previous post, Just how much is cockapoo pet insurance? gives you a real breakdown of the costs. It’s quite the eye-opener!

Add all of this up and you’re annual cost of owning a cockapoo goes up quite considerably.

That said, performing routine preventative treatment at home like ear cleaning, teeth brushing and eye care, can help to keep some of the vet visits at bay. So make sure to read up on my guides for these things – hopefully they’re of some help!

Grooming Costs for a Cockapoo

Ah, the glamorous world of Cockapoo grooming! If you’re picturing a pooch sitting prettily while being pampered, you might be in for a surprise. Remember the curls we love so much? They don’t comb themselves!

Cockapoos need regular grooming to keep their skin healthy and their coat in check. You could choose to use professional grooming services, but as I found out, these costs can quickly add up.

So, I took a deep breath, armed myself with a sturdy brush, a pair of clippers, and a can-do attitude, and learned to groom Ziggy at home. The bonus? Besides saving money, I’ve also had some of the best bonding moments with my fluffy mate during our grooming sessions!

If you’re keen on trying this at home, I recommend investing in a good pair of dog clippers. I’ve tried and tested a few and listed my top picks in this post about the best dog clippers for cockapoos. Again, I appreciate it’s another article to read, but hopefully my research will save you time and expense!

But what about baths? Oh, the fun! From deciding on the right shampoo to figuring out how often to bath Ziggy, it’s been a journey. I’ve shared all my top tips (and a few missteps) in the post How to bath and dry a cockapoo? Even things like dog shampoos will add to the bottom line of the annual costs of cockapoo ownership!

Alright, next up, we’re diving into the miscellany – the fun toys, cosy bedding, and some of the other costs you might not have thought of.

The Miscellany: Toys, Bedding, and Other Unexpected Costs

Cockapoo puppy crate training

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Ziggy, it’s this: a bored Cockapoo is a mischievous Cockapoo. Trust me, I’ve found Ziggy chewing on everything from my favourite trainers to the living room rug! The solution? Plenty of toys to keep him entertained and mentally stimulated.

There’s a wide variety of toys to choose from – from chew toys to puzzle toys that keep them engaged for hours. And while these might seem like an added expense, they’re worth every penny for your peace of mind (and the longevity of your shoes!). If you need some inspiration, here’s a post I wrote about earn-to-eat toys – trust me, they’re a godsend!

Then, of course, there’s the cosy bedding. After all, every pooch needs a comfy spot to call their own. Bedding costs can vary significantly depending on your choices, but keep in mind, Cockapoos are known to be burrowers. It’s not uncommon for them to want a cosy spot that feels a bit like a den. A simple start might be a soft bed with raised edges, but you can get as fancy as a covered dog bed.

Standalone beds tend to come after crate training, so aren’t necessarily an immediate expense, but, when the time comes, you might be quite surprised about how much a dog bed can cost.

Then, don’t forget about other must-have items like leashes, collars, ID tags, food and water bowls, and a dog poo bags for those daily walks. If you’re a bit overwhelmed with all the things you’ll need, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered in my comprehensive new puppy checklist.

And that’s a wrap on the things to consider that add to the cost of owning a Cockapoo!

Tallying Up the Cost of Owning a Cockapoo

So, we’ve taken a stroll through the financial park of owning a Cockapoo, covering everything from the initial purchase or adoption fees, food and healthcare costs, grooming expenses, and the fun and essential miscellany. Now, it’s time for the moment of truth.

The actual cost of owning a Cockapoo can vary quite a bit depending on many factors. Purchasing from a reputable breeder or adopting, choosing high-quality food or going the homemade route, grooming at home or opting for professional services – all these choices will impact your overall budget.

However, a rough ballpark figure that you can expect to budget for in the first year, which is typically the most expensive, can range between £1,500 to £2,500. This accounts for all the costs we’ve discussed, including those one-off purchases for puppy essentials. The subsequent years, assuming no major health concerns, can range from £700 to £1,200.

That means, over the typical lifespan of a cockapoo, you’re likely to spend around £10,000-£14,000.  (Not including major emergencies etc.)

Yes, it’s quite the investment, and no, I haven’t forgotten to account for the priceless joy, laughter, and love that comes with having a Cockapoo in your life. When Ziggy wags his tail after a long day, or when we have our playtime in the park, all these costs seem like small change in comparison to the companionship and happiness he brings into my life.

But, it’s always important to be financially prepared. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment, and being aware of the costs involved will ensure you provide a comfortable, healthy, and happy life for your new family member.

So, are you ready to embark on this exciting journey with a Cockapoo? My advice is, if you can comfortably budget for it, go for it! The journey with Ziggy has been worth every penny. After all, can you really put a price on a wagging tail and a lick on your face after a rough day? I think not!

Want to know more about Cockapoos? Please explore the other articles on the site – there’s tonnes on here that I hope are helpful for new, and would-be cockapoo owners.

 

 

 

Who runs this website?

Hello, Jo and Paul here! We have owned a number of different breeds of dogs over the years, but none as amazing as our cockapoo Ziggy!

We created this site to share everything we have learned about this brilliant breed of dog!

You can learn more about us, and how we approach the topics we write about on our about us page.