10 Things You Didn’t Know about The Copica
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Ready to meet the cutest new pooch on the block? Then say hello to the Copica, an adorable mix of Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cockapoo whose lovable good looks are matched only by their sweet personalities. Easy-going, eager to please, and incredibly loyal, they make exceptional family pets. If you want to find out more, stay tuned as we look at ten things you might not know about the Copica.
1. Their origins are a mystery
The Copica is something of a mystery. No one really knows where they came from, which breeder first decided that crossing a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a Cockapoo was a good idea, or when the first litter of Copicas was born. Cockapoos have been around since the 1960s, but if the Copica follows the example of most designer dogs, it’s likely that they first started being bred in the early 2000s. Other than that, your guess about their origins is a good as anyone else’s.
2. They’re a mixed breed
We might not know very much about the origins of the Copica, but we do at least know who its parents are. On one side of the family tree is the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. The breed was first developed by Flemish weavers in Pembrokeshire, Wales in the 1100s. They were originally bred to herd sheep and ponies and were known as extremely efficient working dogs. In the 1920s, they began to appear in the show ring for the first time, but it was Queen Elizabeth, who’s known to be particularly devoted to the breed, who helped catapult them into the limelight. Known for their high intelligence and devoted, affectionate personalities, they make exceptional family pets. On the other side of the family tree is the Cockapoo. Known as one of the very earliest designer dog breeds, the Cockapoo’s origins can be traced back to the 1960s. Over the years, its popularity has continued to climb, and today, it’s one of the most well-known hybrids around.
3. Their coats come in three varieties
As wagwalking.com notes, the Copica has a dense, silky coat that can be one of three varieties, depending on the traits they inherit from their parent breeds. Some will have a long coat and a fluffy face, others will have a medium-length coat and a smooth face, and still others will have a short-length coat. Regardless of their coat type, all Copicas are small, stocky, and sturdy. Their medium-length ears are floppy rather than erect, and their brown eyes are lively and cheerful.
4. They need a moderate amount of grooming
If you have allergies, beware of bringing a Copica into your home. They’re not a hypoallergenic breed and tend to leave clumps of hair everywhere they go. To keep in control of their shedding, daily brushing is recommended. If they have a short coat, use a rubber curry brush. If they have a medium-length coat, swap the rubber brush for a firm bristle brush. They don’t tend to have a strong ‘doggy’ odor, so skip the weekly baths and stick to a 6 to 8-week bathing regime instead – overfrequent bathing will simply lead to excess oil production. Ears should be checked weekly for signs of mites or inflammation. Like many small breeds, dental problems are common. To keep their gums healthy and their pearly whites shiny, clean their teeth daily.
5. They’re eager to please
Copicas are intelligent, eager-to-please little dogs who love trotting around by their owner’s side. Prepare for some hugely enthusiastic greetings whenever you come home and to be followed by a dog-shaped shadow wherever you go. Their gentle, easy-going natures make them ideal for first-time dogs owners and families with small kids. They tend to be incredibly amicable around other dogs and animals, so providing they’re trained and well socialized, they should fit easily enough into a multi-pet household.
6. They’re not for couch potatoes
The Copica doesn’t require a vast amount of exercise, but they’re moderately active dogs who need a minimum of 30 to 40 minutes of exercise a day. Before you set off for the park, check the temperature – Copicas prefer warmer climates and might need a jacket on particularly chilly days. If your home comes with a yard, they’ll love having the chance to sniff around and play in it, although, like all dogs, they should be supervised when outside. As they’re very sociable, they’ll welcome obedience and agility classes, which, along with providing some exercise, will also give them chance to sniff out some new friends.
7. They’ve been recognized by the DRA
The Copica is a new breed with no established bloodlines. What’s more, it’s a crossbreed, so the chance of the American Kennel Club or any other major dog organization recognizing it is slim to none. It’s not been shown the cold shoulder entirely though – according to dogbreedinfo.com, it’s been officially recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA)
8. They don’t like being alone
As pethealthandcare.com says, if you spend a lot of time traveling away from home, the Copica might not be the breed for you (unless you’re prepared to take them on your travels, of course). These deeply affectionate, loving dogs form incredibly close bonds with their owner. They don’t appreciate being left alone for long periods of time and can become extremely distressed if they are.
9. They’re a small breed
Copicas aren’t lap dogs and they’re way too big to be carried around in your handbag. But still, they’re a small-sized breed that rarely weighs more than between 15 and 25 lbs. There’s very little difference between males and females in terms of weight, but males tend to be a little taller, with an average height of 13 to 20 inches compared to the female average of 14- 16 inches.
10. They’re a very healthy breed
Like most crossbreeds, Copicas tend to be robust, healthy dogs who rarely suffer the same level of inherited diseases as pedigrees. However, it still pays to keep an eye out for any signs that they may have inherited the same health problems that their parent breeds are prone to. This includes epilepsy, congenital heart defects, and intervertebral disc disease. Regular checkups with a veterinarian can help nip any problems in the bud. Providing they remain healthy, most Copicascans can be expected to live for anything between 12 and 15 years.
