[zed]

Hi,

I live in Devon and fell in love with this breed when I met a puppy walking past our beach hut a few summers ago. I am now in a possition to get a puppy however I am unsure where to find one. I have looked on the internet and hope to come accross some soon. I live in the top floor (2nd floor) of a converted house, its very spacious with two bedrooms/bathrooms and it is just myself and my son who is 7 (nearly 8). I work mon-fri mornings only and am home from lunchtime. I have a horse and the dog will be with me up the yard most days (although part loaned so not up there everyday!) I live 2min walk to the beach and love walking. I wanted some advice from long term owners to whether my life seems acceptable for the breed. Are they ok left for the morning? Do they bark alot? do they have issues with other breeds?

I had a staffie once that I had to give away (to the mother-in-law) as, even though he attended socialising classes he attacked all other dogs and when my son was born I didnt feel he was safe. That left me distraught and I really dont want any issues again, which is why I am staying clear of terriers.

xx

 

[Laura(L)Izzie]

Hi & welcome!

Sorry to hear you didn't trust your last dog with your child. But cockapoos are brilliant breeds! I haven't had a problem with mine and other dogs, I think if you socialise them as early as you can then you shouldn't have any problems

Also your life seems acceptable to me, most dogs can be left alone for short periods of time so I wouldn't think morning would be a problem as it's only short days not 7-10 hours. & lucky you living close to the beach! Bet that's brilliant Especially when you get a dog!

Have you been searching for breeders so far? How is your search going? & what cocker x poodle cross do you prefer?

xx

 

[zed]

Hi Laura,

Thank you for the reply.. I am looking for a min-poodle cross cocker... I didnt want a big dog. I would also be interested in the toy poodle cross. I would def want 50/50 breeding though. I am looking at some tomorrow

xx

 

[Soo]

Hi Zed

Your lifestyle sounds fine. While you cant guarantee that a pup wont bark when left there are certain things you can do to help it get used to things and settle for the while you are out.

Where is Turi to explain the different crosses? She does it so well! There is a cross between a working cocker and min poodle which is usually classes the most active but some with them say they can be couch potatoes too. There is the show cocker x min poodle which is the type I have, they are said to be a bit more sedate and my two certainly are just nice as far as I'm concerned. Then there is the American cocker which has a slightly different look and is often crossed with a toy poodle to produce the smallest cockapoo.

Health problems affecting cockapoos include PRA which causes blindness so ensure that at least one parent has been DNA tested clear for it (as long a one parent is clear your pup will not get it but may carry it). Hip dysplasia and luxating patella can also be a problem so if possible look for a breeder whose stud dog has been hip scored.

For me it was important that my pup was used to kids and household noise so a kennel bred and kept pup was out for me. Some breeder whose pups are kennel bred do ensure the pups get plenty of house time tho so a good chat with the breeder will tell you a lot. The breeder should ask you almost as many questions as you ask them if they care about their pups and where they are going.

Places to look are breeders online and if you are careful and do ask the right questions pets4homes has quite a few cockapoos on it, but do be cautious from there.

All the best with your search

 

[Laura(L)Izzie]

Hi Laura,

Thank you for the reply.. I am looking for a min-poodle cross cocker... I didnt want a big dog. I would also be interested in the toy poodle cross. I would def want 50/50 breeding though. I am looking at some tomorrow

xx

Fair enough There aren't many people who use standard poodles anyway, but obviously there will be a few. Do you prefer show or working cocker spaniels? Or aren't you too fussed?

So you mean you definitely want an F1 and not an F1b or any F2, F3s etc?
Where are you going to look at tomorrow? Bet you're excited

xx

 

[Sezra]

Hi Zed.

Good luck with your search for a Cockapoo. Please feel free to have a look at The Cockapoo Owners Club website for advice on finding a breeder and potential health issues. http://www.cockapoo-owners-club.org.uk/cockapoo_finding_a_breeder.html

 

[zed]

Thank you all so much for the advice... I saw some beautiful pups...reared in a lovely home with a fantastic mum and dad that I also met. Unfortunately my Landlord, after thinking it through, said no to me having a dog. SO I handed my two months notice and off to find a house, not flat, that I can provide a loving home for. Unfortunately as the pups I saw are to be ready on the 7th Feb I will be missing out however I am sure in a month I shall be hunting around for some more. I really wanted to stear clear of puppy farms as I would pref a home reared pup. xx

 

[Laura(L)Izzie]

No problem, sorry to hear about your landlord, but there will be another pup & yes you definitely want to tstay away from puppy farms! But commercial/licensed breeders are different, to puppy farmers. But sounds like you're looking for a hobby breeder? Hope you find your pup & breeder soon! xx

 

[ali-s.j.]

Hi Zed, sorry you'll miss out on this litter, but I'm sure you'll find your pup by and by. Don't automatically dismiss larger breeders, it's worth checking out websites and visiting if you like the look and "feel" of them. My pup is from a larger (commercial) breeder, and although reared outside (in a temperature controlled heated kennel), she was extremely well socialised when we brought her home, spent time inside with the family and was used to being with other litters as she got bigger, and adult dogs, and cats. Bigger does not have to mean bad. Check out breedersonline, and see what you're drawn to. Good luck with the house hunting too.

 

[Turi]

Hi Zed,

Welcome to the forum :welcome:

My name is Turi and in five weeks time (eeeeeeeek! :jumping:!) my partner Marcus and I will be picking up our first Cockapoo from a breeder in Cambridge who specialises in English Cocker Spaniels from working lines crossed with Miniature Poodles.

I'm sorry that your landlord said you'd be unable to have a dog - that's frustrating. I know what it's like to wait - we've been researching Cockapoos and waiting for the right time for a year .

In terms of what Cockapoo mix to go for... each type has different energy levels, varying looks, different coat types and so on. As Sheilagh explains the English Cocker from working lines tends to be the most energetic but because the Cockapoo is a cross-breed there are no hard and fast rules. What might be a useful exercise is to look at the different crosses and decide which 'look' you like the best. Here are some to look up on the forum:

English Cocker Spaniel from working lines x Miniature Poodle:
Ali-S.J above has a lovely pup called Izzy.
Cockapoodledoo has two Cockapoos from working lines

English Cocker Spaniel from show lines x Miniature Poodle:
Laura (L) Izzy (above) has two Cockapoos from show lines - they're pale so photograph particularly well

American Cocker Spaniel x Miniature Poodle
Do a search for Jedicrazy. Claire has a lovely American Cockapoo called Obi.

All these Cocker Spaniel types can be bred with a Toy Poodle for smaller offspring.

In terms of breeders, you're looking for PRA-clear sire (as a minimum of health testing) and well-socialised puppies. And you're not looking too far in advance either - we've been on a waiting list for a few months now.

Let me know what cross you decide to go for and I'll happily send you some breeder details - I'm a bit of a geek and input all the breeders on Breeders Online onto a spreadsheet

 

[lizzysmudge]

I found my breeder through the preloved website. Don't know if other people have done it this way. But was really pleased with breeder and obviously my cockerpoo!

 

[zed]

I have found a lovely house which has been refurbished so lovely and clean.. it has wooden floors in the downstairs which is handy for the spills of puppy training I appreciate all your advice and will certainly not dismiss a larger breeder now after that and Turi I will have a look at the different breeds thank you for highlighting them... I have to give two months notice however I can see myself moving before then can't wait xx

 

[Laura(L)Izzie]

That's great Hope you get moved & find your perfect pup xx

 

[zed]

Hey Turi,

wow what a wealth of knowledge lol!! great help thank you ... I would pref a working cocker cross min-poodle as I hear the working is slightly smaller of the cockers. I have found a breeder Martin Shaw, I am not sure if anyone has heard of him. He has one girl golden left, the mum is small working cocker and dad a min-poodle. He is a larger breeder and has a website. He is in Leicester so a fair treck from Devon, however was willing to travel. She will be availably 22nd March at the age of 8 weeks and parents have the relevant health checks (also stated on the website!) do you know of them or anyone else with pups available?? x

 

[Turi]

Hi again,

Not to worry - glad I could help!

I spoke to Martin Shaw - I don't remember him saying any of his girls were from working lines. He also breeds Cavapoos and as far as I can remember didn't do the necessary health tests (Cavaliers have lots of health problems and my partner and I explored this option too). Also his dogs are bred outside so I'd ask what has been done to socialise the puppies. Actually, why not pay him a visit - your gut instinct will tell you if he's the right breeder for you.

Good luck!

 

[Sunflower sue]

Puppy search

Hi there. I don't know if you still read these threads but Im looking for a recommendation for a breeder. It's our first dog and I'm nervous. I've already turned down a couple as I had concerns. We live in London

Thanks
Sue

 

[zed]

Hey sue ... Wow I haven't been on here in ages lol .. I had an email confirmation from you which led me here.
There have been an increase in back door breeders and puppy farms as the demand for cockapoos have grown. I'm so glad you have concerns as this will lead you to find the perfect breeder and pup.
I would reccomed you look in the cockapoo GB site as they have a great section on looking for breeders and can recommend some. Also they have a Facebook page which is excellent source of information.:

http://www.cockapooclubgb.co.uk

http://www.cockapooowners-club.org.uk/

I am unsure of any I could recomend right now but will happily offer advice if you found anyone.

[email protected]

Xx