[sbax]

Hello. I am following on from recent thread re looking for reliable breeder in West Sussex area. I live near Chichester, so it is easy to go over to Hamshire as well. We have a labrador bitch aged nearly 5, but always have had two dogs in our home, until our 14 yr.old Pointer was put to sleep last May. Now we are in our late 60's, and thinking that a smaller dog, needing a little less walking, but still enjoying the twice daily walks with me, might be a good next choice. I have been looking at cockerpoos and think they might solve all the requirements and would enjoy life here. I saw a really adorable one recently with people near here, and fell in love with it. I like the soft open curled coats best and wonder which cross I should look for.
Any help or thoughts/advice would be much appreciated and, if anyone knows of a home-bred litter coming along in the next month or so, from a really reliable breeder - I would love to know about it.
Thanks.

 

[Turi]

Hi Sue,

Welcome to the forum :welcome:

From what you say about exercise and coat I'd say an American Cockapoo (American Cocker Spaniel x either Toy or Miniature Poodle) would be best for you. The English (working lines) x Miniature Poodle is supposed to be highest energy but there are no hard and fast rules - there are people on here who say their English working cross is lazy and others who say their American Toy is very active!

In terms of location, I don't know of any Sussex based breeders - I looked for a breeder for a year (feel free to look at this page on my blog which details this search http://abfabcockapoo.wordpress.com/our-year-long-cockapoo-search/) and never found any further South (East) than London.

There is a lady in Surrey called Debbie (google Debbiesdoodles) who specialises in American/Toy crosses. You'd need to check about health testing - hip/elbow scoring for the Poodle and the Cocker plus PRA testing for the Poodle.

Best of luck!

 

[Janev1000]

I agree with Turi that an American mix sounds more like what you are looking for as they do tend to be smaller. I have one and he can cope with any length of walk but is very chilled at home and easy to settle.