Thinking of getting our first dog? Cockapoo, anyone done this already ?

[golfbluecustard]

The title says it all, anyone been there? Good points? Not so good ?

Done a huge amount of internet research and current demand means it'll likely be next year at the earliest. Unless you go that the classified s, which we're not going to do.

GBC

 

[fundy]

IMHO get a rescue dog, wont have to wait until next year either

 

[hairball_89]

Unless you (or kids!) are absolute set on a specific breed, I would strongly urge a rescue centre.

We recently rehomed a wonderful staffie. We wanted "big dog" but knew our home and working situation wouldn't work for a Labrador or similarly sized dog, and he's settled in brilliantly. 2 months and it feels weird to think we had time without him now.

The good ones chat to you, talk about your lifestyle and recommend a breed that suits you and what you want.

As for cockapoos, be prepared for a completely bonkers dog. Cockers and poodles are both highly strung dogs. Combining the 2 = a lot of hard work.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

We have a straight up cocker spaniel but cockapoos were just coming in when we got ours. We meet lots on walks all of the time. No horror stories from any owners that we know. The concept of nice natured spaniel plus non shedding poodle seems to have worked relatively well. Bare in mind non moulting is not guaranteed, just more likely.

They do need to be occupied, they need people and need to be mentally stretched. You don't need to walk them into the ground, they are not working cockers, but they do need a minimum 2 x 30 minute walks a day. Round the block twice, the same walk each time, will not cut it. They will be bored.

The ones I've come across have the cockers desire to pull on lead and if you want them to be seriously well behaved then you will have to put a lot of work, something most days, into training. They are fun and mild mannered but they don't always do what you want ?. People that use spaniels for work have to put serious amounts of work into it, they are easily distracted by 'more fun' things. If you only need them to do the basics then they should be easy to do, accept that walking to heel off lead is for the professionals.

All in all, good family pets.

 

[Beezerk]

My daughter has a cockerpoo and brings it over for walks most weekends. She's an absolute delight to be around, good on and off the lead, great temperament and doesn't really molt. She does like diving into the odd muddy puddle though ?

 

[SocketRocket]

Any Dog with Spaniel in it will require lots of brisk exercise.

 

[Blue in Munich]

The title says it all, anyone been there? Good points? Not so good ?

Done a huge amount of internet research and current demand means it'll likely be next year at the earliest. Unless you go that the classified s, which we're not going to do.

GBC

I think Dando and Fade and Die have Cockerpoo's from memory, apologies if wrong but might be worth a PM.

Midnight might be able to provide some insight into how much effort needs to be put in to get a Spaniel properly trained.

 

[Old Skier]

Spaniels a brilliant but need proper training and stacks of exercise. Need to put plenty of thought into how it will effect holidays, social life etc.

Do take a look around a rescue centre before you go down the route of paying out a lot of money, you may be surprised on what is available.

 

[jim8flog]

Any dog = 3 walks a day regardless of the weather which is why I always said no to the children when they kept on about having one* despite the fact that I am big dog lover myself.

*Which still has not stopped with daughter now in her 30s

 

[SocketRocket]

I think Dando and Fade and Die have Cockerpoo's from memory, apologies if wrong but might be worth a PM.

Midnight might be able to provide some insight into how much effort needs to be put in to get a Spaniel properly trained.

I've had three Springers over time, they are lovely dogs and very bright. They do need lots of exercise both physically and mentally.

 

[golfbluecustard]

Thanks guys, very helpful, we're also on the waiting list at Woodgreen and Battersea Dogs home but Covid means they're severely restricted in what they're rehoming currently, if anything.

Walks don't phase is as we're outdoors in all weather s currently as it is.

We're looking at Cockapoo 's temperament etc... aside as our eldest, 19, is allergic to cats, so we're trying to pick the least allergic dog, it there is such a thing.

GBC

 

[Fade and Die]

I think Dando and Fade and Die have Cockerpoo's from memory, apologies if wrong but might be worth a PM.

Midnight might be able to provide some insight into how much effort needs to be put in to get a Spaniel properly trained.

We have a Goldendoodle, (think Rooter and Dando have the CPs,) my niece has one and he is a lovely little lad, bright and cheeky, great with the kids and a real part of the family... which means he wants to be included in everything! Think it’s an excellent choice for a first dog. Just do plenty of research on the breeder, they are popular with pikey puppy farmers.

 

[Blue in Munich]

We have a Goldendoodle, (think Rooter and Dando have the CPs,) my niece has one and he is a lovely little lad, bright and cheeky, great with the kids and a real part of the family... which means he wants to be included in everything! Think it’s an excellent choice for a first dog. Just do plenty of research on the breeder, they are popular with pikey puppy farmers.

Apologies, thought you had a cockerpoo

 

[Fade and Die]

Apologies, thought you had a cockerpoo

Nah Teds a bit bigger than a poo.....


Keep toying with the idea of getting him a chum but haven’t pulled the trigger yet.

 

[rulefan]

My son and family have a CP. Very friendly, lively and intelligent.
Needs lots of exercise. but has taken to training very well. Great with kids.

 

[Dando]

I do indeed have a cockapoo and he’s an absolute delight unless his nicking stuff out of my golf bag
No molting which was a big + as MIL is asthmatic and we didn’t want dog hairs all the house.
If I had my way I’d have another one but mrs d is happy with Fin
While out and about today I saw at least 6 others so they are very popular bit also the cost has gone through the roof

 

[golfbluecustard]

I do indeed have a cockapoo and he’s an absolute delight unless his nicking stuff out of my golf bag
No molting which was a big + as MIL is asthmatic and we didn’t want dog hairs all the house.
If I had my way I’d have another one but mrs d is happy with Fin
While out and about today I saw at least 6 others so they are very popular bit also the cost has gone through the roof

Every Cockapoo Club of GB Breeder has closed their waiting list, some indefinitely as they have had so much interest, and on Pets for Home classified s they're £ 2,500 - £ 3,500 with much of the time seemingly little to no background.

Am sure most are legit..... But being a very big and long term commitment, financially and emotionally want to get it right first time.

GBC

 

[Beezerk]

Every Cockapoo Club of GB Breeder has closed their waiting list, some indefinitely as they have had so much interest, and on Pets for Home classified s they're £ 2,500 - £ 3,500 with much of the time seemingly little to no background.

Am sure most are legit..... But being a very big and long term commitment, financially and emotionally want to get it right first time.

GBC

I was looking on the net earlier, there aren't many puppies of any variety below 1k ?
Madness.

 

[hairball_89]

Thanks guys, very helpful, we're also on the waiting list at Woodgreen and Battersea Dogs home but Covid means they're severely restricted in what they're rehoming currently, if anything.

... GBC

Just remember that these 2 are the 2 most famous rescue centres in the country and as such have the biggest pull, and therefore clearly the biggest waiting lists. You're after one of the most popular and most fashionable breeds, at a point where dogs are mad popular, and you've gone for the 2 rescue centres that everyone has heard of.

I can't recommend expanding your search enough. Where are you? I'm sure there's someone who can recommend a centre close who isn't one of the bigger names.

 

[golfbluecustard]

I was looking on the net earlier, there aren't many puppies of any variety below 1k ?
Madness.

just

Just hope in 12 months time they're all still in good homes when we know where we stand with Covid / the economy etc...