Anyone here have a cockapoo?

[adamred]

Before you jump on the "get a mutt from the pound" bandwagon we need a family friendly breed that is part of the low shedding, low dander, hair not fur type of dog. We have way too many people in the extended family that have allergies and with younger kids in the house we need a gentle breed without a lifetime of abuse to overcome. The cockapoo is one of the older "designer mutt" breeds - cocker spaniel/toy poodle mix and is not quite commanding the insane prices of these newer designer breeds.

Seems like a great breed, very solid at 15-20 lbs, I've only heard good things about their temperment, child friendly, easy to train, etc.

Anyway just curious if any of you folks have one and if you'd care to share your thoughts. Also pics of grownup Cockapoos would be great. I've seen a ton of puppy pics in the last few weeks from the breeders, but not as many adult pics.

Thanks.

[notfarnow]

My wife's cousin has 2; 3 years old and 5. They are REALLY nice dogs.

They are so cute I almost instictively disliked them at first, but man they grew on me fast. They are very gentle and well behaved. They have 2 kids under 4, and the dogs are great with them; even when they play a bit too rough. They aren't yappy either, I don't think I've ever heard the young one bark.

I'll see if I can find some pics.

[Bumper]

I have 2. Sisters that we bought when my Golden Retriever died last year. I think they are great and good with kids. They seem to be very smart but we had a tough time house breaking them. It took us almost a year!! Thats alot of poop on the floor!!!

Any questions about them let me know!!

[cool_chick]

The perfect dog.

That's interesting, Bumper. Mine was basically housebroken within the normal timeframe.

[Brillo]

I got one as a kid in the mid seventies. Got him from a family friend for free. I did not know they were a "designer mutt". He was an interesting character.

When I went to college my dad took over taking him for walks, when my dad passed away, he became company for my mom and she would take him for his walks. He lived to be 17 years old (human years).

[tabs]

Airdales...Standard for the breed in 45lb to 65lb, some bloodlines have increased their size. BTW They don't shed as they have the Terrier wiry coat.

Airdales are FEARLESS Dogs they will defend your family to death if need be, they are VERY intelligent on the whole, they LOVE familys and want to be included. The only knock of a Dale is that they are stuborn and think they know better, but thats the Terrier in them.

My 12 year old Dale has never been around young Children very much much. Recently though a 4 year old has spent time with her and she seemed to love it.

[lisa_spyder]

Hi Adam,

I think we call them "spoodles" down here? Friends of ours have one - great dog. They don't have young kids but knowing "Sparky's" character I think he would be very good around little kids. He is still young and therefore full of beans but he doesn't have a malicious bone in his body.

We bought a toy schnoodle who is now 6 months old (today!). She is absolutely gorgeous with a beautiful nature. She is still prone to romp around a lot but we wanted a smaller dog who wants to be active. She is robust and doens't mind a little rough stuff from the kids...5 minutes later she will be settled in my Mum's lap for a cuddle... She is a first generation cross between Mini Schnauzer and Toy Poodle. I couldn't speak highly enough of these new crossbreeds as long as they come from the right breeder of course.

If you want to do some more reading and research, check out this website: www.freedomkennels.com.au. I know these guys are in Aus, but there is a lot of really good info for you and I think some pics of adult spoodles as well as customer reviews of their dogs. May help you make a decision. We bought our little girl from these guys and I was impressed by their honesty and knowledge. The website is a little "clumsy" but the info is all there.

Enjoy your puppy quest !

Cheers,
Lisa

[adamred]

Thanks for the information folks. We are having fun with the search and have looked at a bunch of the different designer mutts including the Schnoodle, labradoodle, puggle, etc. I think we've zoned in on the cockapoo as it meets all of our needs in a breed.

We're hoping to hear a final word from a breeder later this week with the hopes of having him join the family at the beginning of July!

Keep the comments/pictures coming. Lisa I would love to see a pic of your new little girl.

Thanks.
Adam

[adamred]

So a quick update. We decided to bring a little buff colored boy into the family. He's coming home in a little less then a month from now.
Have a look! I haven't been this excited since I brought my Porsche home...

[stomachmonkey]

Crate em. It's not cruel. it's their "den". Would a dog in the wild sleep in the middle of an open field or will it find someplace to hole up?

Don't expect full house breaking till they are 6 months old.

They simply don't have the bladder control. It's not lack of want, it's physical.

Don't skimp on the food. Get some obedience training.

A good trainer will help you learn to think like a dog. Things like never use the dogs name when correcting/scolding. They associate it with bad and won't want to come when called. Don't chase them to get something away from them, they think it's a game. Call their names several times in a row, teaches them that they only need to listen 3rd or 4th time they are called, not 1st.

Socialize early and often. Find a dog park and go as often as possible, couple tmes a week if you can.

Never feed from table, ever. Food should only come out of his bowl. Never anywhere else.

[adamred]

All principles I have every intention of following, thanks for the concise list. I just finished Cesar Millan's book, fantastic a great simple 2 plane flight read.

Looking forward to the challenge

[adamred]

1 more week until this little guy comes home...