The trouble is with the current trend for designer dogs - as in cross breeds with ridiculous names - it encourages bach street breeders. These dogs are un registered and often (not always) bred by people with no real ideas on breeding dogs.
Please bear in mind that quite often the puppies will still shed so if that is your reason for getting one then i would reconsider.
As a vet nurse i see MANY cocker poos and generally they are lovely dogs. However they tend towards nervy and that can lead to problems (saying that i am often doing things they dont appreciate so that can make a difference but it is noticable trait with these dogs).
No - you absolutely cannot trust pets4homes as this is where backyard breeders tend to advertise.
It is difficult because not everyone who isn't a "breeder" is a backyard breeder . I have a lovely dog who was a result of a (deliberate) union between dogs of people who wanted a litter if pups from two much loved family pets - never had any issues.
Again a caveat - some peopke see these breeds as a great source of income and that is where you can fall foul of unscrupulous "breeders "
Would you consider a rescue or do you want a puppy?
Should you be visiting homes now for august ? Next august maybe!! A good breeder will often have waiting lists before the puppies are even conceived.
If buying a puupy make sure the have
- a registered microchip
- 1st vaccinations done
- worming record
- four weeks free insurance (you can also get this from your vet afyer the first visit)
If the breeder doesnt question you then assume they give zero fucks about what happens to the puppy once you leave with it and therefore less likely to ensure its good health.
Sorry to be a downer but there are many bad breeders out there who will take advantage of folk who want a puppy. Mist times people get lucky but sadly sometimes people end up out of pocket to the extreme if hundreds to thousands because of course once they have taken puppy home they are emotionally invested and receive no help from the person who has caused issues due to lack of health checks and general care if their products.
Saying all that - i bloody love cocker poos . Too cute!!