Miniature Cockapoo....first time pet owner

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I really want a dog, family have cockatoo's so familiar with the breed.

Tell me about your miniature/toy cockapoo and help me convince DH we need one.

I would certainly consider a poodle having 2 cockapoos.

My 3/4 poodle one is very bright- loves problem solving and puzzles which is the poodle part.

My cockapoo is half toy poodle, half show cocker.
He is lovely natured, very gentle and calm now he's 3.. he was a crazy puppy who chewed a lot. His only fault is if he sees an open door/window - he runs for the hills and won't come back. Strangely though if he's let off his lead during a walk he will.
As I say lovely natured dog though.

The majority of these mongrels are from puppy farms, and with the amount of cross breeding you have zero way of knowing what temperament you will get. They could have pure parents but most likely to have parents who themselves are crossbreed so health issues are a major concern as you are looking at multiple generation cross breeding.

I have a cockapoo, mum show spaniel and dad miniature poodle.
She’s 5 and a wonderful dog.
I would however warn you that cockapoos can be very needy. My dog is happy to be left at home alone for a couple of hours but some aren’t.
She’s also very fussy about her food.

I only know one. Despite a loving, intelligent family, he is very anxious, trembles a lot of the time, and he matts in an instant, very close to the skin which is difficult to manage and painful for him. He’s on expensive medication for various bits and bobs and while I’d never ask the question, I suspect my friend regrets getting him, even though she loves him.

Anecdotally many really struggle to be alone even in the same house; people hear “Velcro-dog” and think of devotion and lots of lovely cuddles but a Velcro-dog is often a highly anxious and unhappy dog whose owners become virtual prisoners unless they are willing to cause their darling dog avoidable distress. I’ve had breeds considered more independent in character and they were also very loving, but happy with their own company for decent periods. They didn’t follow me from room to room all day but would settle to sleep or chew on a toy. The cockapoo I know will snap his head up the second a member of the family changes position in case it signals them leaving the room. He’s always on alert, even when sleeping. He isn’t settled unless his whole pack is present and also settled 😞

He housetrained easily, has reasonable obedience and no vices, but the anxiety is just awful.

Thanks for all the helpful replies. A lot to consider.

Cute dogs, BUT ridiculously expensive, bearing in mind you don't get hip scores, temperament tests, line tests etc, assured breeder etc. I've seen some horrendous cases of matting, so the fur mats on the top coat, fur carries on growing underneath, pulling the skin and creating sores and infection.

We have 2 cockapoos , half brothers same age .. same dad different mums and you can't get 2 dogs so different.

1st one is needy , crazy and a pain in the arse . He's just too intelligent and you can never walk him enough. He's got so much energy and it can be so time consuming with huge parts of every day taking him for a walk. He runs rings around everyone and I always say if adhd exists in a dog , bingo this is it. Lol. He barks if you even answer the phone because he ain't getting full attention. He will sit on the bus and bark at people because they are ignoring him lol . This one is hard work ! Hes way too intelligent for his own good.

The 2nd one is the complete opposite, laid back , chilled , doesn't need so many walks . His coat is more like sheep's fur too completely different to cockapoo 1 who is curly like the poodle in him . He doesn't need the attention . He is a dream dog and people call him the therapy dog because he's so calming . It's so true how you don't get 2 the same .

Even though its not been easy having 2 puppies together especially how much hard work the 1st one is , I promise its so worth it. Grown men smile at them coz they are so adorable. But if you get one with the intelligence who loves walks good luck lol !

In your shoes I’d go for a miniature poodle from a wonderful breeder who has a waiting list; invites you to visit before putting your name down for a future litter; and who gives you a proper grilling! Check out the health tests any reputable breeder should have done. The dogs should be friendly and relaxed in the home and there should be lots of evidence that the dogs live in the house all the time and haven’t been fetched from an outbuilding for the visit. Ask lots of questions! A good breeder won’t take offence, they will return the compliment.

Every dog is different but you can't be familiar with the breed when it's a mongrel. They vary so much which is why they're not a breed. They have no standard.

We have one who's 11 years old. - thinks she's human. No health issues. Has been a wonderful therapy dog for my eldest - it's always known when she's upset etc and got her through some tough times. I'm looking though at a cobber dog for my youngest for a therapy dog. But they're just generally beautiful dogs. Though they're even more expensive - where the cockerpoo here has halved in price. You need to find a good breader who does health testing first. But my 11 year old has never been to the vet aside from her yearly needles.