Which breed? Cockapoo? If you own a Cockapoo what is it like? Any tips?

[futuredogowner]

We are seriously thinking of getting a dog (after a lot of consideration and discussion) and have the following ideas on what we would like them to be like:

• clever and trainable (and not likely to completely leg it off all the time on walks as I hear this can make life difficult?)
• medium sized
• non-shedding coat
• no slobberiness
• CUTE!

Not worried about the cost within reason.

I've come up with Cockapoos and Mini Schnauzers but dh thinks the latter are too small so they are off the list.

Are there any other breeds we could consider?

If we do go with a Cockapoo, what should we consider and look out for? I have heard they can be quite lively?

There is NO guarantee that a poodle cross is non shedding. If you want non shedding why don't you get a poodle - our friends have one as the all have allergies. lovely family dog.

Remember non shedding dogs need to be groomed and clipped - an added expense....one many don't factor in.

PS - there is a great poodle rescue - if you goggle it will come up I am sure, and they have all sizes.

If you get a poodle cross you can't guarantee it won't shed. The genes do not split neatly
I have a miniature poodle, she is almost a small standard so not tiny. Everyone thinks she is a cross because she is not poodle clipped
No hairs and a lovely dog

Rescues are full to bursting. Breeding, especially cross breeding is irresponsible when dogs are killed daily. If there wasn't the call for 'pedigree' dogs and 'designer' dogs then maybe those poor animals imprisoned in cages, sometimes for the eternity of their short sad lives would have a chance.

And the you have the breeders that chuck out their 'old' (read too many litters) dogs and the rescues have to pick up the pieces. My local rescue last year was over-run with 'tea cup' dogs whose owners got rid of them when the 'dogs in a handbag' craze fell off. Now they have Huskies/Malamutes because people took them on without realising the commitment required. The year before it was 'Labradoodles' and 'Sprollies' . I fostered dog after dog that had been returned for bollocks reasons simply because the owners hadn't got what they wanted or had moved on to the next fashion victim.

I'm sick of it, sick of hearing about more and more breeding when dogs are dying every day.

Please look at a Rescue. It isn't just SBTs and Mastiffs - afor example Many Tears Animal Rescue has large numbers of Bichon Frise, Westies and Yorkies (alongside proper collie/something/lab/something puppies).

Please, please don't add to the problem when all your 'requirements' can't be guaranteed and many other dogs, dogs languishing in cages, could fulfil them just as well.

My brother has a cockapoo, cute as hell but hyper, needy and independent all at once.

She sheds, smells like wotsits gone off and out the blue one day decided to be fearful of random things, like kids and bikes even though she has had no bad experience, sees them regularly and was socialised well as a pup.

Highly strung is a good way to describe her

Our cockapoo is a lovely companion, but very lively and was bouncing off the walls for the first 6 months of her life despite training. She has settled nicely into family life but doesn't like being alone and can be needy at times.

I fancied a cockapoo too, OP. but honestly couldn't find a breeder I was confident in. ( plus I got some of the home truths you have received on MN!) I opted for a poodle... he is minature ( middle size) and very cute ( see profile)

He is bright and funny, and fulfills all your requirements! ( but you can't have him!)

We've had 2 labradoodles from good breeders registered with KC for their Labradors and Standard poodles who had chosen to breed the cross. We knew that we weren't guaranteed non shedding/ non allergic and first was non shedding and second sheds the most I've ever known a fog! But we have had 2 dogs with fab temperaments that have been loving family dogs great with kids. We also have fostered for labradoodle trust who rescues all poodle crosses and might be worth a look.
Widowed Mil has cockerpoo who is gorgeous and an absolute insane energetic dog who runs rings round her but is also living and so sweet.
If you want a dog do look at a rescue but go via a breed rescue who should have really good idea of the type of dog and it's individual characteristics. We had to provide weekly reports about training and temperament so it went to suitable forever home
Good luck! Dogs are ace !

Just be aware that because these are cross breeds, you're not guaranteed a dog that looks like you're expecting or doesn't shed. Be aware that they may get a double whammy of genetic disorders. The saddest thing I've read lately is the rise of rescues for these types of dogs. They don't turn out as owners expect or owners are allergic despite being told the dog was anti allergy. Most responsible owners won't care and will enjoy their dogs however they turn out but be careful if you're buying for a specific reason such as a hair allergy. You just can't guarantee what you'll get. And don't get me started on the prices . There are a lot of breeds out there. Do your research. I hope you find what you're looking for.

It's true there are real con artists out there selling puppies. That goes for recognised breeds as well as the new popular crosses! Ridiculous. Go for a rescue if you feel you can take on an older dog(often still a young puppy)