Cocker spaniel or cockerpoo?

[ownerofalonelyheart]

Just that really. We're getting a puppy this summer and have 2 small boys age 6 and 3. My husband seems to have a cat allergy but we don't know about dogs. I work part time but the dog would be alone for a couple of hours a day maximum.
I love the cuddly looks of the cockapoo but wonder if there are any negatives to a cross breed designer dog like this. Are there any significant differences in temperament/energy levels/ known health problems or anything else that might be relevant?
Thanks in advance.

There's basically no way of knowing which breed a cross will come out like, so they might be quite poodley or very spanielly...they have the possibility of all the health issues from both breeds, so you need to find a breeder that has done the relevant health tests - with paperwork, not just a vet check up.

Breeders of crosses who have done the correct tests are rarer than hen's teeth tbh, though I do believe there is an owner's club with a recommended breeder's list for cockerpoos.

Realistically though - it's very unlikely that a good breeder of either cockers or crosses will have puppies available for this summer, good breeders who do health tests and breed ethically usually have a waiting list before they even plan a litter.

I can't comment on those breeds but do agree that you are unlikely to get a puppy from a reputable breeder this summer if you are not already on their lists. Please please don't go out and get one with a dubious history. It is much better to wait to get one from properly health tested and matched parents.

I have a cocker and love him to bits, love the look of a cockerpoo but there's more to a dog than what it looks like. I don't like the fashion for designers mongrels just get a poodle if you might be allergic they are super cute when not fluffed up to show standards

If you have any doubt about allergies go for a "straight" Poodle or maybe an Airedale or Bedlington terrier. My Mum is severly alllergic to cats and most dogs but had poodles for years and years without any problems. Our poodles were all nice dogs and were fine with children.

It would be awful to get one and find your H is allergic and can't live with it.

I know someone with a working type cocker X toy poodle. He is about 7 months old now, and absolutely bonkers. He just doesn't stop. He has so much energy it's unreal. His owner is 74 and is really struggling with him, he's still quite bitey, my friend is having a really hard time training him as he is just so excitable and exuberant, he finds it impossible to sit still! He appears to have the energy of two dogs crammed into one. I am allergic to dogs, I'm ok with my greyhound, but although this puppy looks to have a poodle coat, I wheeze a lot in his house. I have met a proper poodle before and had no problems.

I also know a pedigree working type cocker and he is very energetic too, he doesn't stop either, just runs and runs and runs around his (fairly big) garden all day every day.

Also, bad idea to get a puppy with two small children. Puppies are VERY bitey and have incredibly sharp, needlelike teeth. My DD who is very used to dogs, and not yet turned 3 is scared of the poodley one because he is just so hyperactive and nippy.

I know two lovely cockerpoos with gorgeous temperments but they both shed .

Whichever you decide the most important thing is can you commit to lots of exercise and going to training with two small children in the equation.As a dog walker I see so many families that really love their dogs but struggle with the puppy phase and the exuberance that comes with an inadequately walked older dog wether it's a pedigree cocker or a designer mongrel like a cockerpoo.Sorry just they are so popular at the moment and having had rescue mongrels over the years honestly feel you've as much idea of how they will turn out re temperament and shedding.Im sure you can and will put in the time.But I have, and know ,Springer spaniels that are more chilled than a lot of the labradoodles and cockerpoos because it all comes down to exercise and training and having the time fir both.

For both obviously.Sorry not meant to sound like a lecture!Just got a dog to walk today who is another example of a good dog ruined to me.Lovely family,young kids but dog ruined with treats and wound up but despite intentions to train,and neuter,both still not done.Shouldn't hijack thread for a rant but it's always cockerpoos at the moment it seems.Hope you find the right dog for your family and all the best.

What will you do if you get a dog and it turns out that your Dp is allergic?

Thanks everyone for some great advice. I completely agree with most of the points made about training, allergy and crossbreeds. Although I think cockapoos look adorable, I know in my heart of hearts that its a gamble. And regarding allergy, I'm going to expose my husband to as many dogs as possible for a few weeks and see what happens! We've thinking about this for ages and so will plan carefully. Equally, I think thousands of children grow up with dogs, as I did, and it's an invaluable experience for them and the dogs. I think we can make it work.

I'm horribly allergic to dogs, I have a greyhound. Have had him for over two years now and I've never had an allergic reaction to him. You could maybe look at whippets instead? They may not look very cuddly but I can assure you, they are very cuddly!

I'm allergic to cats and dogs but have both at home. I have taken anti histamine for about 6 weeks when we first got the animals and seemed to build a resistance to our own pets. Whenever I am around other dogs, such as at puppy training I sneeze and cry still, but at home I am fine.

With regards to breeds we have a working cocker spaniel, she is six months tomorrow and our first ever dog. I am at home with her all the time. They love people and don't like being alone for long, she follows me everywhere. She is incredibly energetic. I also have two boys, a bit older than yours, one difficulty I find is that during school holidays the dog needs and expects her early morning walk. Great in school time as I go straight after drop off, but in the holidays it's is a challenge convincing two boys to get out of bed to go for a walk, maybe in the rain at 8 am. if I am completely honest with you, I love the dog more than my kids do. Yes she was a novelty but she is also hard work and the kids get frustrated. If I was you I would wait until your children are older and can be left at home alone when dog walking and will not be phased by the puppy nipping/ stealing food/ eating Lego etc

PS the cockerpoos we know are even more mad, they never sit still.

Good luck