Would you choose a cocker spaniel or a cockapoo?

[Puzzlelight]

I know MN generally isn’t a fan of cross-breed dogs, but risking asking anyway

MIL is allergic to dogs, which is why we are considering a cockapoo (and I know there’s no guarantee MIL won’t be allergic to a cockapoo, but think it might be worth a try as - anecdotally - I’ve heard lots of stories where people with allergies have been fine with this cross-breed. MIL says she has a neighbour with one and thinks she’s ok with her neighbour’s dog).

I grew up with cocker spaniels. We had - all of the time I was growing up - two at once. I love the breed.

I know cockapoos can inherit their poodle-parent’s intelligence and energy, but I’m not sure whether to go for one or the other or how they tend to differ apart from that.

(I would rescue a dog, but we have very young children (youngest is a toddler) and rescue places have advised me to get a puppy as even rescue puppies can be unpredictable because of their (often) sad backstories.)

Anyway - would you choose a cocker spaniel or a cockapoo for a family dog?

You have absolutely no idea what sort of coat a cross breed puppy will have. And many people aren’t allergic to the coat but rather the dander.
Plus such a popular crossbreed will come from a puppy farmer or BYB. AVOID.
I would choose a pedigree or a rescue.

Why not get a poodle?

Cocker spaniel from a reputable breeder. Then you know what you are getting, a cocker spaniel. If you get a cockerpoo, it may or may not have poodle fur which may or may not be allergic. In temperament, you have no idea what you are getting.

You will find it harder to find a decently-bred cockapoo than a decently-bred cocker. Also there are no guarantees with the coat.

Personally I'd go for a cocker, but that's because I like working dogs (yes, I know poodles were once gundogs but working line ones are like hen's teeth).

A cocker, hands down for no other reason than I love the breed (and my experience of cockerpoos' has been tainted by dog sitting a very spoilt, very trying cockerpoo)

Although theoretically you cant guarantee anything, in reality, with a good breeder, most -poo crosses should be low to nil shedding and not set off allergies.

I know of 7 different -poo crosses in my family/friends and most of them don't shed at all, the ones that do are very very low shedding and none set off my grandma and dads severe allergies.

Do your research about which breeder, family or friend suggestions/word of mouth is the best way to start looking, then look at the individual policies to choose one you are comfortable with. Look for council licensed too.

Of course, -poo crosses and show cockers need regular grooming, whereas working cockers don't.

I would say cockerpoos are of similar energy/trainability to cocker spaniels. If you wanted something less energy but still suits your coat criteria - 'poodle/bichon' or cavalier/poodle ('cavachon') crosses are lower energy.

^ And I won't get into any of the normal arguments about designer crossbreeds, the OP asked a simple question, I have answered.

I'd say pure cocker or pure poodle as easier to get a well bred pure breed in so far as can check the breeder is KC registered etc. Poodles are fab, just saying, and everyone thinks mine is a cockerpoo because I just have normal puppy cut not pompom perfection.

I've got a working cocker spaniel, and he's the most adorable dog in the whole world. Ever. He's kind, calm, patient, loving, velcroed to my side 24/7. In the house. Off lead on a walk, he's the biggest pain in the arse known to man. He loves to get grass seeds in his ears or paws, shred his tail in undergrowth and rips his dew claws off on a fairly regular basis, and he's a shit for finding stagnant water. And his recall is appalling, he's got even more selective hearing than DH........get the show cocker if you don't want to put the work in training a worker type.

I met up with another dog walker in the village regularly, and she's got a cockapoo. It's wild, she's having immense issues with training, and she spends a small fortune having it groomed every 6 weeks. The coat isn't for the faint hearted. She's put me off the breed for life......!!

and rescue places have advised me to get a puppy as even rescue puppies can be unpredictable because of their (often) sad backstories.) absolutely amazed that any reputable rescue would have said this. Many many rescue dogs have no issues at all and no rescue I have ever had contact with feels this.

Perhaps a well bred Roan Cocker? www.doglistener.co.uk/aggression/cocker_rage.shtml

overfedstanley It was a rescue that reduces dogs from abroad. I won’t name them because I thought they were lovely and don’t want to give a bad impression! But she did advise against rescue puppies or rescue dogs until my DC were older (8,9 she said). Interesting to hear that not all agree? I did a little google research after that, but not much, and decided we’d rescue the next dog.

Good to hear stuff about poodles! I don’t know the breed at all! In fact, the only breed I know is cocker spaniels! I will research them. I don’t mind the grooming (err.. I think!).

peonies your dog sounds like heaven! (When indoors!)

We have a mini poodle. He is fantastic! Also always mistakes for a poo-cross. Easier to get a reputable breeder for a cocker or a poodle.
He doesn’t shed. He loves a mucky walk and a paddle. He is amazing with my kids and such a happy little thing. He’s our first dog ever and it’s honestly been easy. Obviously all dogs vary though, just like people!

I did a lot of research into cockerpoos as I initially wanted one. Everything I read made me realise I wanted the poodle side of everything and it was all about the look that attracted me to cockerpoos. But then it turns out they don’t have shaved noses, feet and Pom poms unless you make it happen!

Meant to say - if you do want a poodle cross there are specific rescues for them as they are often abandoned once their adult coat comes in and it turns out they do shed and aren’t ‘hypoallergenic’. (No dog is)

Look for council licensed too

OMG no!
This is TERRIBLE advice!
Council licenses are only granted if the breeder is churning out huge volumes of puppies!
In other words, a ‘commercial’ business/puppy farm.

We have a working cocker spaniel. She doesn't moult,is calm (now she's 12!),obedient and amazing with children and people she doesn't know well. I would get another cocker in a heartbeat...

@Puzzlelight maybe that’s because by the time you get the puppy from abroad it will have had to travel and the window for socialisation may well have closed. Puppies born in a foster home and socialised are no more of a risk than any other!
The trouble with crosses is you don’t have a clear idea of what to expect. Cavachon type dogs. Cavalier/bichon. Could be any coat etc etc. And they won’t come from a good breeder.

Try Doodles for Rehoming Facebook group. Lots of lovely dogs (including cockapoos ) on there, many without issues where the owners need to rehome for various reasons.

MissShapesMissStakes Your pup is gorgeous! That's the same cut as my mini. Super dogs 😍

MrsEricBana - thanks. I think he’s gorgeous too!

First dog we’ve ever had and would always have a poodle again. So tempted to do a rescue poodle in a year or so. But although this guy has won over a very reluctant DH I think another one might be pushing it!

Have wanted a dog since I was little but I have hay fever and asthma induced by dogs so never thought I would manage it. Never would have thought to get a poodle but the more research I did, the more they came up.
So pleased we did it. Fantastic dogs!

MissShapes you’ve inspired me to start looking for respectable poodle breeders! I’d hate for my MIL to suffer whenever she comes to visit - she lives an hour away, so never comes to stay the night, but does pop round a lot to see the kids. (She is too nice to tell us, but I think she’d secretly hate it if we got a dog.)

aurea i will check out that rehoming group for sure.

Council licenses are only granted if the breeder is churning out huge volumes of puppies!
Hasn't the law changed recently though? I thought the guidelines were worded in such a way (i.e. badly!) that a one-off home breeder could end up needing to apply for a licence depending on the attitude of their local council?

But it definitely used to be that I would have avoided a licensed breeder like the bloody plague.

I’m allergic to dogs apparently. But not mine. The only way to be sure is to spend lots of time around the breed. Not sure MIL would be up for that would she? Good luck.

Puzzle - that’s good to hear. Definitely do as much research as you can, it’s a big decision. Good luck with it.

What's wrong with a poodle?