Is this normal during puppy search??

[Amkotbj]

We are currently looking for a cockapoo puppy and have been to 2 houses where the puppies and owners seem nice enough however the smell of them is almost unbearable. It’s a mixture of wee and pop which I assume is normal but I want to know if should I expect from a decent seller to present the puppies not literally sticking of poo and wee.
I can understand it’s difficult when there Are 6-7 of together but feel if it was me trying to sell animals I would make sure when people come around they don’t feel they can’t cuddle them as they smell so bad??

Steer clear. I wouldn't buy anything from a house like this, let alone an animal. Puppies should be smelling clean, kept in a clean area, and looking bright eyed and shiny (or at least clean) coated. Puppies kept in kennels (like working breeds) may have wet or grubby feet, but they should still be generally clean.
Often puppies are like this because they are kept in a small area, like a crate, with their mother, so have no choice but to walk and lie in poo and wee. It goes without saying that if they are shut up together like this nearly all the time, they are not being socialised at all.
Just no!

Just to add I know the mother cleans up after her own puppies for a while, but the poo and wee is probably the mothers.

You're looking at crappy backyard breeders looking to make a quick buck.

Literally - the clue is in the smell - as well as the chosen 'breed'.

Lots more research needed, and maybe consider a breed that isn't currently the 'fashion choice' and therefore so susceptible to people like this churning them out?

Thanks for this. We are looking at cockapoos as one of my boys have animal allergies (and also really like the look of them)
What other breeds would you recommend as a family dog with 4 boys

It’s actually very funny as also posted this on AIBU and literally all the replies suggested that is absolutely normal and I’m being too fussy

@Amkotbj

Thanks for this. We are looking at cockapoos as one of my boys have animal allergies (and also really like the look of them) What other breeds would you recommend as a family dog with 4 boys

How about a mini poodle? You don't have to have a typical poodle cut - Google images of poodles with a teddy cut. Cockapoos are a mix so you could easily get a puppy which has a more spaniel like coat - there is no guarantee it will be hypoallergenic, they can take after either parent.

@Amkotbj

Thanks for this. We are looking at cockapoos as one of my boys have animal allergies (and also really like the look of them) What other breeds would you recommend as a family dog with 4 boys

There's no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, but you could reduce the risks by going for a non-shedding breed like a poodle or a mini schnauzer. Most people who have allergies are allergic to the saliva and the dander, which is impossible to avoid.

However if you get a cockapoo, you risk ending up with a dog with a cocker spaniel coat, and cocker spaniels are most certainly not good dogs if you have allergies, lol.

You need to look at non-shedding breeds. Poodles, schnauzers, maltese terriers etc.

Puppies should be squeaky clean and smell of biscuits. If they smell of faeces they’re being kept in a filthy pen. Avoid.

For example, one of these is a poodle and one is poodle cross. They look very similar.

Definitely try to spend some time with the breeds you are considering - to rule out allergies and see how you like them in person.

I have a cocker spaniel and he is a brilliant dog; active, busy, into everything but a real joy. However he is prone to stealing things and was super bitey as a pup (cockerdile) so I'd say better with older children/teens who know not to leave things in reach & can understand when to leave the puppy alone & can deal with bitey pups without crying.

I have a poodle and a lot of people think she's a cockerpoo bease of her haircut. She really doesn't moult at all. I also have a Yorkie (I have had many over the years) and I have never been aware of them moulting either. Bear in mind, though, that non moulting breeds need regular grooming and usually haircuts as well.
Obligatory poodle pic!

Definitely not normal, well not in my experience of visiting puppies!
If you need a dog that doesn’t shed, be very careful with cross breeds - you can’t guarantee which breed they will take after. You might buy a cockerpoo and find that the dog sheds like a spaniel. If you like the look of the cockerpoo, I’d recommend having a look at poodles. I have one and he’s a great family dog. Lots of energy, loves long walks and lovely temperament with children and other dogs.

Cross post with previous posters!

And yes, people always assume my poodle is a cockerpoo. It’s all in the cut - they can look very similar.

@Motorina

Puppies should be squeaky clean and smell of biscuits. If they smell of faeces they’re being kept in a filthy pen. Avoid.

^This. I'd suggest looking at Dogs Trust or other charity guidance on how to spot puppy farms. They often "stage" it in a family home for buyers, but the pups are kept in a shed or outbuilding the rest of the time.

Agree with those who say go for a poodle if the hypoallergenic coat is important.

Our dog is a doodle - mom was a labradoodle, dad was a cockapoo - litter of six - all with very similar coats when little -.soft spaniel like. When our girls adult coat came in she has thick, poodle like fleece and never sheds - like her mom.

Her brother and sisters mostly retained their spaniel coats like their dad, but you would never have known how it was going to go from looking at them as puppies.

Bichons and soft coated wheaten terriers are also worth investigating for the coat and both can make good family pets. A wheaten might work well for you, they're quite lively playful dogs.

How old are your boys?

No healthy, well kept animal should be smelling of piss and shit.

Thank you for all the recommendations will look at poodles. My boys are 3,8,10,12 and have all been wanting a do but my 10 year old had a reaction to a cockapoo/spaniel mum visit that we abandoned it a few years ago and feel we are more ready to go for it again so will just carry on looking

Beddlington Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel's don't shed.

Another one saying that a litter of puppies shouldn't stink. I've seen six or seven litters (some of them several times), and in all cases been perfectly happy to let the puppies - not stinky, just a bit dog-scented - climb all over me.

If you have iplayer this programme explains a lot about where many puppies come from:

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0010tyt/spotlight-undercover-pups-for-sale

The coat isnt a guarantee on a cross breed if your son is allergic. One parent has a coat that moults but just because one parent has a non moulting coat its not a guarantee the puppy eith take that. It could have a poodle coat, mix of both or a full cocker coat. I knew someone who got a labrador x poodle for the same reasons and it ended up with a lab coat that malted horrifically. I second look at a poodle or bichon.

We have a Bedlington. He’s never lost a hair hence the 6 weekly wash, cut and blow dry.
They come with their own issues, some breeders don’t have them CT tested. Which leads to a shortened life expectancy and a lifetime of either a special diet and monitoring or pain

I should add, he was one of seven. We visited him before we brought him home. He was definitely not smelly

@Ellmau

Bichons and soft coated wheaten terriers are also worth investigating for the coat and both can make good family pets. A wheaten might work well for you, they're quite lively playful dogs.

How old are your boys?

I second looking at a wheaten terrier - we're about to get one. Both DD and I have allergies but don't react to wheatens. They're not common so you may have to wait a while.