Cockapoo vs. Poodle

[backtoreality21]

Hi mumsnet,

I realise that any cross-breed might be a bit controversial, but we're (finally!) in a position to own a dog, and are having a hard time deciding between a doodle (probably Sproodle or Cockapoo) and a Poodle.

As a quick summary we're a family with a 9 and 12 year old, with a small (paved) garden but close to a large park, and generally pretty active (I tend to go on 2 - 3 walks a day, total about 2 hours) with walking / cycling.

My wife doesn't want a large dog which cuts out the more obvious options of a golden retriever or lab. My kids are very keen on a Cockapoo, mainly as some of their friends have them, and my daughter in particular has become very close to one of them (which is a lovely friendly dog).

My thinking is that a Poodle will be a bit more of a certainty in terms of things like its coat and shedding, whereas a Cockapoo you roll the dice. Also it will be easier to find a reputable breeder for a Poodle vs. a Cockapoo.

My wife also thinks that a Poodle might be too smart and get bored if we're not spending all day every day with it.

Just wondering from those with experience if there are any particular differences in normal temperament or behaviour between these two - or anything else I should be thinking about in terms of decision making! As far as I can tell a Cockapoo and Poodle look almost identical.

Thanks!

He was about knee high.

I would definitely go with a proper poodle. The thing with crosses is you just don’t know what you’ll get. The traits you want seem more poodle, but a cross breed might end up being very spaniel!

Also (this will sound bad) if I was shelling out big bucks I’d want the real article. I like a mongrel better than anything, but not for ridiculous prices. For that type of price I would rather have an actual poodle than a glorified mongrel.

i have 2 cockerpoos. The eldest is the world's easiest dog. Year one was more challenging but presumably that's the case for all dogs. He is just fab. He probably is a little neurotic but in a way that works for me as he doesn't want to muck in or play with other dogs when out, so not likely to get in a fight or bitten. He hides or gets out of the way until a more lively dog passes. I walk with owners who's dogs get embroiled in all sorts. I find my dog much less stressful. He never does anything naughty at home and is super calm.

My younger cockerpoo has a different temperament but seems to be taking his cue from the older one and seems to be learning that calm is the way forward. He is also lovely and sweet. He probably would have separation anxiety but having the older dog to be with seems to limit it. He doesn't look like the classic cockapoo but he is absolutely gorgeous.

it's true that you don't know what you are going to get but then I am not convinced that all pedigrees have reliably the same characters. They seem to have similar traits but then so do cockapoos. When people say their cockapoos are a wild ball of chaos i am not too sure what is meant. My dogs can want to go in and out of the garden all night but that's as bad as it gets. They were chaotic as puppies but isn't that true of all puppies?

Anyway, that's my experience. The puppy farm thing is an issue and they are so clever with it, it isn't always easy to spot.

Train the dogs well, be firm and consistent. I am sure that will help.

We have a standard poodle ( had her 3 months). We have never had a dog before but she has been amazing. Have 3 girls and she is good with them no guarding issues, she has 1 walk a day ( atm) and lots of play in the garden.

She's not in a traditional poodle short trim we are growing her muzzle out but it might get cut short again as she is a messy messy eater!