Shipoo/cavapoo/other

[88milesanhour]

We are considering getting a dog. We have a 5YO child and 2 cats. I love larger dogs but I also want my child to be able to walk it etc and I think a smaller dog would be less offensive to the cats. We've cared for smaller dogs before and the cats have not exactly been thrilled but they've tolerated them.

I'm considering either a shi tzu poodle cross or a cavapoo as I feel that these would most tick the above boxes. Does anyone own either of the above breed? Or have any other recommendations/advice? Thanks xx

I'm definitely convinced to go for a poodle. Thinking about it I know 2 cavapoos quite closely. Both lovely dogs but one is distinctly more poodle-like and if I'm honest I'm much more fond of this dog than the other.... so on reflection why not just go for a poodle. It does sound like they're easier to source from a responsible breeder too

I have a rescue maltipoo, he's 4kg at 18 months, loves cats and dogs, very rarely barks. Needs regular brushing and grooming but really is the sweetest thing and super intelligent.

Bichon frise are sweet little dogs, all the ones I've met have been super friendly.

Not a cava-anything. Cavaliers are riven with heart disease as someone else said upthread.

you never know exactly what dog you’re going to get but genetics are really powerful - for good and bad. So, at least if you breed from two dogs with really sound temperaments and which test clear of common diseases, and go for a low CoI pairing, you are hedging your bets well.

ours comes from top line stock, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have her own quirks. She has some phobias and would eg fail any therapy dog test owing to being too excitable, but it’s all within the realms of normal behaviour and no serious issues. Honestly, I would never buy a cross unless I knew both parents very well and each parent had had proper health screening.

a poodle is on my list for my next dog. I could live without the hair tumbleweeds and mud and unmistakeable doggy odor associated with the current one!

Get a mini poodle OP. Honestly, you are far more likely to be able to predict health and temperament with a pedigree breed than with a cross-breed. With a cross-breed there is a far high risk of getting a puppy farmed pup as there is no regulation.
Poo crosses are fashionable because people like the look and think they are hypo-allergenic. Not true. They need frequent grooming, from my personal experience, can be yappy and suffer from separation anxiety. Stick with a mini poodle.

We have both of those breeds. Both lovely family dogs. Neither could be left alone for long though (I wouldn't leave any dog for more than a few hours but these are particularly anxious if left)

We have a rescue Lhasa Apso. Gorgeous dog. Can walk for miles or not at all. Doesn’t particularly like the rain though. Great family pet.

Why a crossbreed?
I really don’t understand the fashion & popularity of this new trend…used to be mongrels “ free to good home” back in the day. Now often sold for more than some wonderful pure breeds that have been carefully bred for generations. Always a lottery mixing two breeds as to what will throw up in the mix, worrying outcomes can occur health wise & with temperament.
The chap who develop the Labradoodle says he regretted it, worst decision he ever made.
I’d recommend one of the healthy, steady small ( not tiny) breeds .Miniature Poodle, Shih Tzu,Border Terrier, Miniature Shnauzer, Jack Russell, there are quite a few to choose from depending on how much grooming you’re prepared to do.
Someone suggested a Maltese at 5kg full grown That’s big for a Maltese, the breed standard is under 7lb (3.1 kg) so they can be delicate for young children, soon hurt in rough play. I own, show & judge them, along with my Skye Terriers ( definitely not a breed I’d recommend for inexperienced dog owners much as I adore them). If white & fluffy appeals then again a Miniature Poodle or a Bichon Frize, both lovely temperaments, healthy, easy to train & healthy.