Does anyone own.........

PonyFeet10

PonyFeet10

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A cockapoodle?!

A guy we see walking around the area we live in owns one and he is the cutest, fluffiest, sweetest most gorgeous dog I have ever seen!!!!!!!

I have now made it my mission to get one at some point in my life :D (even though OH refused before I even asked Lol!)
 
PonyFeet10 said:
A cockapoodle?!

A guy we see walking around the area we live in owns one and he is the cutest, fluffiest, sweetest most gorgeous dog I have ever seen!!!!!!!

I have now made it my mission to get one at some point in my life :D (even though OH refused before I even asked Lol!)
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Yep, I have seen cocker x poodles, this is prob going to sound blunt and grumpy, but it's a pointless cross even though it may seem cute with a made up name to attract money and they will usually be sold by back street breeders out for a quick buck, why else would u breed such a thing:rolleyes::p

Your OH is wise:D
 
Ah I know :( but he really is sooo sweet! And his coat is REALLY soft with a slight curl to it! He was just above knee height so I'm guessing the mum/dad was a medium sized poodle? I'm a sucker for cute ones, although not for 'little dogs' lol. Although some are lovely (like my mums yorkie) they just get under my feet and I end up stepping on them (and breaking toes when my mum first got said yorkie :eek::() So I've come to the conclusion that one of these cockapoodles would do just fine a bit later on in life :D
 
Just because the one you have met was so lovely doesnt mean one you go out and buy will be, thats the thing about crosses, you have no idea what you would end up with.

I find it sad that people will line the pockets of these greedy breeders who produce these "designer dogs" with no thought for the long term welfare of the dogs and no health testing in place. If you want a cute cross you'd be wise to look into rescues.
 
UnaB said:
Just because the one you have met was so lovely doesnt mean one you go out and buy will be, thats the thing about crosses, you have no idea what you would end up with.

I find it sad that people will line the pockets of these greedy breeders who produce these "designer dogs" with no thought for the long term welfare of the dogs and no health testing in place. If you want a cute cross you'd be wise to look into rescues.
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I don't believe I ever said I was looking to buy one, I said I wanted one in the future. Already have two dogs, don't need another!!!

Also can you explain what you mean by the long term welfare of them?? And what do you mean health testing? Sorry to sound stupid but I've never heard of these before..

I don't know if it's the way you've written your post but you've come across as being rather harsh as it was just my personal opinion on the cross of dogs as I really like it.. He's not the only one I've seen either but the first for me to properly interact with!
 
PonyFeet10 said:
I don't believe I ever said I was looking to buy one, I said I wanted one in the future. Already have two dogs, don't need another!!!

Also can you explain what you mean by the long term welfare of them?? And what do you mean health testing? Sorry to sound stupid but I've never heard of these before..

I don't know if it's the way you've written your post but you've come across as being rather harsh as it was just my personal opinion on the cross of dogs as I really like it.. He's not the only one I've seen either but the first for me to properly interact with!
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She meant that the dogs should be hip scored, eye and elbow tested at the very least. I doubt that you will find any one who breeds these designer breeds that does that. They are simply mutts that people charge massive amounts for.

We don't mean to come across as harsh but we see so many dogs in terrible circumstances because of the people who breed these mutts.

They are generally puppy mills or back yard breeders who just want to make money and most of the things you read about the crosses are not true. Such as they don't all not shed.
 
People are harsh here, because they care SO much about dogs, take the advice on the chin, learn learn and learn more - and even then you are only half prepared for a dog!!
 
PonyFeet10 said:
I don't believe I ever said I was looking to buy one, I said I wanted one in the future. Already have two dogs, don't need another!!!

Also can you explain what you mean by the long term welfare of them?? And what do you mean health testing? Sorry to sound stupid but I've never heard of these before..

I don't know if it's the way you've written your post but you've come across as being rather harsh as it was just my personal opinion on the cross of dogs as I really like it.. He's not the only one I've seen either but the first for me to properly interact with!
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As a breeder of purebred dogs who spends a lot of time and money ensuring I raise well adjusted, healthy dogs I do find it maddening that people continue to support puppy farmers, which is where these "designer dogs" come from. Harsh? Maybe... Its infuriating at times.

Katielou explained the health testing, but the long term welfare? Have you seen how many of these designer crosses end up in rescue? Im not against crossbreeding as such, my family were breeding "sprockers" for working long before they came up with a silly name for them. If they're done with thought and for a purpose like working (ie using two top working dogs of each breed to hopefully produce a puppy that might have the qualities of both parents - a risk, but a more sensible risk) then thats ok. What on earth is the point of breeding a cocker and a poodle though?? They are two completely incompatible breeds. The same as "maltipoos" and "puggles". I have met quite a few of these cross breeds, particularly the puggle. You have a dog with the hunting instinct of a beagle and the strong willed, disobedient temperment of the pug - its just asking for trouble. They are NOT good pets. And once they are in rescue with all their issues, finding a home for them is not an easy task.

And as for you not mentioning buying one, you have said several times that you're going to get one in the future! What else do you mean other than going out and buying one?? I dont understand that at all.
 
They an interesting story (think it was radio 4) about the man who bred the first labrapoodles and he was absolutely horrified at how this has taken off. He actually specifically bred these dogs, from properly tested parents, to try to breed a dog that would be suitable for people he knew who had problems with actual dog hair. He did say (somewhat bitterly) that he wished he had never done it because of the current trend to cross produce dogs. He had looked at the health scores etc and had chosen dogs who complemented each other - and it was never his intention to push along designer crosses.

Sorry if we all sound snappy, but a lot of people here are involved with rescues and the results of poorly thought through breeding often end up with them. Being an avid staffie fan I am entirely against back street/"cute" breeding.
 
Hmm, yes I do understand where you are coming from!

My personal opinion though, and this is not to cause a debate or argument - all of the cross breed dogs I have owned have been great, no problems at all other than injuries. All of the purebreeds however that I have known have had loads of problems. The way I've always known it is somewhere along the line the purebreeds have been inbred to produce something better? Please correct me if I'm wrong there..

UnaB said:
And as for you not mentioning buying one, you have said several times that you're going to get one in the future! What else do you mean other than going out and buying one?? I dont understand that at all.
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You said that it doesn't mean I "just go out and buy one" I'm not just going out and buying one?! It's not just a case of 'oh I think it's cute so I'm going to buy it' not at all.. Ive had a long think about it and its one 'type' of dog i would like to own at some point in my life. Also I've got one purebred staffie and one staffie cross at the moment and in no way would it be fair to put a puppy in with them as they are both very playful and boisterous!! :)
 
No.

But someone once asked me if Henry was one:mad:

He apologised shortly afterwards:p

Cockers are such great little dogs, if you can give one what it needs go for a pure one - they can't be improved upon:D
 
Roast_Spud said:
No.

But someone once asked me if Henry was one:mad:

He apologised shortly afterwards:p

Cockers are such great little dogs, if you can give one what it needs go for a pure one - they can't be improved upon:D
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Lol! Our old dog Patch was some sort of Spaniel crossed with a collie and he was amazing :D The dog which I get in the future will be a family pet, come down the yard etc but not go hunting or anything.. So I thought the 'cockapoodle' would suit this job nicely! It doesn't need a umm.. Purpose?! For me. Just big enough so I don't forget it's there but not so big it takes up the whole of our bed lol!
 
Cockers and poodles were both bred as hunting dogs originally, so the chances are excellent that it WILL go hunting, with or without encouragement:D;)
 
Roast_Spud said:
Cockers and poodles were both bred as hunting dogs originally, so the chances are excellent that it WILL go hunting, with or without encouragement:D;)
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Lol!! Maybe it could join in with my YO's collie, lab and spaniel then! I suppose if it could do something as well that's an added bonus :D:D:D

I will add though, that our two dogs at present are young so it's going to be a while yet for me to change my mind and want something else instead lol!
 
The problem people have with crossing two untested breeds is this - poodles for instance, can carry epilepsy and hip dysplasia (as can my own breed) crossing an unknown, untested poodle with ANY other breed including another poodle, and you run the risk of having a crossbreed with these conditions as well.

Outcrossing does not cancel out hereditary conditions, only stopping dead the lines that carry them.

People who breed designer crosses often put out the theory that crossbreeds combine the 'best of both' and are 'healthier' but don't put their money where there mouths are to carry out health tests to prove it.
 
Not getting at you here OP, but another problem with designer crosses is that you really don't know what you are going to get. Have a look at the pictures Emma21 has posted of her OES/GSD. He is the most gorgeous dog and I suspect a few people seeing him would think "ooh I want one of those". However the chances are another pup of the same parentage turning out the same are slim, you could just as likely get a dog that looks just like a shaggy coated GSD. This imo is why a lot of so called designer crosses end in rescue, because they don't turn out as expected. This is particularly the case when people are looking for a non moulting dog, as some of the poodle crosses can be, but end up with a dog that takes after the non poodle parents and sheds its coat constantly.:(
 
Have to admit, nothing involving a poodle is ever going to be my cup of tea.

I have no issue with crosses that are bred responsibly, health tested etc. We have a lovely lab x springer who meets these criteria at work, who I am plotting to steal away and train up:D And should Popple ever have another litter, I will be camped out on Puppy's garden until I get one.;)

But you have to accept a certain degree of uncertainty on exactly how to pup will grow up, and you have to know both breeds before you decide whether you want a cross of them, because you could end up with any combination of their traits - both physical and mental.
 
I have a standard Poodle cross. He was dumped at a rescue at 4 weeks old with his litter mates, I was working there and helped raise them so bonded with this naughty little black bundle so he came home with me.

He is the most amazing dog and I adore him BUT he's certainly not for the faint hearted. He needs constant attention, he needs at least 2 hours off lead running a day (walking no way...at least 20 miles walking he'll still be bouncing), he is highly intelligent which is great for training but not so good when he figures out how to open doors! He is a 1 person dog, therefore will never relax unless I am around.

When walking him you can guarantee I have people commenting on how stunning he is..cos he is, he's got a huge furry grey coat and the most amazingly beautiful big eyes and he just looks like every childs dream dog..but he'd rip the arm off any child who tried to take his ball off him!! I have had countless people offering money for him, asking if I'll breed off him (yeah of course I will running a rescue means I just love breeding more dogs :rolleyes:) and asking what cross he is cos they want to buy one!!!:mad:

Point is you cannot guarantee what you are going to get with a cross breed and just cos a dog looks like the cutiest ball of hair around, doesn't mean it behaves cute!!

Editted to add and the old cross breeds and mutts are healther than pure bred...my poodle cross has PRA an inheritated disease which will see him blind before he's 8. How's that for healthy for a dog who's main love is chasing a ball?? Breaks my heart.
 
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Ive got a pure bred show type blue roan cocker. Have found the purebred cockers and poodles are much nicer than the cockerpoo. I wouldn't count on them being small either!!! Met one coming out of puppy class last Saturday. It completely dwarfed Pixel! They were both 5 months old and she must have been half Pixels height again!

Apparently even though this was a mini poodle to a small show type cocker, they can throw back to the standards and you end up with a small lab sized, high maintenced coated looney! It was sweet, but...I don't see the theory behind breeding 2 dogs that are essentially working dogs (as in Pixel is a show cocker but still has instincts like her working equivalent) and the outcome somehow able to just be a teddy :( every dog is a dog, and encouraging real life teddies is a very bad idea and it isn't a wonder why rescue centres are filling with them!

Saying that I can see the benefit of crosses. Not at the detriment of testing though.
However I have a fully tested (hip scored) lab with a double hip replacement and a fully tested (including DNA eye screening and all the tests done on the parents) cocker spaniel (that's Pixel) who is almost blind (can only see shadows and lights)

But I don't think expensive designers are better than a pure bred, as mostly they are bred for looks and money as occured to purpose. I think the priority is improving testing as occurred to crossing left right and centre to try and stop the problems.

I hope that made sense!

Elle
 
I am very sorry your dogs have had health problems Elle, but at least you can look at the lines and say 'well, I won't get from that combination again' - and hopefully the breeders will think that too!

Also, testing adds to the breed database, can help eliminate problem lines for the future and gives a much, much better chance that you will end up with a healthier dog, although of course, like in your own case, there are exceptions, but it is not a risk I would take, buying an unknown, untested dog of a breed prone to hereditary problems.
I'd rather rescue an unknown than pay for one!

Also, it's the parents that need to be hip scored, not the pups themselves, you can't get an accurate score under about 12 months.
 
Definately CC. Pixel defect was not testable and Mac the labs parents were hip scored, he was only X-rayed when he went lame. The labs obviously was but I find the idea of taking 2 'good looking dogs' and just crossing them together without any testing very scary when you consider that even 2 tested dogs can have offspring with problems.

Elle
 
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Glad it hasn't put you off!
With my two, I would do the same again in terms of buying from health-tested stock (but not from those lines :p) but for my next pups, I will ask to see the parents working :p
 
katielou said:
She meant that the dogs should be hip scored, eye and elbow tested at the very least. I doubt that you will find any one who breeds these designer breeds that does that.
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I thought that, too, until an acquaintance got a mini Labradoodle from this woman.

I still think designer crosses are a terrible idea, and I would much rather people go to rescue centres as a first port of call, but it did give me pause for thought.

http://www.logcabinlabradoodles.com/c-5-our-breeders.aspx
 
That has all the hallmarks of a puppy farm.

Health testing is done but why breed from a "fair" set of hips? Sounds like the testing is done more to up the price than raise the standards..... how many litters a year?
 
While I appreciate that they health test, the point is that you breed from the ones with good test results, and ten is a lorra, lorra breeding bitches, and if they are only breeding to their own males over and over, that's gonna cause a timebomb down the line.
 
"Our pet puppies sell for $2500.00, excluding shipping.
Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing a breeding puppy."

Wow. Lots of other random stuff on there - they spay and neuter the puppies before they go to homes, for example, presumably at 8 weeks? :confused:
 
UnaB said:
Just because the one you have met was so lovely doesnt mean one you go out and buy will be, thats the thing about crosses, you have no idea what you would end up with.

I find it sad that people will line the pockets of these greedy breeders who produce these "designer dogs" with no thought for the long term welfare of the dogs and no health testing in place. If you want a cute cross you'd be wise to look into rescues.
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I think it's just like any other breed, their temperment deepends on the dog itself, not its breed.

I have four dogs of the same breed, one's a attention lover, one's a flob, one likes to be left alone and the other is always full of energy.

:D
 
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