Cocapoo

I am looking for a cocapoo. Does anyone know of a breeder that is well known of Long Island. My friend keeps telling me not to go through a store like Shake a Paw or The Puppy Store in Merrick. I just do not know what to do. Thanks

Re: Cocapoo

Check out the "Pet Peeves" post at the top of this forum page.

Re: Cocapoo

Thank you

Re: Cocapoo

There is no such thing as a reputable breeder for a cockapoo.

Re: Cocapoo

Where is the best place to get one then? We need " hypoallergenic" dog that is not too big.

Re: Cocapoo

Re: Cocapoo

Cockapoos aren't a recognized breed from the AKC so anyone who breeds them is not considered a reputable breeder (I guess to some people)

However, if you really want one (I have one) , I think the best way to ensure that you are not supporting a puppymill is to do the following:

- choose a local breeder (you don't want to get your dog from someone who will just hrow a puppy on a plane and send him off to you)
- choose a breeder that does not breed more than 2 breeds
- go visit the house where the dogs are bred. Make sure you see the mother and she looks healthy.
- Make sure the puppies are being socialized.

I think that is the best you can do. Good luck.

This place seems decent. I like the fact that they have a "restrictions" section. Maybe some other people on here can give their opinion (Goobster & Greenfreak) They know a lot more about this stuff than I do. I learned a lot from them.

MulberryFarms

Message edited 12/31/2010 12:23:39 PM.

Re: Cocapoo

Thanks Denise

There is a whole world of dog breeding that the uninitiated don't know much about. I found out a lot over the years, when we were looking for our own dogs, and from researching new fads like designer mixes (cockapoo, puggle, chiweenie, etc.)

A good breeder doesn't make much money. They spend thousands on things like health clearances, researching the breed, learning about temperament and personality for use in a breeding program, veterinary care and testing, responsible breeding programs, upkeep, shots, and the cost of their recreational involvement in the breed like conformation dog shows, agility trials, rally obedience competitions, dock diving.

A backyard breeder starts as a novelty (wouldn't these two dogs make cute puppies?) or a money making endeavor (wouldn't these cute puppies make us lots of money?). They come up with new ways to make their business and product attractive to people, by mixing unknown breed mixes with unknown heritage and health problems, and giving them cutesy names. They bank on trends and people who don't research dogs but prefer something that looks good.

To expand on this, here's a great link someone posted a while back: What is a puppy mill?

If you're concerned about allergies or breathing problems, there are breeds out there that may fit the bill, but it's no guarantee. My nephew has both so my sister got a Bouvier Flanders upon the advice of someone saying it was hypoallergenic. My nephew had issues, and my husband had severe problems - and he doesn't react that way to most dogs!

So the best thing to do is look for ones that claim to be somewhat hypoallergenic and take it with a grain of salt until you can prove that there won't be a reaction.

Here is a list to get you started.

There are some really great looking dogs on that list. The best way to go, to make sure you're not funding the terrible world of abuse via puppy mills and backyard breeders, is to look for these breeds on Petfinder or find a great purebreed breeder. It would be very smart of you to find out what their typical personality aspects are for the breed, upkeep, issues they have trouble dealing with, and then meet them in person for a significant amount of time before making a decision.

The reason why there are so many on Petfinder is the people who don't research the right way to get a dog are usually the same ones to get rid of it when they find out it's sick, has genetic defects, or has needs like training, exercise and medical care. Sad, but true. At least if you got a mixed breed from Petfinder, you're not adding your money to the millions that the mills and byb's make every year - you're adopting a dog that someone else bought irresponsibly.

I realize this is a HUGE post and it can be a lot to take in. But we have helped a lot of people go through the process and answer questions about everything during it, so please don't hesitate to ask.

Message edited 12/31/2010 1:24:12 PM.

Re: Cocapoo

Re: Cocapoo

poodles, bichons, maltese, yorkies... these are all great breeds for people with allergies. There are other breeds too. I agree with the the other poster who suggested petfinder. It is great for rescue dogs... you may even find the breed you were looking for (cocapoo) if it has been rescued from a mill.

However, nothing is a sure deal when it comes to allergies. The saliva still got my dad with our standard poodle... so he always had to wash his hands after petting her.

Re: Cocapoo

I got mine from a breeder in NJ. Its only like an hour from LI. Let me know if you want the info.