The Hypoallergenic Myth

One of the first facts people come out with about Cockapoos is, they are hypoallergenic! It has become something of a self-perpetuating myth. And it isn’t true.

People who suffer from allergies and want a dog, sensibly research dog breeds that shed less than other breeds. The key phrase here is shed less.

Cockapoos, because of the Poodle parent, do shed less than most dogs. And that is a reason Poodles are a popular dog to breed (also because of their intelligence).

But adverts that proclaim the virtue of Cockapoos, as “suitable for people with allergies” are making a false statement.

Why it’s a ridiculous statement to make

There are a number of reasons its wrong for breeders to advertise the hypoallergenic myth.

• Due to the variations in a Cockapoo coat, it’s hard to predict what sort of coat the puppy will grow into.
• There are considerable variations of coat type within every litter
• The coat will vary dependant on whether the pup is a first cross (F1) or second or third cross (F2-3)
• A Cockapoo may not shed much (like a Poodle), or he may shed more like a Cocker.

Don’t be fooled by a Cockapoo puppy. Little puppies don’t shed, but when their adult coat comes in it may well provoke an allergic reaction.

Allergy testing

There is a series of allergens (other than a Cockapoo’s coat) that can set off someone’s allergies. Dander (scales of dead skin), saliva and urine can easily trigger a reaction.

If you are prone to allergies and really want a dog, this is the best advice for you to follow:

• Do choose a breed with a Poodle or Schnauzer Parent as they are low shedders and come in three sizes all the way down to miniature. The smaller the dog = less hair to shed.
• Contact someone that has the breed you’re interested in and ask if you can visit or borrow the dog for a few hours. Make sure that is the only pet around, so you’re sure no other pets are triggering a reaction.

Remember that allergy testing with puppies is pointless because puppies don’t shed hair.

If you have a preference for a particular coat type, fleece for example, spend time with a Cockapoo with that coat type. A Wavy or Flat Coat Cockapoo will shed more as they are closer genetically to the Cocker Spaniel. So, find a friend or breeder who can give you exposure to that coat type.

Once you’re with the dog

When you meet the dog, he will probably want to greet you so give him a good stroke and let him lick your hands. It’s important you let him lick your bare skin to see if you have a reaction to the saliva. Bring your licked hand up and touch your cheeks.

And remember to take your allergy medicine with you in case you do have a reaction.

Only after 24 hours of having no symptoms can you consider yourself okay as having no reaction.

TIPS

• If you are prone to allergies I recommend having your Cockapoo groomed away from your home to avoid hair and allergens circulating.
• The fleece style Cockapoo Coat should ideally be clipped short to prevent carrying allergens on the coat put there from licking.
• Once allergy season kicks in, bathe your Cockapoo frequently to get rid of pollen and other allergens from the coat.
• There are wet-wipes available designed to remove allergens from the coat between bath times.

Do take the time to allergy check yourself and your family for the dog breed and Coat type you are interested in. There’s nothing worse than giving a dog a home then having to give him up because of an allergic reaction. It is avoidable.

If you do react to a dog’s saliva or urine, you probably won’t ever find a suitable dog.

further reading

http://www.cockapooclubgb.co.uk/hypoallergenic.html

The Cockapoo Problem That Needs To Be Addressed

When Cockapoo owners talk about common Cockapoo problems, separation anxiety inevitably comes up.

Most dogs get very attached to their owner they can’t stand to be on their own. This is not uniquely a Cockapoo problem, but the Cockapoo is known to suffer particularly from separation anxiety. This is because smaller breeds of dog have been bred as companion dogs. As well as this, all dogs are pack animals that love company and family bonds.

Being apart is emotionally difficult for you the owner- and even worse for your dog. In fact, it’s just total panic for a dog that has never been taught to cope on his own.

Your prevention of separation anxiety needs to start the moment you first bring him home as a puppy or adult dog. This lesson will actually teach your Cockapoo to look forward to the time he is by himself.

5 Steps To Overcome separation anxiety

1. First of all get some baby gates installed around your house.
2. Give your Cockapoo something really nice to chew (the kong for example stuffed with treats) and leave him to it.
3. Leave via the baby gate and allow him to enjoy his reward.
4. To start with go to the end of the garden or around the block.
5. Keep doing this each day and increase the time you are away.

By gradually leaving him alone with something tasty for him you’re teaching him the coping strategies to stay on his own. He is learning ‘alone time’ is normal and part of his routine. Teaching this is going to save you both so much anxiety and stress- it’s essential training for the Cockapoo.

Cockapoo Problems and training programmes

Like all problem behaviours dogs can exhibit like nuisance barking, pulling on the lead, and not returning when called; a structured training program is needed. I’m always amazing why dog owners are reluctant to put the effort in at the beginning when the rewards are so great for life!

Resources

Get started in Dog Training

Introducing The Cockador

A friend of mine recently bought a Cockador puppy and I was so impressed with how adorable it is I had to update my Cockapoo friends.

There is not much information about the origins of the Cockador. What I can determine by looking at Google search statistics is the term ‘Cockador’ first began to be searched on in 2005.

A Cockador is a hybrid dog similar to the Cockapoo. You may have made an educated guess that if a Cocker Spaniel is bred with a Labrador Cockador puppy is produced.

Retrievers and Labradors are known to be the most over-bred dogs, so instilling some hybrid vigor, by bringing in another blood line and strengthening the genetics with a Cocker parent is a good idea.

Cockador Temperament

You need to mindful that Labradors are gun dogs. This means they are going to have a strong retrieving instincts. Their friendly temperament has led The Labrador to be a popular choice as a disability assistance dog. We can deduce from this the Cockador will have the same friendly and trainable temperament that the Labrador is famous for.

Cocker Spaniels were also bred as hunting dogs so this retrieving characteristic is going to be enhanced further. You may want to check if the parents come from ‘Working’ or ‘Show’ stock as working dogs have a lot of energy and need a lot of exercise (think two-three outings a day).

Sizes and Colours

Cockadors will be smaller than the average Labrador which may be desirable for many people.

Brown, chocolate, blond and black are the most usual colours but again the Cocker influence will mean other colours will emerge such as bridle, roan and red tones. Depending on which parent they take after they will have a short lab coat or perhaps a slightly longer wavy coat.

Breeders

Since Cockadors are in their infancy as a breed, a first cross (F1) puppy will be most common. This means that both parent dogs would be registered with the Kennel Clubso do check the available records to ensure both parents are healthy.

Follow all the normal advice when choosing a puppy. If you need to read up try both of these guides.

RSPCA Advice

The Dogs Trust

Thank you to Rebecca Wright for the photos!

Are you looking to Re-home or Rescue a Cockapoo?

Many people looking for a Cockapoo would like to rescue a dog. But where should you start your search? Rescue Cockapoos are in demand but don’t expect to be offered a puppy.

What is Respite Care

Dog Shelters

Rescue Cockapoo Questions

• Do they have a clean premises
• Are all dogs have up to date vaccinations and deworming
• Do they micro chip all dogs
• Do they spay and neuter all dogs
• Have they assessed using a true temperament test
• Will they take the dog back if things don’t work out
• Do they have a adoption application
• Do they charge reasonable adoption fees
• Do they charge reasonable transportation fees

Resources:

Share your Cockapoo to benefit others

A therapy dog is a dog that is used to benefit a person in a therapeutic way. Obviously some breeds lend themselves to this more than others.

Cockapoos provide much happiness to their owners sometimes people want to share their love and good nature with others. You may have heard of the pat and stroke schemes.

Essentially though many dog breeds that have a suitable disposition can be a therapy dog. The deciding factor is whether they are suitable for the purpose that is required. Factors to consider are your Cockapoo’s age, temperament, health, and level of basic obedience training.

Benefits of a Therapy dog

• Physical –occupational therapists sometimes include a dog in a patient’s treatment plan. A common exercise might be bending down, holding a brush and brushing the dog’s coat– a simple but enjoyable exercise.
• Psychological – lap dogs can: increase self-esteem; ease stress after trauma and help with self-confidence and provide much needed companionship after a bereavement. Dogs are also sometimes used to improve the mood of children in paediatric hospitals.
• Social – animals can act as a social enhancer and help people adjust to a new environments and make meeting new people less daunting. The SCAS conducts research into these benefits.

Can my Cockapoo become a therapy dog?

It really depends on what you want him to do. In the UK there are two main organisations that manage visiting programmes along with some other therapeutic activities. The charity Pets as therapy will do an assessment with your Cockapoo to determine his suitability to take part in any specific activity. I recommend contacting them if you would like to explore this further.

Is a therapy dog an assistance dog?

No. Therapy dogs are not classified as assistance dogs. This is because an assistance dog is trained to carry out special tasks to aid a disabled person. They’re generally qualified by organisations registered as members of Assistance Dogs UK.

Where can I get my Cockapoo trained as a therapy dog?

The SCAS runs fun interactive courses. You can register you interest here.

Summary

Getting your Cockapoo trained as a therapy dog is lovely thing to do for those in need and also helps spread the knowledge about the benefits of our wonderful Cockapoo breed. It may be worth a try!

Cockapoo Health Problems

Like all dogs, Cockapoos are susceptible to some genetic diseases. The parent breeds used to produce a F1 (or first cross) Cockapoo puppy will pass on hereditary diseases if not tested for breeding suitability.

This is the same for all dogs but the list below is particular for Cockapoo Parent dogs (the male and female are known as dams and sires or stud dogs ). If health tests are not carried out before breeding, the breeder and the eventual owner of the Cockapoo puppy might unknowingly be accepting a Cockapoo with health issues in later life.

As a buyer, it’s far better to understand what testing you should insist on seeing original written documentation for, rather than risk having Cockapoo health concerns as your puppy matures.

Below is a list of the most prevalent diseases to scrutinize to ensure you buy a healthy Cockapoo!

Four month old cockapoo puppy

Prcd-PRA – (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)

What is it: A genetic disorder that causes blindness. Cells at the back of the retina gradually decay and die leaving the dog suffering from night blindness and most likely full blindness by end of life.

Onset age: Early adolescence / adulthood

Symptoms: Night blindness, gradual short slightness

Cure: No

Prevention: Test parents before breeding

Parent dogs affected: American Cocker Spaniel / English Shower Cocker / English Working Cocker / Miniature Poodle / Toy Poodle

Health testing: Always. For all registered cockapoos one parent must be clear.

FN – Familial Nephropathy

What is it: A recessive inherited disease that destroys nephrons (cell structure that makes up the kidney)

Onset age: six to 24 months of age

Symptoms: drinks more, urinates more, weight loss, lack of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea

Cure: No

Prevention: Test parents before breeding

Parent dogs affected: English Shower Cocker / English Working

Heath Testing: Always – Always for all registered Cockapoos. (F1 and poodle back crosses are exempt) carrying English Show & Working Cocker Spaniel genes, must have one parent clear/normal.

Phosphofructokinase (PFK)

What is it: Phosphofructokinase (PFK) is an essential enzyme needed to produce energy. The disease occurs when the gene mutates and stops producing energy from sugar sources within the dog.

Onset age: adolescence / adulthood

Cure: none

Symptoms: jaundice, sudden weakness, cramping, and anemia

Prevention: health testing

Parent dogs affected: American Cocker Spaniel

Health testing: Always for all registered Cockapoos. (F1 and poodle back crosses are exempt) carrying American Cocker Spaniel genes must have one parent clear/normal.

Glaucoma

What is it: Primary Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure build up within the eye. It is classified as either primary or secondary. The eye’s drainage becomes blocked, but the eye keeps making fluid. As a result, pressure on the eye increases.

Secondary glaucoma

What is it: Occurs when other eye diseases cause fluid drainage problems. With secondary glaucoma be watchful for eye inflammation, cataracts, retinal detachment and movement of the lens.

Onset age: Adolescence / adulthood

Cure: It is crucial to determine if the dog is affected by primary or secondary glaucoma. The treatment needed and the prognosis for vision is different for each type.

Symptoms: Can start in just one eye

Prevention: Annual vet check-up can prevent secondary glaucoma. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) also have a scheme for specialist Canine Opthalomogist. A manual examination of the eye needs to be done.

Parent dogs affected: American Cocker Spaniel / English Shower Cocker / English Working Cocker / Miniature Poodle / Toy Poodle

Health testing: Preferable

Von Willebrand disease TYPE 1 (vWD1)

What is it: A bleeding disorder. vWD1 is a protein that enables blood clotting.

Onset age: Early adolescence / adulthood. Often discovered after nail trimming, teething, spaying, sterilizing, tail docking, cropping

Cure: Type 1 is only results in mild bleeding. Type 2&3 are more severe and bleeding can occur in intestines, stomach, urinary tracts, genitals and joints

Symptoms: Spontaneous bleeding from the nose, gum and other mucous membranes. Excessive bleeding occurs after an injury, trauma or a surgery.

Prevention: Testing before breeding

Parent dogs affected: Miniature Poodle

Health testing: Advisable

Hip dysplasia

What is it: Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development within the hip joint, which leads to deformity in the joint.

Onset age: 14 to 26 weeks of age. The developmental ‘primary’ changes appear first. The secondary changes may be referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease or Osteo Arthrosis or Osteo-Arthritis.

Cure: Hereditary hip dysplasia is not curable. Secondary hip dysplasia can be treated as its primary cause is wear and tear

Symptoms: As Hip dysplasia can include joint looseness (laxity), inflammation, pain, new bone formation and bone erosion, changes in gait to pronounced lameness, stiffness after exercise.

Prevention: Not over exercising, particularly developing puppies in their first year.

Hip Score

BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme scores radio graphs. The lower the ‘hip score’ the less the better. The minimum (best) score for each hip is zero and the maximum (or least desirable) is 53, giving a range for the total score of 0 to 106.

Sires (fathers) to be bred from should ideally be ones whose offspring have consistently low scores. The same selection procedure should be used for breeding bitches, since the use of animals with higher scores will increase the risk of producing offspring with higher scores.

For fees and further information contact: CHS, 7 Mansfield Street, London, W1G 9NQ. Tel 020 7908 6380 Email chs@bva.co.uk / www.bva.co.uk/chs

The breed mean score: The suggested mean score for Cockapoos is 12/13.

Parent dogs affected: American Cocker Spaniel / English Shower Cocker / English Working Cocker / Miniature Poodle / Toy Poodle

Health testing: Advised

[see diet and Hip Dysplasia]

Retinal Dysplasia

What is it: Retinal dysplasia appears as streaks and dots in the central retina affecting a dog’s eye site. Most cases are hereditary.

Onset age: Adult dogs

Symptoms: Mild retinal dysplasia may not show symptoms. In dogs with more severe cases, the symptoms may include being afraid of the dark (even inside the house), bumping into things and noticeable visual impairment.

Cure: None

Prevention: Other than an inherited condition, retinal dysplasia may be bought on by prenatal infections like the the Herpes-virus. Herpes-virus causes inflammation of the eye and retinal dysplasia may develop later on in life. Also Parvo-virus and exposure to toxins can cause retinal dysplasia in dogs.

Parent dogs affected: American Cocker Spaniel

Health testing: Advisable

Summary

Most Cockapoo health problems can be avoided by Cockapoo Breeders UK. Why roll the dice and buy a puppy off the internet – it will probably end in heart break