Advice on purchasing a Cross Breed

Raksha

It costs as much to breed a litter of 'designer dogs' as it does to raise a litter of 'pedigree' (or 'pure bred') dogs if you do it well - 'mongrels' aren't less to worm, vet check etc.. BUT, just as with some breeders of pure bred dogs being little more than 'puppy farms', so are some breeders of 'designer dogs'. The biggest problem is both will charge the same - it's up to you to do your homework (which you are doing, well done). I know many Labradoodle breeders who are taking extraodinary time and effort (and expense) to breed a 'type' (Scruffy or fleece or wool coats) which will make a good domestic pet - socialisation, house training, temperament etc. These breeders will say NO if you go in waving £5 notes if they don't think you are the right owner for their dogs. Are you guys trying to tell me that ALL pure bred breeders are doing the same?

krlyr

Raksha wrote: »

Are you guys trying to tell me that ALL pure bred breeders are doing the same?

Nope, I don't see that anyone is - if you check my posts you'll see I've given pretty much the same advice to anyone after a purebred dog. I would just suggest OP takes slightly more care because the whole poodle cross thing is the big fad lately - but I'd recommend the same with any fad breed, e.g. someone wanting a purebred Staffie - bound to be a greater percentage of irresponsible breeders than in a less popular breed like the Dandie Dinmont terrier.
Like I've said, there are breeders aiming to breed a new "type" and I've suggested OP question this breeder on their intentions - but OP says that the breeder is just breeding a purebred Cav to a purebred mini Poodle, which would not suggest they're aiming to create a new breed as such. Maybe they are, and they're just starting out, but it would ring alarm bells if they're just creating a first generation cross because the resulting pups will vary so much and I would wonder what the breeder thinks they're achieving if they're not going to progress the lines with further generations.

OP, I would suggest that as well as asking the breeder what health tests they do, I would ask to see proof - paperwork showing results or maybe see if there's an online register where you can check the results. Not saying that this breeder is iffy but many are clocking on to the fact that the general public are asking these sorts of questions. I've heard of many breeders falsely claiming to have done health tests or to be Kennel Club accredited, to have their puppies vet checked, etc. when they haven't been - don't just take their word for it. A decent breeder will be impressed with your dedication/thoroughness, a dodgy breeder will probably become defensive and try to make out that you're going over the top.

monicaj

Oh - thank you all so very much for your advice. Jeez - I thought I had done so much research but you have all given me so much to consider. I'm sorry I haven't responded to you all individually but I have read (and printed) all your posts to consider further. I would like to think we are in a better place to make an informed decision and may be in a position to home our first puppy/dog by early/mid spring - rest assured I will keep you updated and no doubt continue with many questions.

In the meantime - I'm sorry if I have been disrespectful/defensive in any of my posts - I've obviously perceived (incorrectly) comments which are meant as "best advice" as being condesceding :think:

Thank you all so much Monica and family ....

Caroline_a

Early/mid spring is the best time to get a pup! Nice light mornings, not too cold to be waiting outside in pj's while said pup 'performs'!! Far better than now!

Sally_A

Agree monicaj, it is a minefield and so many options. Hope you find the right dog for you soon. I think deep down, you will know when you find the right one, regardless of breed, there is a strange indescribable bonding moment when you know you've found a soulmate.

Good Luck!

hm71_2

Jenny_Wren wrote: »

I also have a cavachon who we paid £450 for three years ago. She's a lovely dog and I think that its a really nice cross. Although I know that not all crosses are successful I am very happy with my dog. I do have to keep trimming her coat though as she turns into a mop otherwise! She needs lots of grooming to keep on top of the mats which form no matter how short I keep her coat. Finding a breeder who does health checks is the hardest bit. My advice, find adverts (Don't tell anyone but pets4homes usually have cavachons and cavapoo's for sale) and phone asking lots of questions about what health checks have been done and don't go to see any puppies unless you are happy with the answers otherwise you'll bring one home anyway!

when we got our cavachon our friend whose bichon it was referred people to our cavaliers facebook page- he is a very spoilt baby- i would not have let our dog stud if i wasnt happy with the care that the bichon owner would take-ours is a mop too constant grooming & trimming you certainly need to be dedicated