Cockapoos are a remarkable breed that brings an abundance of love and affection to every family they join. These delightful dogs are the offspring of a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel, blending warmth, intelligence, and an eager-to-learn attitude. Are you thinking about Cockapoo breeding?
To guarantee success, there are several crucial steps to follow, such as choosing parents with exceptional genes, temperaments, and coats. Once your little bundles of joy arrive, it’s essential to promote and find caring homes for your Cockapoo puppies!
I have put together an extensive guide packed with valuable insights and suggestions for those interested in breeding Cockapoos. After studying its contents, you’ll be well-prepared and ready to welcome an adorable litter of Cockapoo puppies into the world.
Have Your Dogs Genetically Tested
The first step in breeding Cockapoos is to make sure both parent dogs undergo testing for potential genetic issues. Fortunately, a dog’s DNA remains constant throughout its life, so you can test them even if they’re a few years old.
Embark is a leading genetic lab for canines, offering essential information about your dogs and determining their suitability for breeding.
When it comes to your Cocker Spaniel, it’s vital to screen for diseases like Familial Nephropathy and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. Additionally, check for any eye-related issues, including prcd-PRA and cataracts.
For your Poodle, be sure to test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD), and Neonatal Encephalopathy with Seizures. Also, examine them for potential joint issues like Hip Dysplasia and Patellar Luxation.
Keep in mind that Cockapoos inherit traits from both parent breeds, so it’s essential to test for all the diseases mentioned above.
Another important aspect to consider is whether your dog, its parents, or grandparents have a merle coat. If so, it’s crucial to test for the presence of the merle gene. Refrain from breeding two merle carriers, as it can result in offspring with a higher risk of health issues, including deafness, blindness, and other potential complications.
Decide Which Generation You Want to Breed
It’s time to determine the generation of Cockapoo you want to breed. Depending on the generation, your puppies may require coat testing to help predict the type of coat they’re likely to inherit.
When breeding a Cocker Spaniel or a Poodle with a Cockapoo, coat testing is not necessary. However, if you decide to breed two Cockapoos, it becomes crucial to perform coat testing.
Here’s a quick reference for when to conduct Cockapoo coat testing and when it can be skipped:
- Breeding a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle results in an F1 Cockapoo, and no testing is needed.
- Breeding an F1 Cockapoo and Poodle produces an F1b Cockapoo, and no testing is needed.
- Breeding two F1 Cockapoos creates an F2 Cockapoo, and coat testing is highly recommended for the F1b parent.
What is Coat Testing?
Coat testing is all about checking your furry friend’s DNA to identify any traits that have two copies. This test is especially important when breeding two Cockapoos, as it helps figure out if they have the furnishing or improper coat trait.
Another key test for your dog is the shed locus test, which is highly recommended. Embark offers coat testing services alongside their genetic testing options, giving you more information about shed locus and improper coats.
This can help you get a better idea of your Cockapoo’s coat and how much they’re likely to shed.
Should I Have Coat Testing Done for My Male Cockapoo?
While coat testing usually focuses on the female dog, it’s a good idea to have the male undergo coat testing too. If other breeders show interest in using your Cockapoo as a stud for their own litter, providing detailed information about him is a big plus.
This can help ensure that the puppies he helps create are healthy and have lovely coats.
Evaluate Their Personalities
Inviting a skilled trainer or animal behaviorist to evaluate your Cockapoo can give you a clearer understanding of its true temperament. Another option is to look into getting the Canine Good Citizen certification for your dog from the AKC.
The goal of this assessment is to make sure that future owners of your adorable Cockapoo puppies can be confident in their good temperament. Plus, it ensures that an unbiased expert doesn’t miss any temperament traits you might have overlooked.
Just like genetic testing, temperament evaluation can be done at any age. Be sure to complete this process before starting your Cockapoo breeding adventure to ensure that you’re breeding healthy puppies with fantastic temperaments.
Get Your Cockapoo OFA Tested
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) offers health tests specially designed for Cockapoos. Fill out the relevant forms and count on your regular vet to perform cardiac and patella luxation tests (which can be done any time after your dog turns one year old) during routine visits.
Once the forms are completed, send them to the OFA along with the required fee to be added to their database. Next, find a vet who is registered with the OFA, experienced in OFA films, and skilled in hip and elbow dysplasia x-rays for your furry friend.
Try not to schedule a hip x-ray for your female Cockapoo if they’re about to go into heat or are currently in heat, as hormonal changes might affect joint laxity.
Don’t forget to include the AKC registration or OFA numbers of your Cockapoo’s parents on the form if they have undergone OFA testing before. This step is essential for studs and breeders planning to sell their puppies to other breeders.
The OFA forms you’ll need are the Cardiac Form, Patella Luxation Form, and Hips/Elbows Dysplasia Form.
Take Pictures of The Dogs You Plan on Breeding
When it comes to breeding your furry friend, don’t forget to take some great photos! This is an important step to showcase the charm and appeal of your Cockapoo.
Taking pictures of your dog is not only limited to the parents, you also need to capture photos of your litter of puppies. These pictures can help in promoting your puppies and reach out to potential buyers.
Let’s be honest, who can resist the cuteness of a group of adorable puppies? High-quality photographs of your Cockapoo puppies can attract buyers and help them visualize how amazing these pups are.
Make sure to take photographs from various angles and capture the unique characteristics of each puppy. With outstanding photos, you’ll be able to ensure that your Cockapoo puppies will find their forever homes with loving and responsible owners.
Consult an Experienced Veterinarian
When it comes to choosing a veterinarian for your expectant Cockapoo, it’s crucial to find someone who’s not only knowledgeable but also experienced in caring for pregnant dogs.
Keep in mind that not all vets are prepared or experienced enough to deal with a litter of tiny puppies. A calm and collected demeanor is essential when performing health checks, giving vaccinations, and potentially inserting microchips.
A vet who can answer your questions and guide you throughout the breeding process is truly invaluable. Aim to find a reproductive veterinarian who can provide support and assistance whenever you need it.
These specialists can also recommend places for your Cockapoo to get OFA x-rays, which help ensure your puppies are healthy and carry desirable traits.
When searching for the perfect vet, look for someone with a solid reputation and who can provide references from other breeders or dog owners.
Get the Proper Supplies
Once you’ve taken care of all the preparations for breeding your Cockapoo, it’s time to gather the necessary supplies for your soon-to-be puppies. Get a whelping box for the newborn pups and some washable cloth for bedding, just in case mama decides to give birth outside the box.
Have small cloths ready for cleaning and a bulb suction for breathing assistance. Disposable gloves are a smart choice for keeping everything clean and sterile around newborn pups.
Don’t forget a warming pad! Newborn puppies are sensitive to cold, so keeping them warm and snuggly is important for their health and happiness.
And let’s not forget about mom! Have some tasty treats prepared for her to help her stay hydrated and refreshed after giving birth. Some popular choices include broth, cottage cheese, vanilla ice cream, and plain yogurt.
If your male dog is part of the breeding process, consider getting artificial insemination kits to make things easier if he’s inexperienced or unable to achieve a tie with his mate.
Preparing for new puppies can be a lot to handle, but with the right supplies and equipment, you’ll be all set to give your Cockapoo and her puppies the best care possible.
Make sure everything is organized and ready to go before the big day arrives.
Advertise Your Pups!
Cockapoo puppies are undeniably adorable, but as a responsible breeder, your top priority is to find loving homes for them. Spread the word about your puppies through various channels and use eye-catching pictures to draw in potential buyers.
Think about tapping into local pet groups and dog-lover communities on social media platforms like Facebook to reach more people. Posting updates and pictures of your cute Cockapoo puppies can help spark interest and generate leads.
If you’re planning to become a professional breeder with multiple litters of Cockapoo puppies, consider setting up your own website. It’s an excellent way to connect with a wider audience and share more information about your breeding program. You can even include ads to earn some extra income.
There are also specialized websites for advertising puppies, like PuppySpot, these platforms can be effective in finding potential buyers for your pups.
Stay proactive and inventive in your advertising efforts to help your Cockapoo puppies find their forever homes.
By utilizing a mix of online and offline channels, you’ll boost your chances of connecting with the perfect buyers for your puppies.
Follow the Laws
As a responsible Cockapoo breeder, it’s vital to make sure you’re abiding by the breeding laws and regulations in your area. Keep in mind that every state, county, and city may have specific rules that need to be followed when breeding dogs.
Before diving into the breeding process, take some time to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations where you live. This will help you avoid potential complications and legal issues down the road.
It’s important to remember that some areas might have restrictions on the number of dogs you can breed or the number of litters you can produce in a year. Others may require breeders to obtain special licenses or permits before they can start breeding.
By staying informed about the laws and regulations in your area, you can ensure that you’re operating legally and ethically as a Cockapoo breeder.
Conclusion
These are just a few considerations to keep in mind when breeding your own Cockapoos.
By following this guide, you should have a solid understanding of the steps required to prepare for breeding your very own Cockapoo puppies.
Sources
- American Kennel Club (AKC) – Breeding Your Dog: A Comprehensive Guide URL: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/breeding-your-dog-a-comprehensive-guide/
- The Kennel Club UK – Breeding from your dog URL: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeding/breeding-from-your-dogs/
- The University of California, Davis – Veterinary Genetics Laboratory URL: https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years, I’ve tried many different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have the utmost praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs absolutely love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that it requires a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
