Buying a Cockapoo Puppy? What to look for in a breeder

Posted on 17th September 2025

A very excited Cockapoo runs toward the camera

Is this the time to add a Cockapoo puppy to your family? It can be difficult to know where to start when looking for a breeder and knowing who to buy from and who to avoid.

Is this the time to add a Cockapoo puppy to your family? It can be difficult to know where to start when finding a reputable Cockapoo breeder. There are a number of factors to consider when searching. Worldwide, Cockapoo breeders have a mixed reputation, but with this guide you’ll have a checklist to ensure you choose a healthy Cockapoo puppy from a trusted Cockapoo breeder, giving your puppy the best start to life.

Is an F1 or F2 better?

Cockapoos are a cross between Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. F1 puppies mean you are getting a first cross so a direct mix of the 2 breeds.

Knowing whether your Cockapoo has working or show Cocker in them could be the difference between you owning a whirlwind or a couch potato. Working Cockers are generally busier and need structured exercise involving gun dog work, whereas Show line Cockers are a but more laid back. So do check this before committing, no matter how cute they are!

F2 puppies mean they are Cockapoos bred with Cockapoos so there is more dilution of the breeds. However, you may end up with more Cocker or more Poodle depending on the family tree so you can end up with variations in looks as well as coat (useful of you want allergy proof)

Many people will opt for an F1 puppies if they are looking for the poodle coat and a hypoallergenic coat but this will need more grooming over their lifetime.

Your breeder should be able to give you a family tree for your puppy and describe the traits and characteristics of the line. Histories are important in the behaviours you are going to see in your puppy. Nervousness and reactivity should NEVER play a role. Please ask for a family tree document.

 

Are there any bad things about Cockapoos?

As a result of being a mix of 2 breeds, genetic problems of each breed can be seen in some puppies. All breeders have a duty to test for genetic diseases prevalent in Cockapoos and should give you papers of proof.

Testing should include

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Luxating Patella
  • Von Willebrand Disease
  • Acral Mutilation Syndrome

The coat of a Cockapoo will need regular grooming and often more frequently than other breeds. Make sure you factor this cost in before purchasing. You will need to learn how to maintain the coat in between grooming appointments.

Cockapoos like to have things in their mouths. This makes them quite bitey as puppies and experts at stealing things. Don't be surprised if your hands and clothes look like a war zone.

As a highly intelligent breed, Cockapoos love to work and train. Look at how to meet all their needs and not just exercise if you are getting one and be prepared to train them to be the dog you want them to be.

For more details on the bad things about Cockapoos, read my blog here

What should my Cockapoo breeder do?

We know that the most important time for socialisation and habituation is before you even bring your puppy home so this means that this needs to start at the breeders. Here are some of the things you should look for your breeder to be doing.

  • Introducing household sounds
  • Introducing other animals
  • Introducing people
  • Sitting in the car
  • Introducing surfaces, textures and heights
  • Toilet training
  • Handling and grooming
  • Stress immunisation (a daily brief amount of time on their own)
  • Feeding the puppies separately to monitor eating amounts and toileting
  • Microchipping
  • Vet visit for first vaccinations

If this not happening, and you are unable to see your puppy in the litter,  have concerns about the environment they are being raised in or the health of the puppy, please walk away.

It can be difficult to view the Dad of the puppies but you should always be able to see the Mum. Any breeder who wants to meet you in a carpark to hand over the puppy is a huge red flag. Avoid at all costs.

You should feel able to visit and welcome with regular updates about your puppy being given. A great breeder will be in contact for a long time. Even better, they ask you to sign a contract that the puppy returns to them should there be any change in your circumstances.

What questions should I ask my Cockapoo breeder?

As well as covering all the points rasied above do ask the following

  • Information on genetic testing
  • How are the puppies weaned and fed?
  • What socialisation have they had?
  • Microchipping
  • Immunisations
  • What happens if we can't keep the puppy?
  • Make sure you see the Mum interacting with the puppies
  • Ask about the birth experience
  • What is the breeding of the puppies? (inbred puppies are an alarm bell)
  • How many puppies?
  • How old is Mum and how many litters has she had?
  • Details of the Dad

A good breeder will check out everyone who wants a puppy as they will care about where their puppies go. They should ask you questions about:

  • Space and accommodation
  • Finances and insurance
  • Experience and ongoing plans
  • Intention to breed (a good breeder will ask you to sign to say you won’t breed)
  • Time and jobs
  • Other dogs/animals

Be prepared to answer questions like this and to share your plans for bringing your puppy home. Alarm bells should sound if the breeder does not ask you anything, please consider walking away if they are not concerned where the puppies lifetime homes are going to be.

 

What does the law say about buying a puppy?

There are legal requirements of a breeder as well as some things you should check to protect yourself:

  • All puppies (unless too tiny breeds) must be microchipped before leaving to live with you
  • All puppies should have received their first set of vaccinations and been seen by a vet

If your puppy does not have the above, please walk away

To protect yourself, also look for the following:

  • Proof of breeding – a family tree
  • Insurance
  • Details of feeding, toileting and medical interventions (worming and flea treatments)
  • Signature to say you will not breed
  • Signature to say they will take the puppy back for life should your circumstances change
  • Ongoing contact details (some will change phone numbers once the puppies have gone)
  • Recommendations and testimonials
  • Putting you in contact with people who have puppies from previous litters
  • Seeing both Dam and Sire
  • Details of how puppies were weaned
  • Information on how they have socialised, trained and brought up the puppies

There are still lots of puppy farms around.

As a rule of thumb, if you do not feel welcome and a new member of the family or you feel sorry for the puppies, please walk away and stop these people from breeding again.

GOOD BREEDERS HAVE A WAITING LIST

I strongly suggest you keep a copy of this guide on you when you go to meet your breeder and view the puppies.Â