How to Become a Breeder of Cockapoo Dogs

The practice of "designer" breeding means the mixing of two complementary dog breeds. Breeders do this to achieve a combination of desired physical characteristics and personality traits. The cocker spaniel and poodle hybrid has been bred since the 1950s, and although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, breeders of these dogs may register with the North American Cockapoo Registry (NACR), which was founded in 1999. The NACR now documents first through sixth generation cockapoos, building a solid record and a healthy gene pool.

Things You'll Need

  • Female cockapoo
  • Application forms for NACR and other registries
  • List of other cockapoo breeders
  • Internet
  • Whelping facilites
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a female cockapoo from a reputable breeder. Check that the breeder is a member of the NACR and that the dog is registered with the organization. Trace the dog's background to ensure that its ancestors were sound specimens of either the hybrid or their original breeds.

    • 2

      Examine the genetic strengths and weaknesses of the hybrid and have your veterinarian check out the dog you bought to see if any of these are present. Contact other cockapoo breeders to find out what the traditional problem areas of the breed are.

    • 3

      Join the NACR and study its breed standard, which provides guidance on the body type, colors, size, markings, carriage and general appearance of the breed. Hybrid dogs have the potential to produce a wide range of colors and sizes, and dominant and recessive color genes may be difficult to anticipate.

    • 4

      Find a male cockapoo whose attributes complement those of your female. Male dogs can breed from the age of about nine months, while females should not breed until after the second heat, which occurs at the age of about one year. Arrange with the owners of the male dog to use the dog for stud when the time comes, negotiate the fee and draw up an agreement that summarizes the contract.

    • 5

      Evaluate the breeding pair. If they are second or third generation cockapoos, they should both exhibit some of the ideal characteristics as defined by the NACR breed standard. Look for balance; for example, if your female is large compared with the ideal, look for a smaller male whose size will help counter hers to produce smaller offspring.

    • 6

      Take both dogs to your veterinarian for a check-up, to ensure that they are healthy and fit for breeding. Mate them and prepare for the female to give birth. When the puppies are born, register them with the NACR and other registries of hybrid dogs, such as the International Designer Canine Registry.