posted 02-12-2004 06:59 AM         

My hubs and i have been thinking about getting a puppy for about 2years now.

Since then, we've been researching breeds/mixed breeds, to find a pup that that would be suitable to us, and vice versa. We plan to purchase in spring/summer.

Before we purchase, it's a toss-up between: a Cockapoo (mini/toy) and a Shih-poo (mini/toy) (maybe maybe even a Schnoodle.. but that's a remote 3rd possibility).

Most descriptions about either hybrid are usually on websites hosted by breeders/stores.

i'd truly truly appreciate feedback from fellow posters regarding either/both breeds: temperament, puppy-hood, adult-hood, health issues etc. What to avoid.. what to look forward to. We will of course be avoiding the pet stores.

Thank you so much, and i look forward to any response.

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"The World is but One Country, and Mankind its Citizens." Baha'u'llah

posted 02-12-2004 09:56 AM         

I don't think I am going to be much help, because I'm not a Shih-poo owner just yet... will be in a couple of months though!

I researched different breeds and mixes for about a year and a half.. the Schnoodle was the front runner until I came across Shih-poos!

Unfortunetly, there are no books about Shih-poos, so I just read all about the Poodle and Shih Tzu and figure I'll get anything in between!

That's the best I can suggest you do. Last weekend I picked up the book Puppies for Dummies, which has been very helpful in regards to puppyhood, adulthood etc.

Not sure about Cockapoos owners, but I know there are quite a few Shih-poo owners here

Good luck in your search for the perfect pet!

posted 02-12-2004 05:00 PM         

A cockapoo was one of the "poo-mixes" that I had considered, but decided to go with a shih-poo. I don't know a lot about the cockapoo temperament, but I do know that I am exceptionally happy with my shih-poos' temperaments.

As far as puppy and adult-hood, I will second PooGirl's advice about that topic.

Health issues, sometimes "smushed-faced" dogs (such as a shih-tzu) can have breathing problems, which can be a problem in a shih-poo mix. Fortunately, that is not an issue with my two shih-poos. Both received a clean bill of health in all aspects of their health!

As far as what to look for and what to avoid. All I can say is find an EXCELLENT breeder, and do not settle for less! There are indeed many important questions to ask a breeder and things to look for in a breeder. If I were you, I would go to a major search engine on the Internet and type in "Questions to ask a breeder." You will get A LOT of websites that contain a wealth of useful and important information in regards to breeders and what to look for in them.

Hope this helped,
Kristi

posted 02-13-2004 08:38 AM         

i welcome any more responses to the question of cockapoo vs. shihpoo.

have a splendid day!

posted 03-04-2004 06:52 AM         

Mine is over 20 lbs, too!!!

Good luck!!!'

posted 03-18-2004 10:40 AM         

Cockapoo seems to be a liitle smarter and more eager to please.

Shihpoo seems to be much more quite where as cockapoo tends to be a bit more barky.

Cockapoo seems more protective.

Shihpoo more content to sit and relax while cockapoo will relax but likes playing much more.
On a scale of 1-10 for hyper range I would rate a Shihpoo a 3 and a Cockapoo a 4.

Cockapoo's need a bit less grooming usually as they tend to have a curlier coat which doesn't look as raggedy as fast.