Latest news with #Cockapoo
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Scotsman
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scotsman
Dogs to share a bed with 2025: Here are the 18 best - and worst
We're a nation of dog lovers, with around one-in-three households including at least one four-legged friend . By far the most popular pet in the UK, they make for wonderful companions, all the while improving both our mental and physical health - and that's a scientific fact. The army of dog owners continues to grow, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds . Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don't have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies. There's also always the option of adopting a dog from a dog shelter for a minimal fee - for example from the Dogs Trust . Snoozing alongside your furry friend is many people's idea of a perfect night's sleep, but there are common downsides that come with sharing a bed with your dog. From finding drool patches on your pillow, deafening snoring, and endless amounts of dog hair left between the sheets, having your pooch in the bed can sometimes not be the dream scenario you imagined. To help those thinking of having their pup in the bed, luxury bed linen brand Secret Linen Store has published new research that revealed the best dogs to share your sheets with. Analysing factors such as levels of drooling, shedding, barking, energy and cross-referencing that with size, the research reveals which breeds you're going to have the best night's sleep with - and the worst. Here's what the resulting 'pup all night' scores indicated are the 18 best - and worse - canine bedfellows for a peaceful night's sleep. Just let those sleeping dogs lie! 1 . Maltese Taking the top spot as the best dog breed to have in your bed are Maltese pooches, with their small size and lack of shedding and drooling, are officially the perfect dogs to nap with. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 2 . Yorkshire Terrier The Yorkshire Terrier scored well in all categories, only missing out on top spot because they can be slightly too energetic for long lies on a Sunday. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . Cockapoo One of the most popular dog breeds in recent years, Cockapoos (a mixture of cocker spaniels and miniature poodles which aren't pedigree), are the equal third best dogs to have in your bed. They lose a couple of points for their relatively big size, but otherwise have all the right attributes to be a great bedfellow. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales 4 . Cavachon Tying with the Cockapoo in third place are another crossbreed - the Cavachons (a mixture of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise - again, not a pedigree pup). They have fairly high energy levels but a quick walk around the block before bedtime should make sure they sleep through. | Canva/Getty Images Photo Sales


Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Dog trainer warns UK Cockapoo lovers to be wary of 5 things before adopting
A dog trainer has urged anyone considering adopting a Cockapoo to make five considerations before bringing the cute breed into your home Dogs are a man and woman's best friend, they have been for years and that will never likely change. But there's a lot to think when adopting a dog for the first time. There's the obvious ones: do I have enough time to dedicate to my dog? Will they slot into my family life? Will we commit to walking our dog daily? Dogs are needy animals that require love, care, nourishment, stimulation and affection for a happy and fulfilled life. One breed that has tipped the ranks of popularity in recent years is the Cockapoo, a cross-breed between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. They are a delight to look at, with their fluffy coats, beady eyes, and tonnes of energy. According to the Royal Veterinary College, Cockapoos and French Bulldogs are officially the UK's most popular puppies. The PDSA also says Cockapoos have obtained the fifth position for the top overall breed in the UK. While absolutely adorable to be around, many owners can underestimate just how much work a Cockerpoo is, according to dog trainer and behaviourist Shelina Duke from With The Flo. She said: 'Cockapoos are a joy, funny, bright and full of character. But they're not toys or accessories. They need real training, real enrichment and real commitment.' She has listed five considerations to mull over before adopting a Cockerpoo, from handling to characteristics and even to the amount of fluff these bundles of cuteness shed. They're not easy to handle Believe it or not, Cockapoos are at the top of the list for first-time owners. But their behaviour isn't as cute as their looks, according to Shelina. She explained: 'They're incredibly intelligent and full of energy. If you don't give them enough stimulation, they'll find their own fun, and it's usually the destructive kind.' It's hard to keep up with the fluffiness Everyone loves a 'hypoallergenic' dog, but their curly coat requires a lot of work - and it's quite time-consuming. 'Some cockapoos shed, some don't, but all of them need brushing, trimming and regular professional grooming. I've seen so many dogs have to be shaved due to painful matting,' she added. They get very attached easily Cockapoos are very affectionate, but that comes with a catch you should be aware of - when left alone, they can struggle a lot. Shelina said: 'Without early independence training, they're prone to separation anxiety, which is stressful for both the dog and the owner.' Dog training is important It's always rewarding when your dog listens to your commands. Taking care of your dog isn't only taking them for walks, but also training them mentally! 'They come from two working breeds, so their brands need a workout. Tricks, agility, scent work, anything that gives them purpose helps prevent boredom and bad behaviour,' she commented. Cockapoos are friendly, but it takes time Dogs aren't naturally sociable. They need to get used to certain environments and see the same faces in order to fully express themselves. Shelina added: 'They need proper exposure to people, places and other dogs from a young age. Without it, they can become nervous or even reactive. It's all about getting the foundations right early on.'


Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
From giving goldfish their own tanks to barking dogs – your pet queries answered
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm has helped with owners' queries for ten years. 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 Sean helps a reader who has pet goldfish Credit: Getty Q) I HAVE three goldfish. Swimster and Bubbles bully Gillbert. They share a big tank. Should I consider giving Gillbert his own tank? Sarah Cooke, Plymstock, Devon A) Are they really bullying Gilbert? Is this a sudden thing that's started recently? If your goldfish are of age then perhaps spring has sprung and Gilbert is in fact Gilbertina, and her tailshake is bringing all the boys to the yard? If they have a big tank and plenty of places to swim away from one another or hide when needed then I would say keep them together. Fish feel more secure in shoals. Look up breeding behaviour and signs in goldfish and come back to me with an update. I think this is more likely than bullying. Q) PLEASE can you help us with our 18-month-old Cockapoo, Jed. He was given back to his breeder by his original owners at four months old because their work commitments changed. I'm a property expert, here are the five key things when moving with a pet We got him a month later, so he's had a bit of an unsettled start. He's a really good dog in every way other than barking in the garden at the neighbours, passing cats or when he hears other dogs bark. I'm worried they are getting annoyed. I've resorted to keeping him on his lead in the garden first thing in the morning and last thing at night. If I don't, he runs along the fences, barking. But on his lead, he doesn't bark at all. He's obsessed with me, thinks I'm the best thing ever. Perhaps when he's on the lead, he feels safe? He's booked in to be neutered at the end of May. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Gemma Stone, Leeds A) Without observing him in action it's difficult to say what the motivation for this behaviour is, and hard to give advice on tackling it. There are many reasons for barking, including anxiety, territoriality, excitement, boredom and so on. And it may be different on different days and with different triggers. I would highly recommend a qualified animal behaviourist observing you and Jed in action together and working through what's going on. It always surprises me how much money dog owners are willing to spend on food, grooming, toys, leads and accessories but flinch at the cost of a behaviourist consultation. They are worth their weight in gold. Trust me on this — hire one and thank me later. Q) I'M due to emigrate to Cyprus in the next few weeks . . . But I'm really worried that my cat Mika will be very scared on the plane trip. She is three years old but doesn't like other people and hides when they visit our house. I am using a reputable company but I'm still concerned over the four- hour trip. Am I worrying too much? David Potter, Brierley Hill, West Midlands A) It's natural to worry about this, and to worry too much. The company you have chosen will have done this many times and will know how to keep Mika as calm as possible throughout. You could speak with your vet about calming supplements, sprays and so on to take the edge off the journey too. We tend not to recommend sedative drugs for pets in transit any more as they cannot be monitored. Indeed, most airlines won't allow them. If this is the one plane journey she has to make for four hours in her entire life, then it's worth taking and allowing her time to recover in a safe environment when you land. She'll have forgotten about it in a few days, all being well. Star of the week ARTIE the miniature Cavapoo has been hailed a hero after she helped detect her owner's breast cancer. The three-year-old has been given an award for being an amazing pup by Pets At Home. 4 Artie the miniature Cavapoo has been hailed a hero after she helped detect her owner's breast cancer Credit: Supplied Owner Suzanne Nuttall, 62, of Sheffield, South Yorks, said: 'She was frantically licking and nuzzling into me. 'It was only after a routine mammogram revealed I had Stage 2 breast cancer that I realised she must have sensed something was wrong. 'I truly believe she was trying to tell me. She's been my little lifesaver.' Amy Angus of Pets Foundation, the charity established by Pets At Home, said: 'Our pets are capable of amazing things, and Artie is a testament to this.' WIN: AI pet companion WANT to communicate with your pet and even give it treats when you aren't at home? Now you can with the ROLA Petpal AI Robot Pet Companion. You can programme it to dispense treats at set times, see and speak to your four-legged friend in real time on camera, play with them remotely, and your pet can even say 'hello' to you too! For a chance to win one worth £269, send an email headed PETPAL to sundaypets@ by June 15. See enabot. com. T&Cs apply. RECORD BREAKERS JOIN GUINNESS' PET-SET GUINNESS World Records celebrates its 70th birthday this year with a special edition featuring record-breaking pets. The world's tallest living dog Reginald, a seven-year-old Great Dane from Idaho Falls, USA, has just met the world's shortest mutt – a four-year-old Chihuahua from Florida called Pearl. 4 Guinness World Records celebrates its 70th birthday this year with a special edition featuring record-breaking pets Credit: Supplied Reggie stands at 1,007cm, while Pearl is just 9.14cm. Further records include Bonnie, a five-year-old Spaniel, and Simba, a three-year-old Border Collie, both from Reading. They have four: the fastest time for ten side leapfrog jumps by two dogs (16.78 seconds), and three one-minute records. These are bottles put in a recycling bin (16); coins into a bottle (13) and clothes hung on a washing line (17). Mr Pugsley Adams, a two-year-old Maine Coon from Minnesota, USA, has the longest tail on a domestic cat at 46.99cm. The fastest 10 metres skateboarded by a cat is held by Bao Zi, a two-year-old American Shorthair from China (12.85 seconds). Coco, a five-year-old guinea pig from Carolina performed the most tricks in a minute (16). While the most items identified by a parrot in three minutes goes to four-year-old Apollo from Florida, who named 12.


The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
From giving goldfish their own tanks to barking dogs – your pet queries answered
HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm has helped with owners' queries for ten years. 4 Q) I HAVE three goldfish. Swimster and Bubbles bully Gillbert. They share a big tank. Should I consider giving Gillbert his own tank? Sarah Cooke, Plymstock, Devon A) Are they really bullying Gilbert? Is this a sudden thing that's started recently? If your goldfish are of age then perhaps spring has sprung and Gilbert is in fact Gilbertina, and her tailshake is bringing all the boys to the yard? If they have a big tank and plenty of places to swim away from one another or hide when needed then I would say keep them together. Fish feel more secure in shoals. Look up breeding behaviour and signs in goldfish and come back to me with an update. I think this is more likely than bullying. Q) PLEASE can you help us with our 18-month-old Cockapoo, Jed. He was given back to his breeder by his original owners at four months old because their work commitments changed. I'm a property expert, here are the five key things when moving with a pet We got him a month later, so he's had a bit of an unsettled start. He's a really good dog in every way other than barking in the garden at the neighbours, passing cats or when he hears other dogs bark. I'm worried they are getting annoyed. I've resorted to keeping him on his lead in the garden first thing in the morning and last thing at night. If I don't, he runs along the fences, barking. But on his lead, he doesn't bark at all. He's obsessed with me, thinks I'm the best thing ever. Perhaps when he's on the lead, he feels safe? He's booked in to be neutered at the end of May. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Gemma Stone, Leeds A) Without observing him in action it's difficult to say what the motivation for this behaviour is, and hard to give advice on tackling it. There are many reasons for barking, including anxiety, territoriality, excitement, boredom and so on. And it may be different on different days and with different triggers. I would highly recommend a qualified animal behaviourist observing you and Jed in action together and working through what's going on. It always surprises me how much money dog owners are willing to spend on food, grooming, toys, leads and accessories but flinch at the cost of a behaviourist consultation. They are worth their weight in gold. Trust me on this — hire one and thank me later. Q) I'M due to emigrate to Cyprus in the next few weeks . . . But I'm really worried that my cat Mika will be very scared on the plane trip. She is three years old but doesn't like other people and hides when they visit our house. I am using a reputable company but I'm still concerned over the four- hour trip. Am I worrying too much? David Potter, Brierley Hill, West Midlands A) It's natural to worry about this, and to worry too much. The company you have chosen will have done this many times and will know how to keep Mika as calm as possible throughout. You could speak with your vet about calming supplements, sprays and so on to take the edge off the journey too. We tend not to recommend sedative drugs for pets in transit any more as they cannot be monitored. Indeed, most airlines won't allow them. If this is the one plane journey she has to make for four hours in her entire life, then it's worth taking and allowing her time to recover in a safe environment when you land. She'll have forgotten about it in a few days, all being well. Star of the week ARTIE the miniature Cavapoo has been hailed a hero after she helped detect her owner's breast cancer. The three-year-old has been given an award for being an amazing pup by Pets At Home. 4 Owner Suzanne Nuttall, 62, of Sheffield, South Yorks, said: 'She was frantically licking and nuzzling into me. 'It was only after a routine mammogram revealed I had Stage 2 breast cancer that I realised she must have sensed something was wrong. 'I truly believe she was trying to tell me. She's been my little lifesaver.' Amy Angus of Pets Foundation, the charity established by Pets At Home, said: 'Our pets are capable of amazing things, and Artie is a testament to this.' WIN: AI pet companion WANT to communicate with your pet and even give it treats when you aren't at home? Now you can with the ROLA Petpal AI Robot Pet Companion. You can programme it to dispense treats at set times, see and speak to your four-legged friend in real time on camera, play with them remotely, and your pet can even say 'hello' to you too! For a chance to win one worth £269, send an email headed PETPAL to sundaypets@ by June 15. See enabot. com. T&Cs apply. RECORD BREAKERS JOIN GUINNESS' PET-SET GUINNESS World Records celebrates its 70th birthday this year with a special edition featuring record-breaking pets. The world's tallest living dog Reginald, a seven-year-old Great Dane from Idaho Falls, USA, has just met the world's shortest mutt – a four-year-old Chihuahua from Florida called Pearl. 4 Reggie stands at 1,007cm, while Pearl is just 9.14cm. Further records include Bonnie, a five-year-old Spaniel, and Simba, a three-year-old Border Collie, both from Reading. They have four: the fastest time for ten side leapfrog jumps by two dogs (16.78 seconds), and three one-minute records. These are bottles put in a recycling bin (16); coins into a bottle (13) and clothes hung on a washing line (17). Mr Pugsley Adams, a two-year-old Maine Coon from Minnesota, USA, has the longest tail on a domestic cat at 46.99cm. The fastest 10 metres skateboarded by a cat is held by Bao Zi, a two-year-old American Shorthair from China (12.85 seconds). Coco, a five-year-old guinea pig from Carolina performed the most tricks in a minute (16). While the most items identified by a parrot in three minutes goes to four-year-old Apollo from Florida, who named 12.


Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
The UK's five most budget-friendly dog breeds all with lifetime costs under £15k
Getting a dog is a huge commitment of time, energy, and of course, money. From grooming and vet bills, food and general care, our pups can end up being a surprising strain on our wallets- and that's not even considering the price we pay to take them home in the first place. But not all doggies cost the same to look after, and experts at Compare the Market have done a bit of digging on which five dog breeds are the absolute cheapest to take care of. And what's more, each of these pooches should cost less than £15,000 over their entire lifetime. The money experts reviewed the cost of owning some of the most popular dog breeds, covering adoption, insurance, treatments, grooming, and food. The findings reveal which breeds are the most expensive to care for over a lifetime, so you can make an informed choice before adopting a pet that suits your income. So which dog breeds are the most budget-friendly? Here's what the experts discovered. The five most affordable dog breeds 1. Jack Russell Terrier The Jack Russell Terrier is the UK's most affordable dog breed, with an average annual cost of £723 and a lifetime cost of £10,973. This lifetime cost is less than half the average dog's lifetime expense of £23,123. This pooch's small size and longer lifespan contribute to these lower costs, with owners spending approximately £116 per year on grooming and £333 on food. 2. Miniature Dachshund The Miniature Dachshund is the second most affordable UK breed, with lifetime costs of £11,337. Adopting one can cost £1,000, but their small size keeps annual expenses low at £317 for food and £167 for insurance. However, these pups are prone to spinal issues, so having comprehensive insurance is crucial for potential owners, say the experts. 3. Border Terrier The Border Terrier rounds out the UK's top three affordable dog breeds, with lifetime costs of £12,284 (£848/year). Their small size keeps everyday expenses low, although grooming costs about £160 annually due to their wiry coat. With an average adoption fee of £700, they are a budget-friendly choice for dog owners. 4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Coming up in fourth place is the King Charles Spaniel, which may surprise some, as they are known for their health issues. But with lifetime costs of £14,290, and £982 per year, they are the fourth cheapest dog on the list. But as they commonly face heart issues and eye problems, it's vital to have proper insurance for this type of spaniel. This may explain why their insurance costs are higher on average than the other budget-friendly pooches on the list, at £2,266. 5. Cockapoo A last addition to the list of the cheapest dogs is the Cockapoo. Just shy of £15k, the lifetime cost of a Cockapoo came out at £14,934 in the experts' research. While these tiny pooches had cheaper insurance costs than most of the others on this list, the costs of their dry food came out at a much more expensive £7,555, compared to just £4,276 for the Miniature Dachshund.