Latest news with #cavapoo
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Considering a ‘designer dog'? This study might make you think again
'Designer dogs' are more likely to suffer from diarrhoea than other breeds, a study has found. Trendy dogs that are hybrids between poodles and other breeds are increasingly popular, owing to a belief they have no health problems and a good temperament, as well as being aesthetically appealing. But a study of more than two million dogs in the UK has revealed the cavapoo and cockapoo are among six breeds with a heightened chance of going to the vet with acute diarrhoea. This likely comes from inherited genetics of the miniature poodle, the common ancestor of both of these popular hybrids, which is the breed most prone to the condition. Miniature poodles are 2.17 times as likely to be seen by a vet for the condition than a standard cross-breed, while cavapoos are twice as likely and cockapoos 1.36 times more likely. Overall, all designer dogs, which includes other portmanteau types such as the labradoodle, were found to be 34 per cent more likely to have the issue. Cockapoos are now the most popular dog in the UK, behind the trusty family stalwart of the labrador retriever, and a previous study found they are no more sickly than other crosses. However, the latest study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) found these popular puppies actually appear to have a predisposition to stomach problems. 'Every breed is by definition unique – that is what makes it a recognisable breed that differs to other dogs,' said Dr Dan O'Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at RVC, and the study's lead author. 'Coming with that will be a unique disorder profile, with some disorders at higher risk and some at lower risk. The overall health of the breed is then the balance of the higher and lower risks. 'And this new evidence published today does suggest that diarrhoea is a higher risk in designer crosses overall – many of these are poodle crosses.' He adds that the miniature poodle's high risk likely means there is an inherited component from this animal if it parents a cross. 'Dreaded doggy poonami' But the authors say that the findings could also reflect that owners of these higher risk dog breeds could be feeding their animals food that upsets their stomach or are more likely to take their pet to the vets with the issue. And because poodle-cross owners are often told that these animals are less prone to getting sick, this could make them more complacent in what they provide as food and also make them more likely to visit the vets if something does go wrong. 'Perhaps a prior belief in their better health may mean that owners are less careful with dietary control,' said Dr O'Neill. 'So it could paradoxically be the belief in health that causes the disease.' 'The bottom line is that anyone thinking of acquiring a poodle designer cross-breed should be aware of the increased risk of diarrhoea. 'Perhaps plan in advance and be very careful with consistent diet in terms of the timing of feeding, the volume of feeding, and consistency in the type of food fed. Having advance awareness of the risk can hopefully prevent diarrhoea even happening.' The study used VetCompass data, which collects vet records from participating practices in the UK, and it found 1,835 confirmed cases of acute diarrhoea in 2019, which is around one in 12 dogs. Half of these animals also had vomiting issues at the same time and a quarter had reduced appetite and lethargy. While short-faced dogs like bulldogs, pugs and boxers often have a litany of health issues, diarrhoea is not one of them, the study shows. These so-called brachycephalic breeds are collectively 20 per cent less likely to have diarrhoea than an average mongrel, while dogs with particularly long snouts such as greyhounds or borzoi, are 25 per cent more likely to have the issue.
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Hidden cost of designer dogs the breeders won't tell you about: Pet owners say trendy breeds like cockapoos are costing them thousands in vet bills - and issue warning about their temperaments
With their adorable teddy bear-esque coats and Instagram-perfect curls, it's no surprise that poodle crosses and other designer breeds have become all the rage. But the reality of owning a cockapoo, cavapoo or any other 'doodle' is far from the picture-perfect impression given on social media. During the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of Brits spent thousands on the photogenic puppies - loved by owners for their 'no shed' coats and minimal mess. And with their sweet and harmless expressions and puppy dog eyes, it seems hard to believe that the reality of doodle ownership is nothing short of a 'nightmare'. Speaking to MailOnline, owners have shared how they've spent thousands on the 'expensive' pets only to be floored by extortionate vet bills as a result of recurring health issues. Cockapoos and smaller dog breeds are prone to 'patellar luxation', which causes their kneecaps to slip, while others described bouts of 'horrendous colitis', cataracts and allergies. And far from being perfectly behaved, owners have ended up being forced to deal with ultra-clingy 'velcro' dogs who show displays of aggression towards others and display 'food-avoidant' habits, necessitating expensive alternatives. 'Poodle crosses were meant to be the answer to everything - hypoallergenic, versatile size, easy to train and absolutely heart-meltingly cute (especially as teddy-like puppies),' Francesca Verney, veterinary director of Pet People told MailOnline. 'But in many cases - a poorly bred, insufficiently socialised dog in the dedicated but often naive owner's hands can be a recipe for difficulty with high prevalence of disc disease, allergy, immune-mediated disease, separation anxiety and reactivity. 'A crying shame that the context has affected the original stamp of a lovely cross.' Tam Johnston, from Brighton, says her three-year-old cavapoochon Darcie is so clingy that she's unable to leave her alone for more than two hours at a time - and means she needs to work from home. She explained she'd wanted to get a dog for years and, after putting in a lot of research, eventually settled on the breed, which is a blend of King Charles Spaniel, poodle and Bichon Frisé. Tam, 50, told MailOnline: 'I knew that their temperament was incredibly sweet. They love human company. It basically ticked all the boxes in terms of what I wanted. 'They are very much one of the dogs at the moment and they get such positive press. They are a brilliant breed.' As a therapist, Tam imagined that her new pet would fit into her lifestyle 'perfectly', imagining them travelling up to London together and having Darcie sit in on sessions. She said she had initially dismissed any warnings that poodle breeds can be 'fussy eaters' and 'velcro dogs', putting it down to an individual 'training issue'. She picked up Darcie from the breeder - whom she says 'couldn't have been better' - in Nottingham, before driving back down home to Brighton. Initially, her new pet was an 'absolute gem' and slept the whole way home in the car. But just a couple of days later, the first problems started. Tam found herself in a nightmare of dealing with 'fresh blood and mucus', recalling: 'It all kicked off. I was like, "Oh, my God, what's going on?". She was just so distressed with it. 'She was just wailing in distress. It was horrible, absolutely horrible! Especially when it's a tiny bean sized thing that you're responsible for and don't quite know what's going on!' After ringing the emergency vet, Tam was told Darcie had colitis - an inflammation of the colon that often leads to diarrhea. For the first year and a half of owning Darcie, Tam explained that she would be prone to these nasty flare-ups, leading to a 'constant cycle' of her not being able to reach a healthy weight and having no energy. On some occasions, especially after she was spayed, Tam said it became so bad that they had to set up a form of 'doggy intensive care' at home. In addition, the precious early 'puppy' stage of Darcie's life where the family should have been bonding were just incredibly 'stressful', and meant it took them seven months to house train her. Tam said: 'It's stressful having a new pup, anyway, with all the training - the toilet training and everything else. 'There wasn't that much time where we were just able to enjoy each other and have that puppy time. Her health was the main point, and it was just distressing and stressful to see, and I just felt like I couldn't quite get on top of it.' Darcie's personality, too, has meant she's ended up 'dominating' their lives. Tam explained that she's so 'clingy' she can't be left alone for long periods as she won't 'sleep, eat or do anything'. She's also an incredibly fussy eater who will 'starve herself for days' before feeling constant nausea, even refusing to eat dry kibble. Tam says she's constantly having to think up new tricks just to get her to eat, such as putting butter or bacon bits on the end of treats, or by shopping for more expensive food options. As a result, she said she's spent 'thousands per year' on vets bills, as well as food and grooming and, though she'd love a companion for Darcie, she simply 'can't afford' it. 'If we're going to go for these designer dogs, we need to make sure that we really know what they're all about,' she said. 'There are parts that aren't talked about as much.' Jenna Beverley, owner of two-year-old cockapoo Toby, said her boy has been such 'hard work' that she wouldn't get another one. Like Darcie, Toby has also been plagued with health issues, including bad allergies, issues with his anal glands and genetic cataracts. He also had a unilateral cryptorchidism, meaning he needed a abdominal castration as one testicle didn't descend - which could have lead to health issues in the long term, and increase the risk of cancer. Jenna, from south Yorkshire, who herself works in veterinary medicine, said she already knew about the 'troubles' associated with the breed, but took him on from a family friend who could no longer look after him. She described Toby as a 'nightmare' for food, as well as being clingy, and snapping at and attacking other dogs he doesn't like, especially bulldogs and Labradors. She told FEMAIL: 'I wouldn't have another. He's my boy but he's hard work! 'I would warn others about the things that can go wrong when crossing two breeds, there's no guarantee on anything, especially temperament.' According to Francesca from Pet People, cockapoos rose from 10th on the most popular dog list to 4th between 2016 and 2018, climbing even further since Covid. Though, she added, a study published in August 2024 refuted claims that they are either better or worse than their pedigree counterparts in terms of disease risk, 'high volume breeding, inexperienced owners, poor socialisation during COVID have all led to the poodle crosses now presenting with a range of health and behaviour issues commensurate with a rush to breed this type of dog under the pandemic supply pressure'. Scott Putman from Bedford, who owns cockapoo Arlo, unexpectedly found himself go viral on TikTok after a video of his pet destroying rolls of toilet paper racked up more than 100,000 views. In the video, Scott came home from work to find that Arlo had spread five or six rolls all over the carpet, after they accidentally left the door open to the downstairs toilet. 'Arlo, what have you done?!' Scott exclaimed. 'What is this mess? Naughty dog!' Despite the mess, Scott insisted that Arlo is, generally, a 'good boy' and very good with their children, aged eight and five. The family paid £800 for Arlo, as Scott's wife had a cockapoo before, and they thought the breed was 'very cute'. However, he thinks Arlo's especially good behaviour is partially down to 'strict training' when he was young and says it's 'harder work than people expect'. Scott told FEMAIL: 'People, if they look at sort of pictures, they think it's going to be a breeze. It's not always like that.' Even so, Arlo remains an incredibly fussy eater and 'literally pulls your arms off' when taken for a walk on the lead. He's also 'very very needy'. Scott, 35, said: 'He'll follow you upstairs literally everywhere he's there. He's like your shadow. 'They are very very cute, especially when you see pictures of them online. They really win you over.' Mark Graham, from Sage Vets in Loughton, said they do see particular traits among the poodle breed, and its crosses. He said: 'We do find certain breeds and their crosses, such as Cockapoos and Cavapoos, are prone to particular behavioural traits, clinginess and anxiety among them. There is growing evidence that some of these may have a genetic basis. 'These dogs surged in popularity during the lockdown, when reduced opportunities for training and socialisation meant many became accustomed to constant human company, making separation anxiety increasingly common. 'This was the case across all breeds. From a health perspective, we do see a higher prevalence of skin allergies which often manifest as ear problems in these popular dogs and smaller breed in general are more prone to dental disease.' To help best care for a cockapoo, he recommends going in with your eyes open, choosing reputable breeder and being consistent with training. Vet Dr. Suzanne Moyes in comparison with dog food brand Green Pantry, shed light on some of the other common health issues facing the breed. She said that cockapoos are especially prone to obesity and hip issues. Dr Suzanne said: 'Hip dysplasia is also a common problem with Cockapoos, an issue that can be exacerbated by obesity. While you can't always prevent joint problems such as hip dysplasia, there is much you can do to help. 'For example, try to ensure they get regular exercise, and you could consider complementary therapeutic regimes such as hydrotherapy or laser therapy.' Other conditions include patellar luxation, which commonly affects smaller dogs. She said: 'It can often affect Cavapoos, causing their kneecaps to slip and cause discomfort, sometimes leading to osteoarthritis. 'A key giveaway sign can be your dog giving a little skip on one of their hind legs when walking or running. If you notice this, it is best to get them rechecked by your vet. 'Keeping your Cavapoo at a healthy weight, with the correct nutrition, is one way to help. 'Dental issues are common in many dogs, particularly in breeds like Cavapoos. Problems such as bad breath, tooth decay, gingivitis, cavities, and even tooth loss can arise if dental health isn't properly managed.' Elsewhere, other breeds have also been the victim to 'designer' status wreaking havoc on their health. One family has been left devastated by the emotional toll on their dog Dudley, as a result of irresponsible puppy mills. David and Susan, not their real names, got the French Bulldog as a rescue from a family, but the two-year-old was born at a breeder two years ago. They have for two years endured watching not only their beloved suffer with a myriad of ailments but stacked up vet bills of around £20,000. They were led to believe that he had a clean bill of health and allegedly was vet checked by the breeder and his previous owners, who Dudley was adopted from. However, it turned out he suffered from a number of severe health issues affecting his back, hip and knees. The vet, as well as neurologists and orthopaedics, told Susan that Dudley's conditions are hereditary, and that the breeder would have been aware of the potential ill health of Dudley and his siblings. 'We weren't even sure we wanted a dog,' Susan revealed, speaking to FEMAIL. 'Dudley apparently would go for a lot of money because of his fur... it doesn't make a difference to us, to us he's just Dudley.' The couple, who also have two children aged seven and nine got him in May 2023 even though they were initially not even sure they wanted a pet. Needless to say, they fell head over heels with the excitable Frenchie, who is beloved by the whole family, and he was as cheerful as he was active. By September of that year however, Dudley had collapsed from both his back legs. They got him to an emergency vets as they weren't sure what was wrong with their pooch - who was very energetic and used to love walking - but X-Rays revealed he had Stage 3 Luxating patella. According to pet charity PDSA, this means the kneecap dislocates and slips out of the groove in the thighbone, often causing pain and a limp. There are different levels of severity, but at stage 3 'the kneecap is permanently dislocated, can be pushed back into place by your vet, but slips straight out again when they let go'. Initial hospital visits made it clear that these issues are hereditary - and professionals advised that Dudley be neutered lest he pass the genes on to others. The pup 'kept on collapsing' - but as David and Susan couldn't afford health care where they're based, they went up North 'driving six hours at a time' just to find a more feasible solution. He has now had both his knees done, but is also suffering a torn ligament and was limping again a couple months ago, as well as battling tendinitis (an inflammation of the tendons). While they got some money back from insurance, the procedures on the suffering two-year-old have already set the family back around £20,000. However, the biggest cost for them has been the emotional toll of seeing their beloved pooch in agony and not able to enjoy his life. 'Money comes and goes but he's so playful and the boys used to love wrestling around with him,' Susan lamented. Dudley, as a result of how he has been bred, also has bad breathing problems because his tongue is too big for his face - and his spine is always crooked. The owners admitted that he might need more surgery in the future- and will always suffer with health issues. 'There's a lot more dogs out there,' they warned, expressing that a dog like Dudley could, to lucrative breeders, be sold for anywhere between £3,500 - 5,000. They also stressed regulation needs to improve as people are 'making money underground'. 'When you star to add up how any litters there are, it's a lot,' David added, with the pair comparing it to 'organised crime'. 'But the puppy mills don't care.' David and Susan are hoping to raise more awareness and are considering looking into a study on the phenomenon. They have also said the Kennel Club - a 'dog health, welfare and training' organisation - can do 'much more' to curb creating inadvertent demand for cute 'show dogs'. 'We are doing our best for Dudley,' they added, hoping they can give him a good life and one that is 'much calmer' to care for his ailments. 'We're very fortunate that we're in a position and we can get support,' they added, remarking on the trips up North they take for medical assistance. The coupe were also full of praise for the Animal Trust - who help owners find affordable vet care - who are 'brilliant and have done so much for Dudley'. MailOnline has reached out to the Kennel Club for comment. A Kennel Club spokesperson said: 'We are deeply concerned about unscrupulous breeders who produce large volumes of puppies with no consideration for their health or welfare, simply to cash in on demand and dupe unsuspecting owners. 'This is why The Kennel Club campaigns to improve how dogs are bred and bought, and provides breeders with resources and health schemes so they can produce the healthiest dogs possible, and guidance for those who want to buy a puppy responsibly. Our "Find a Puppy" tool is a good starting point – with transparent information about the pups we register, including all health test results, available online to aid good decisions. 'Sadly, rather than in-depth research by puppy buyers, it is media and celebrity culture which drives demand for certain breeds or types of dogs, and where there is a high demand for popular dogs, unfortunately there will always be unscrupulous breeders taking advantage. 'Research carried out by The Kennel Club as part of its annual Be Puppywise campaign - which raises awareness of how to buy a puppy responsibly and spot rogue breeders - found that a quarter of dog owners only spend two hours or less researching their puppy purchase.'
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Escapee dog boards train alone and joins girls day out
You can meet some characters on public transport, but you don't expect to be sitting next to a four legged furry companion on a solo what happened when 10-year-old cavapoo Millie escaped from her garden in Lenzie and managed to make her way onto a train bound for Glasgow Queen Street on was found by a trio of kind women who used a bag strap as a make shift lead and handed her into police when the arrived in made it home safe and sound, and was reunited with owner Lauren Stirling who said the pooch has been "unfazed" by the adventure. Lauren, a wedding photographer, told BBC Scotland News she was taking photos at a ceremony when her smart watch "started going a bit crazy" with phone calls. She was initially worried that she had double booked but when she answered the phone, the police were on the other explained that Millie had been handed in at Queen Street station, eight miles away from her emerged the clever pooch had snuck out of a gate that was accidently left open and made her way to the local station before somehow managing to board the train headed for Glasgow. Onboard, she was spotted by Joanne Rankin and her friends, who were on a day said: "I noticed her running up the train, and she jumped up on the seat next to my friend, she then jumped up next to another group of girls."She was really cute, we knew she wasn't a stray because she was really well looked after."The women called the number on Millie's collar and posted on social media they had found a dog. They made a lead out of a bag strap and handed her into police once they arrived in Glasgow. Millie made herself at home with the women, and seemed to enjoy the adventure."At one point, she was actually cuddled into me, she was quite happy just sitting getting clapped," Joanne said."The only time she didn't look happy was when we were walking out of the train station. She was quite happy on the girls day out."She added they were delighted when the learned the dog had been reunited with her owners. Lauren's husband and two sons went to pick up Millie, who was completely unfazed by the added that it is completely out of character for the Cavapoo, who is normally a "complete lap dog"."She is very friendly, very calm usually but she has got a bouncy side to her. Even though she is 10, people always mistake her for a puppy," Lauren continued."She's had a couple of escapes over the years but normally she would run to where we would walk her. We still can't understand how she ended up going in that direction because it's not familiar to her."There has been a wee of a joke in the family, that because we had her before the kids, she has done this because she wanted a bit of attention."Lauren added it's a happy ending, but Millie is definitely grounded following her bid for freedom.
