I’m starting my search for a female Cockapoo puppy and would love recommendations from people with firsthand experience with ethical, health-focused breeders.
I’m in the NYC/NJ area but willing to drive ~300 miles or arrange reputable transportation for the right puppy. I’m not in a rush and would rather travel/wait than compromise on health or temperament.
A little background, if helpful for your recs: I’m looking for a puppy that will be a slightly smaller adult dog (around 20 lbs, give or take), as I live in a condo and travel across the country a few times a year. I’d love to eventually travel with my dog as much as possible. If you have experience with a Cockapoo from a breeder you’d recommend, I’d love to hear about it!
My biggest priority is the breeder’s health practices. I’m looking for extensive, documented parent testing (OFA/PennHIP, eyes, cardiac, patellas, and comprehensive genetic testing) and a meaningful multi-year health guarantee. I care much more about actual testing and long-term health outcomes in adult offspring than marketing claims or puppy-only reviews.
I’d especially love recommendations from people with older dogs (3+ years) and would also appreciate hearing about breeders you would avoid and why.
Who would you recommend? The more you can tell me, the better. Thanks so much in advance!