Vet warning to anyone owning a Cockapoo as owners make big mistake
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If there is one dog that defined the last decade, it has to be the Cockapoo. Bred from the hyper Cocker Spaniel and model-esque Poodle (more often than not the Miniature Poodle), this teddy bear-like pooch has stolen the nation's heart, and has quickly established itself as the UK's third most popular breed.
According to People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a leading veterinary charity, there are a staggering 590,000 Cockapoos in the UK - and that number is only likely to increase. Considered to be one of the most 'hypoallergenic' dogs out there, owners of the Cockapoo will constantly tell you how great it is to have a dog that never malts or sheds its fur. With demand at an all-time high, Cockapoos are rarely put up for adoption or spend long in an animal shelter, meaning the majority of pups are bought online from private breeders, for eye-watering prices exceeding £1,500. But, there is one big downfall to the beloved animal - which can lead them to become rather "destructive".
Dr Anna Foreman, an in-house Vet at Everypaw Pet Insurance, says any dog can develop a fearful temperament, which could later lead to aggressive behaviour. In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, she explained: "The main factor is the nurture of a dog – how it is raised by its owner, particularly in the first 16 weeks of life (the learning period).".
The expert says dogs that aren't well socialised or trained, or have negative experiences, during this period will be 'prone to anxiety and fear'. She stressed that generalisations around 'aggressive dogs' should be avoided, as any dog can exhibit a troubling temperament if they're not trained well.
