About Us
OUR FAMILY HISTORY
Before you venture to view your puppy for the first time, you are probably a little curious about the family you are purchasing from.
In a nutshell we are 3 generations of animal lovers who thoroughly enjoy the experience of breeding puppies for families to cherish for years.
My love of dogs started in childhood, with Mitzi the Poodle, and grew from there.
Throughout my teens I worked at the local boarding kennels, every Sunday, and more throughout school holidays, eventually having sole charge. Apart from the useful pocket money, I gained years worth of knowledge in the handling, training and caring for every breed, shape, and size of dog imaginable.
The very first litter...
In 1974 my Aunt, gave birth to a baby boy who was sadly diagnosed with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, a terminal muscle wasting disease. Cousin Dave's love of my dog Sophie, sparked the idea of breeding him his very own dog, one which he could see being born and watch develop. Sophie Dachshund gave birth to 3 puppies, and Dave chose a boy which he named Ralph. Ralph was a great companion for Dave, especially in his low times.
From this first litter, a passion for breeding grew, fueled by the pleasure of seeing dogs enhancing peoples lives.
TODAY
We are one of the UKs oldest Cockapoo breeders, with our first litter of Cockapoos in 2007 and we are 5 Star rated by our local Council.
As experienced owners of both the English Cocker Spaniel and the Miniature Poodle, we adore, the unique personality the Cockapoo has to offer and have 2 ourselves, both featured in The Cockapoo Handbook by Linda Whitwam.
Back in the 1980's we were owners and breeders of Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds, a breed that captivated us with their extreme intelligence and undeniable character. We have had a little break but are now enjoying the occasional litter and will have puppies available for very special homes. Naturally with a love of all things Dachshund and Poodle it was not long before we were persuaded to become one of the only breeders of the utterly charming Doxiepoo, our very own Didi being a popular visitor of a local Residential Home.
At Crystalwood we believe that our puppies have the very best start in life and agree with the Dogs Trust and Kennel Club 'The Puppy Plan'. This Puppy Socialisation Plan ensures that puppy has the correct socialisation, habituation and early lessons in the first 8 weeks of it's life. As responsible breeders we provide an extensive, 'Puppy Information Pack' which mirrors the guidelines set out for ethical puppy purchase in the RSPCA puppy contract.
We are not a large commercial kennel, and all our dogs live indoors, and puppies raised, firstly in the bedroom, and then the snug, however, we are however a 'licensed breeding establishment' in accordance with the 2018 Animal Welfare Act. See below extract.
- breeding dogs and advertising a business of selling dogs - as defined under the business test
Businesses need a licence regardless of the number of litters produced . This is not restricted to registered businesses. Individuals can also be classed as a business depending on the extent of their activities'.
Owning a Dog
If you are looking at this site then you are probably considering owning a dog, maybe a Cockapoo. But before you rush out and choose your puppy please read on and think, will a dog really fit into my lifestyle and which breed will suit my situation best?
Dogs are social animals and great companions, they can bring a lot of pleasure into your life. Cockapoos especially are suited to owners of all ages. They will encourage you to live a more outdoorsy lifestyle and make like minded friends not only on the daily walks but through the joining of obedience, agility and flyball clubs. Owning a dog is also believed to be good for your health, by lowering blood pressure. A couple of our Cockapoo owners are considering training their puppies as therapy dogs.
But Owning a Dog is a Big Responsibility.
A 7-8 week old puppy ready for its new home is like a baby! It requires several small feeds a day has little bladder control and needs supervision. Use to the companionship of its siblings it is unfair to leave it for more than a couple of hours during the day. And it will probably be a few nights before you get a good nights sleep!
Though you may long to come home to an enthusiastic welcome and waggy tail ,if you work full time or long hours it maybe a selfish move to embark on dog ownership.
Is your home suitable for a dog? Does it have a garden? It is very difficult to toilet train a puppy without access to a garden. Is the garden well fenced and safe for a tiny puppy?
Apart from the initial purchase price of your puppy, can you long-term ,afford to keep a dog?
And what about holidays? Do you like to travel often? Is it possible to take a dog with you or do you have a pet sitter, friend or good kennels nearby that could care for your dog whilst your away?
And finally do you have the patience and commitment to be a superb dog owner? Dogs do not come ready trained. If you pass a dog on the street walking nicely by its owners side, not pulling in front, or stopping to sniff every lamppost or bush, it has not happened by 'magic' it has taken its owner many hours of patient training. If you want a dog that is a pleasure to own and can be taken anywhere, then you have to teach it, and this requires time,continuity, and a kind but firm approach.
If, after reading the above you believe you can offer a dog a wonderful life long home than we wish you the very best of luck.
Photographs are of Puzzle, much loved and dearly missed English Springer Spaniel. Top right, Sept 2011 age 15. Centre June 1996 age 8 weeks. Bottom right. Summer 1999, age 3.
The Cockapoo
As one of the first breeders and owners of Cockapoos in the UK, we bred our first litter in 2007. But what is a Cockapoo?
The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel, usually the mother, and a Poodle, usually Miniature.
Though relatively new in the UK Cockapoos have existed in the United States since the 1950's where they are almost a breed in their own right.
But contrary to belief it was not the States that developed the Cockapoo as there is evidence of there existence in France at the turn of the 20th century.
In crossing two pedigree dogs we get what is commonly known as 'Hybrid Vigour', that is the best qualities of each breed are manifested in the offspring with less genetic problems associated with each pure breed.
The English Cocker Spaniel used as the mother in most UK crosses is described as a 'merry little dog' and as an owner of 7 over the years, I can quite agree. Traditionally used to hunt woodcock, Cocker's have excellent noses, are great swimmers and are fabulous retrievers. They are intelligent and quick to learn. As a mother of three daughters I found them an excellent breed, patient and tolerant with my own children and they have adored playing with all their friends.
The intelligence of a Poodle is just a notch below that of a Border Collie. First bred in the Middle ages to retrieve waterfowl they became popular in this country in the 1960's. Poodles have a naturally buoyant coat, pom poms being traditionally clipped into their coat to keep their joints warm. Today Poodles are used in many cross breeds because of their coat, which is low shedding, so it may be suitable for people with allergies and has the added bonus of not having a 'doggy' odour.
Put these two breeds together and you have in our opinion the perfect dog. A highly intelligent, low shedding, happy, friendly medium sized pooch suitable for active families.