Our Approach to Breeding

Responsible Breeding Practices - Where Puppies Thrive

Why We Do It This Way

The wellbeing of our dogs and puppies underpins every decision we make. We are small-scale, responsible hobby breeders, focused on raising a limited number of well-socialised, healthy Cockapoo puppies in a family environment rather than operating commercially.

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Caramel is our much-loved family pet, and we have chosen to breed her no more than twice, with several seasons skipped between litters. This allows us to prioritise her health and welfare while giving each litter the time, attention, and care it deserves.

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Our aim is straightforward: to raise confident, healthy puppies and support families in making informed, thoughtful choices.

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Responsible Breeding Standards

Our puppies are raised in our home and cared for as part of daily family life. We follow recognised best-practice standards, including Lucy’s Law, genetic health testing, the PetPlan Puppy Charter, The Puppy Contract, and a structured early socialisation programme to give each puppy a strong foundation.

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These standards exist to protect the puppies, support families, and ensure transparency at every stage of the process.

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Choosing the Right Puppy For You

Finding the right puppy for each home is about open communication and shared understanding, not assessment or families gaining our approval.

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All prospective families complete a Puppy Questionnaire to help us understand their lifestyle, expectations, and experience with dogs. This allows us to provide relevant information, answer questions thoughtfully, and support families as they choose their puppy in reservation order.

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Our goal is a positive, long-term outcome for both puppy and family.

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Lucy’s Law

Although we are not required to hold a breeding licence, we voluntarily follow the principles of Lucy’s Law. This legislation bans third-party puppy sales and ensures puppies are bred and raised with their mother in a home environment.

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In line with Lucy’s Law, if a placement does not work out within the first six months, we request that the puppy be returned to us. The puppy’s welfare always comes first, and any discussion about costs or refunds would be handled openly and fairly.

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Health & Welfare

Genetic Health Testing
We carry out comprehensive genetic health testing to reduce the risk of hereditary conditions. Results are shared with families, discussed during visits, and included in the Puppy Contract.

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PetPlan Puppy Charter
We adhere fully to the PetPlan Puppy Charter, which covers health, socialisation, transparency, and responsible breeding. Each puppy goes home with four weeks of free PetPlan insurance, with full details included in the puppy pack.

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The Puppy Contract
We use The Puppy Contract to ensure clarity, shared responsibility, and transparency. A completed copy is provided during visits, and we are always happy to talk through any questions.

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Early Socialisation

Our puppies are raised in a busy family home and are carefully socialised from around three weeks of age. We enjoy entertaining friends and we host a small group from our church about once per month. Mike is semiretired and works from home occasionally as an airline pilot recruitment consultant, while Susan blends working from home for administrative duties and marking papers with teaching and tutoring university students in a classroom setting. This lifestyle enables us to gradually introduce our litters to visitors, household routines, music, television, urban sounds, and everyday handling such as grooming, bathing, nail clipping, and health care routines.

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Our puppies also meet trusted, fully vaccinated dogs. We hope to arrange some of their siblings from Caramel's first litter to meet them. This measured exposure helps puppies develop confidence and adaptability as they prepare to transition into family life.

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Puppy Packs

Each puppy goes home with a thoughtfully prepared Puppy Pack to support a smooth transition, including:

• 3kg AVA Cockapoo Puppy Food

• A blanket and cuddly toy carrying mum and litter scent

• Implanted microchip, with registration details

• Vet check and vaccination records

• Genetic test results for sire and dam

• Genetic information we can reasonably infer about your puppy

• A family tree showing the previous six generations of your puppy's lineage

• Four week's of free PetPlan walk away insurance along with information and practical care resources

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We also provide a comprehensive recommended shopping list in advance of rehoming day, so you can thoughtfully prepare for welcoming a puppy into your home. 

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Our Ongoing Commitment

We remain available to families after puppies go home and are always happy to offer guidance, answer questions, or provide reassurance as puppies settle into their new lives.

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By combining careful breeding, transparent standards, early socialisation, and open communication, we aim to give every puppy a strong start and every family confidence as they welcome a new companion into their hearts.