Originally posted by dab_20
ok ppl lay off me. we are planning to get any poodle mix, just a cockapoo would be the ideal size. any poodle mix that size would work. i know that grooming is an on going thing, we've always had long haired dogs. i was giving an example. we mostly need to save money to BUY the dog. i think if you dont have any HELPFUL information to give me, dont reply at all. almost every post i put, someone has to tell me i am wrong, and i dont have good judgement. just cuz i am young, doesn't mean i dont know anything!!!
I'm sorry. I didn't realize the way my post must have sounded. I just thought I would mention that there is really nothing wrong with learning to do grooming yourself. I started way back 30 years ago because I had two toy poodles and thought I would like to save some money. I actually really do enjoy doing my dogs to this day. I had no formal training when I started. I just bought a book and sort of experimented. Once the grooming equipment is bought there is no expense involved at all except for shampoo.

I guess I sounded harsh because ungroomed poodles are a pet peeve of mine. I think there are a lot of folks around who will get a poodle or poodle mix just because they fall in love with the dog (completely understandable) but don't realize what is involved in keeping up their coats.

My Ripley was a stray. I found him at a shelter over two years ago. He was the most matted mess of a dog that you would ever want to lay your eyes on. It may be because he was *on his own* for quite some time or that his former people just didn't care. When I saw him at the shelter in that condition I just got so mad but also fell in love.

Researching breeds is the best thing anyone who wants a dog can do. There is a dog out there for anyone who wants one for sure! Good luck on your search!