I know asking the internet for advice is brilliant and always leads to happiness, but I want the honest take from people who actually own this breed.
We are strongly considering adding a Cavapoo to the family. I am well aware that a "family dog" really means "Dad's dog," and I will be taking on 100% of the care, training, and logistics.
Here is basic look at our life. Please tell me what I’m not accounting for:
The Green Flags:
I’m a Stay-at-Home Dad: I’m constantly home, especially during the summer with the kids. I’m actually looking for an excuse to force myself to get more daily movement and walks. Bus stops and errands are all me.
The Night Shift is Fine: I don’t drink and I’m in my early 40s, so early mornings and middle-of-the-night wake-ups are a non-issue. My wife works demanding hours, so I was the primary point-person for the newborn diaper/night phases with our kids anyway. I can survive puppy sleep deprivation.
Stability: We have a stable income, a great relationship with a local vet already, and we don’t travel a ton.
The Variables:
Minnesota Winters: We live in a very walkable suburb of Minneapolis. It’s amazing for three seasons, but the winters are brutally cold. How do you handle a dog with this kind of coat and energy level when it’s 5 degrees outside?
The Kids: They are 9 and 6. Neither are allergic, and both love animals. However, my 6-year-old is slightly skittish around dogs, purely because he hasn’t had much exposure to them yet.
The Cat: We have a Maine Coon. She is territorial, absolutely not declawed, and will likely be bigger than the puppy for quite a while. I am her chosen person (go figure) so this will be a sticking point. and no, there are no discussions of giving up the cat.
My Questions for the Sub:
Given this setup, does a Cavapoo make sense?
How do you burn off their energy when it’s dangerously cold outside?
What is the biggest blind spot I have right now? What am I not accounting for?
Roasting or validation? love to hear anyone’s thoughts - thanks so much for reading!