Dear Cockapoo Owners and Breeders,

 My name is Ruth Marcec, and I am an undergraduate Honors student attending Florida State University in the field of Biology (Pre-Veterinary). I am conducting my Honors Thesis research on the temperament and health of various breeds and mixed breeds of dogs. My major professor is Dr. Barbara Licht.

One of the breeds included in my study is Cockapoos. I am requesting owners of Cockapoos to fill out a short questionnaire on your dog. All information provided will be held strictly confidential, to the extent allowed by law. Findings from this study will be posted after the data are analyzed (February, 2008). So that no one spends too much time on the questionnaire, I ask that you complete the questionnaire on ONLY ONE of your Cockapoos. If you have more than one Cockapoo, write each dog's name on a piece of paper, fold up the paper, and blindly (randomly) pick one. This way, I can get an unbiased sampling of Cockapoos.

 The study consists of two short questionnaires. The first asks you to rate the temperament of your dog on 23 temperament items. It takes between 10 and 20 minutes. The second questionnaire asks about your dog’s health history. It takes between 5 and 15 minutes. This second survey is optional, but your input would be extremely helpful to the study. I strongly encourage you to complete the second survey, but if time is an issue, I understand. If you are interested in participating, please send me an email at the address below, and tell me the breed of your dog. You will receive the questionnaire via e-mail within 2-7 days of your request. The questionnaire will come from the e-mail address:

dog_temperament_health@psy.fsu.edu 

(Note: this is an email address—not a web site link.)

 In order to make scientifically accurate conclusions about the temperament and health of various breeds, it is important that owners answer each question as truthfully and accurately as possible. The goal of this study is NOT to show that any one breed or mix of breeds is better or worse than any other. Your honesty and carefulness in answering these questions is, therefore, GREATLY appreciated.

 Feel free to email me at the above address, or contact me or Dr. Barbara Licht (blicht@psy.fsu.edu) at 850-644-6272, or you may contact the Chair of the Florida State University Institutional Review Board at 850-644-8633 if you have any questions or comments. I thank you for your consideration and time. It is greatly appreciated.

--Ruth Marcec