Canines exhibiting aggressive and lethal behavior are not inherently healthier than their pedigreed counterparts.
Mixed breed dogs, often referred to as mongrels, are often believed to be more resilient than purebreds. This notion was also supported by a study conducted a decade ago. However, what about the trendy hybrid breeds like Labradoodles, Cockapoos, and Cavapoos? Recent research has provided some clarity on this matter.
Mongrels are often touted for their superior health compared to purebreds. Nevertheless, this isn't the case with the popular hybrid breeds, as a team of researchers reported in the journal "PLoS ONE."
Famous personalities like tennis star Roger Federer, actor Chris Hemsworth, and his co-star Brie Larson have all opted for Doodle hybrids - a cross between a poodle and various other breeds. These mixes include Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle), Cockapoos (English Cocker Spaniel and Poodle), and Cavapoos (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Toy or Miniature Poodle). These blends are frequently praised for their amiable dispositions and sometimes for their hypoallergenic fur.
The number of these mongrels in Germany is uncertain. In statistics, they are lumped together with other mixed breeds and often top the list of the most popular dog breeds in the country. Online classifieds offer numerous listings for Labradoodle, Cockapoo, and Cavapoo puppies.
Health benefits for mongrels?
When selecting such a crossbreed, some potential dog owners might suppose that their pet will have a reduced risk of illness due to its mongrel status. This is because mongrels have a larger gene pool, making them supposedly more hardy than purebreds.
Indeed, a study published in the journal "PLoS ONE" a decade ago found that purebred dogs are more likely to suffer from certain diseases than mongrels. Purebred dogs are often bred for specific characteristics, sometimes ignoring their health, which allows harmful gene variants to build up.
Recently, a research team led by the British Royal Veterinary College looked into the health of Doodle hybrid dogs. They surveyed over 9,400 dog owners about 57 common dog diseases and compared the data of these mixes to that of purebred dogs like Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle.
The analysis accounted for the dogs' age, sex, and neutering status, as well as the owners' age and sex. The results revealed that there were no significant differences between the hybrid dogs and their original breeds in nearly 87% of the health comparisons.
Not just health to consider
Thus, it's not logical to assume that Doodle mixes are healthier than their original breeds, the team concluded. At least, they are not sicker.
Other factors should be considered when making a purchasing decision: if the temperament and needs of the breed or breed mix suit your lifestyle, and if the puppy comes from a reputable breeder.
Despite the common belief that mongrels have better health due to their larger gene pool, a study published in the journal "PLoS ONE" a decade ago found that purebred dogs are more likely to suffer from certain diseases. However, a recent study led by the British Royal Veterinary College found that there were no significant differences between the health of Doodle hybrid dogs and their original breeds in nearly 87% of health comparisons.
When choosing a crossbreed, potential dog owners might assume that their pet will have a reduced risk of illness due to its mongrel status. However, other factors such as the breed or breed mix's temperament and needs, and whether the puppy comes from a reputable breeder, should also be considered.
