– Mixed breeds like the Labradoodle and Cockapoo, unlike their purebred counterparts, are not naturally healthier.
Mixed breed dogs, often called mongrels, are often considered healthier than purebreds. However, that’s not always the case for popular designer dogs like Labradoodles and Cockapoos. A study published in the journal “PLoS ONE” reveals that this is true for these specific breed mixes.
Celebrities like tennis player Roger Federer, actor Chris Hemsworth, and actress Brie Larson have chosen these hybrid Doodle dogs, which are a deliberate cross between a Poodle and various other breeds, such as Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever + Standard Poodle), Cockapoos (Cocker English Spaniel + Poodle), and Cavapoos (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Miniature or Toy Poodle). These dogs are often praised for their friendly nature and sometimes, their hypoallergenic coat.
The exact number of such dogs in Germany is unknown, according to official statistics, which classify them as “mongrels” along with other mixed breeds. Websites offering puppies list many Labradoodle, Cockapoo and Cavapoo puppies.
Do Mixed Breeds Mean Better Health?
Potential dog owners sometimes choose a mixed breed expecting their pet to be less susceptible to disease. Mongrels are often considered stronger than purebreds because of their more diverse gene pool.
A study published a decade ago in “PLoS ONE” showed that purebred dogs are more likely to develop certain diseases than mongrels. This is likely because purebreds are often bred for specific traits, sometimes at the expense of overall health, allowing harmful genes to accumulate.
Recently, a research group from the Royal Veterinary College in the United Kingdom studied the health of Doodle hybrid dogs. They surveyed over 9,400 dog owners about 57 common canine health problems. The data from the mixes was compared to that of purebreds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle.
Analyzing age, sex, neutering status, and owner age and sex, the results showed that there were no significant differences between hybrid dogs and their purebreds in almost 87% of health comparisons.
Consider more than health
The team concluded that there is no reason to assume that Doodle mixes are healthier than the breeds they come from, at least they are not sicker either. Other important factors to consider when choosing a dog, such as
