Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and genetic backgrounds. Some have carefully documented pedigrees, while others are the result of generations of mixed ancestry.
“Designer dogs” fall somewhere in between: they are intentional crosses of purebred dogs created to combine desirable traits. Understanding these categories can help you appreciate the diversity in the canine world and make informed choices when selecting a pet.
What is a mixed breed?
A mixed-breed dog, as the name implies, has more than one breed in its bloodline. Most mixed-breed dogs have unidentified parentage, which means there is no valid documentation of who their ancestors were, or how many different breeds contributed to their genetic make-up.
- A “mutt” is a mixture of many genetic traits and may have any combination of ancestral characteristics. The potential for variety in appearance, conformation, and temperament is endless.
- A pure breed, especially one that is registered, has a definitive lineage derived from purposeful breeding to produce dogs with more consistent traits. Breed standards describe each breed’s ideal characteristics (appearance, behavior), and help maintain the integrity of breeds registered with a recognized kennel club.
What is a designer dog?
Designer dogs are a mix of registered, pure dog breeds. Intentional mixing of breeds creates the possibility of combining the best characteristics of each parent. Sometimes a designer dog mix includes more than two pure breeds, but the lineage can be identified, unlike a mutt.
Designer breeds are loosely referred to as hybrids, but this terminology is not accurate. True hybrids are created when breeding occurs between different species.
The offspring produced by mixing two bloodlines within a species (e.g., canine) are more accurately referred to as crossbreeds. A crossbreed (like a designer dog) has identifiable parents of two validated breeds, while a mixed-breed dog or mutt has undocumented parentage.
What are some advantages and disadvantages of designer dogs?
Advantages:
- Careful breeding may produce pups with the best qualities of both parents. Standard Poodles do not shed much — a desirable trait. Golden Retrievers have a calm disposition and physical endurance, which is also desirable. Put the two together and you may have a very desirable pup.
- The risk of negative genetic traits may be reduced by crossbreeding, so the pups may be healthier due to something known as hybrid vigor. Recessive genes may not be expressed as often when breeds are mixed. For example, the offspring of a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever, a Labradoodle, may not have the exercise-induced collapse denoted in many pure Labrador bloodlines.
- The results of designer breeding may not be as predictable as desired, but they are more predictable than those of mixed breeding without intent.
Disadvantages:
- Combining breeds may not produce results as consistent as those obtained when mating pure breeds. The genes passed to puppies may vary. For example, if a Goldendoodle pup’s coat predominately reflects the heritage of a Golden Retriever, it will shed more than if it reflects the genetic heritage of a Standard Poodle.
- Combining two pure breeds can result in passing along the negative traits of both breeds to the pup.
- Recessive traits, although diluted in crossbreeds, are still possible, especially in second-generation (F2) or third-generation (F3) offspring. For that reason, Labradoodle pups may still have poor hips.
What are some commonly recognized designer dogs?
- Cockapoo: The result of crossing a Poodle (usually not a Standard Poodle) and a Cocker Spaniel. The cockapoo has been around a long time and is one of the original designer breeds.
- Malti-poo: The result of crossing a Maltese and a Poodle (usually not a Standard Poodle).
- Peke-a-poo: The result of crossing a small Poodle and a Pekingese. Peke-a-poo pups often have longer noses and may have fewer respiratory problems than purebred Pekingese.
- Labradoodle: The result of crossing a Standard Poodle and Labrador, often resulting in a smart, athletic, larger dog.
- Goldendoodle: The result of crossing a Golden Retriever and Poodle, often resulting in a friendly, loyal pet.
- Goldador: The result of crossing a Golden Retriever with a Labrador, often resulting in an athletic, loyal dog that sheds.
- Maltese-shih tzu: The result of crossing a Maltese with a Shih Tzu; one of the few designer dogs that does not have poodle parents.
- Puggle: Beagle and Pug parents often produce cute, fun pups of reasonable size that may not have as many respiratory issues as purebred Pugs.
- Schnoodle: The result of crossing a Miniature Poodle with a Miniature Schnauzer. Schnoodles are usually energetic but love to snuggle.
- Yorkipoo: This cross of Miniature Poodle with a Yorkshire Terrier often creates a small dog with a big personality.
There are many possible crossbreed combinations. Mixed breeds and crossbreeds can be wonderful dogs with sought-after traits that make them great family pets.
