Note: This is a guest post by Omar Reyes of Dog Care Journey.
Designer dogs, hybrid dogs, puggles, goldendoodles, schnoodles, and yes, Labradoodles have become more popular recently.
But aren’t they all just mixed breed dogs? Well, in a way, they are.
So what makes them so special?
Let’s take a step back and present a more “formal” definition of a hybrid or designer dog.
A designer dog or “hybrid” is a dog that is a deliberate cross between two purebred dogs of different dog breeds.
In a way, they are also different than your typical idea of a mutt – a mix or cross of different, and usually unknown dog breeds.
The designer dog is deliberately bred and usually has parents that are carefully selected. In the case of the Labradoodle, the breed is created by crossing a Labrador retriever and a poodle. Some breeders choose to breed Labradoodles with other Labradoodles.
You may say that a Labradoodle is still a mutt, and you may be right. But there are many people who would disagree. In fact, they would be willing to spend up to $2,000 (in some cases) for a quality Labradoodle.
Labradoodles are actually one of the most popular designer dogs. Both Labrador retrievers and poodles are very popular dog breeds. They are both intelligent and love to please their families. In many cases, Labradoodles will share similar traits to their parents.
Because poodles shed less than other dog breeds, they are often used in these hybrid crosses in an attempt to create a more hypoallergenic dog breed. In the case of the Labrador retriever, a notorious shedder, breeders are attempting to create a loving, friendly, intelligent and active dog that will have a more curly coat that will shed less.
Although Labradoodles are claimed to be hypoallergenic, this really depends on the individual dog.
Labradoodles were first bred around 1989. Since then, they have been used as guide dogs and assistance dogs because they are very gentle and easily trained.
Labradoodle appearance
Labrador retrievers are crossed with either the standard poodle or the miniature poodle to create first generation Labradoodles. Some of the puppies from these crosses will have curly coats like the poodle, while others will more closely resemble the Labrador parent. Some puppies will end up with a wiry coat.
Some of the offspring will have a personality that is more like the poodle, while others will have the temperament of a Lab. The truth is, they are crosses and can have the look and personality of either parent or a combination of both.
As far as their coat colors, they can have coats of white, cream, gold, apricot, red, brown, black and other colors that can be seen in poodles. The colors of the pups depend on genetics. Not all the puppies will be the same color just because they are from the same litter or just because their parents are a certain color.
Health of Labradoodles
When breeding Labradoodles and other designer dogs, breeders claim to be trying to produce “hybrid vigor.” Whether or not hybrid vigor actually exists is debatable.
Some people claim that mixed breed dogs are healthier. In reality, a Labradoodle could be free of the genetic conditions that may plague their purebred parents, or not. If both parents suffer from the same genetic condition, chances are that their offspring will suffer from that condition as well.
If you are considering a Labradoodle, or any puppy for that matter, your best bet is to find a responsible breeder who has had the parents tested for genetic conditions before breeding them.
Labradoodles and other designer dogs are very popular right now and they can make wonderful pets. But no matter what type of dog you are considering, the advice remains the same – do your research. If you are considering a designer dog, then be sure that both parent dog breeds are compatible with your lifestyle because your puppy may have traits from both parents.
And as always, remember, there are many wonderful dogs, mixed breeds and purebred dogs, who need a loving home.
Now it’s your turn. What do you think about the current trend in designer dogs?
Some examples of designer dogs:
That Mutt has featured many breed profiles.
No related posts.
February 14th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Hi Lindsay,
Thanks for the opportunity to guest post on your blog. I just love the picture you chose. Is that one of your running clients?
Both my wife and I had the same initial reaction – with the snow in the beard, and those eyes, looks like a really wise and pensive old guy
.
Omar
February 14th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Yep, that’s Ranger, a Labradoodle I run. He’s a bit of a clown, actually. Not exactly old and wise. But he’s very sweet and a good boy
February 14th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
I tend to scoff at the idea hybrid dogs, because to me it is a way for breeders to make a lot of money on what is basically a mixed breed dog. I think Omar does a great job in this article on stating that they aren’t quite your idea of a typical mutt, since both parents are of pure bred quality and known lineage. As a dog owner it would be helpful to know what breeds are in your dog, to be able learn about possible behaviors or health problems the dog may develop. My dog is your average mutt, Pointer/spainiel/border collie mix? I have been tempted to get a DNA test done on him to see what breeds are really in him, for the same reasons I just posted, but at the same time I feel that would take away some of the curiosity and fun of owning a true mixed breed. I appreciate the end sentence by the way! It helps to keep the reader open minded about which type of dog to choose. Thanks for sharing the info!
February 14th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
I’ve thought about that DNA test too. The reason I haven’t done it is because I have a feeling it’s mostly a scam. How accurate could it really be? It would be fun to get a bunch of true mutts like our dogs, have people guess their breeds and then try the DNA tests, just to see what the results say!
February 14th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
We should send in a test of my dog and see what comes back.
Then we would really know if it is a scam.
February 14th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Ha! Sounds like a plan!
February 15th, 2010 at 10:47 am
I’m not sure where I stand on the “designer dogs” idea. I have met a couple goldendoodles, and puggles, who were very friendly and cute… I imagine it can be hit or miss if you get the “right” temperaments, traits, etc. I wouldn’t actively seek out one of these mixes, but if I found one in a shelter that fit for us, I’d definitely adopt one!
February 15th, 2010 at 11:31 am
I agree with you, Tammy. I can’t see myself buying a “designer dog” from a breeder. I’m not sure I’d buy any dog from a breeder. But if I came across the right mix that happens to be a designer dog in a shelter at the right time, I would adopt it.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
I personally am all for mix breeds, as long as it’s done responsibly (exactly the same for purebreds). The reason is simple – if you breed “purebred” dogs for too many generations in a row, you end up with terrible health defects. This is why every single registered breed has its own specific health problems.
Breeding between breeds helps to avoid these problems and can lead to longer lifespans – if done knowledgeably and repsonsibly, as I said. It’s called the heterosis effect. Bear in mind also that pretty much every breed you see today is simply a mix of older breeds, many of which are now extinct. Simply put, it’s unhealthy and unnatural to try to maintain a “breed standard” for too long without outcrossing.
As for the argument that it’s simply a way to “make a lot of money” – since when are purebred dogs automatically more valuable? It’s been a while since Econ101, but as I recall price is determined by market supply and demand, and many cross breeds are in demand these days, hence high prices.
February 15th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Thanks for your comment, and good points. I own a typical mutt and don’t have much to say about breed standards or designer breeds. It is unfortunate that so many dog breeds suffer from health problems because of irresponsible breeding.
You’re right that purebred dogs are not automatically more valuable. Look at all the purebred dogs in rescues and shelters. Still, I don’t think anyone can argue that many people are breeding “designer dogs” strictly as a way to make money.
February 17th, 2010 at 10:01 am
Shibadox? Wow, there are some interesting combos out there. I always see very specific designer breeds around here and then there are a bunch of them up for adoption after people get tired of them and are on to the next. It’s pretty sad.
Personally, I’ll just stick to rescuing whomever needs it and wants to come with me when I’m out to adopt again.
February 17th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I’m with you, I’ll just adopt a “designer” dog that needs rescuing like I did with my “Labrapointerhound.”
March 5th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
I wouldn’t seek out a “breeder” of a designer dog, but I adopted my Beagador (Beagle – Lab x) from a rescue, and she is terrific.
March 6th, 2010 at 10:03 am
I wouldn’t seek one out either. But adopting one is great!
March 19th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
My Schnoodle Wally wants a shout out on your list of doggies! They are a pretty popular mix.
March 19th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Ha! Good point. The schnoodle should definitely be on that list!
April 13th, 2010 at 2:59 am
This is a very informative article, and that pic was so interesting, at first I thought that was his coat, too cute. Breeding could be revolutionary, but I hope the health and condition of the dogs and the incoming puppies are in the top of the keys to consider and ensure..
April 13th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Thanks!