Groundbreaking research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has challenged the widely held belief that designer crossbreed dogs, such as Cockapoos, Labradoodles, and Cavapoos, are healthier than their purebred counterparts.
The study reveals that the overall health of these popular crossbreeds is largely similar to that of their parent breeds, overturning long-standing assumptions about their supposed health advantages.
This landmark study, the largest of its kind, provides invaluable guidance for prospective dog owners as they consider which type of dog is right for them. The findings make clear that health should not be the sole reason for opting for a designer crossbreed.
Designer crossbreeds are produced by intentionally crossing two established purebred dogs to create a new breed with desirable traits, such as the Cockapoo, a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. The popularity of these crossbreeds has surged over the past decade, especially during the pandemic, with many now outpacing their parent breeds in terms of ownership. For instance, in 2023, there were 653,597 Cockapoos in the UK, surpassing the 562,951 Cocker Spaniels and 105,369 Poodles.
This boom in popularity has been driven by the belief that designer crossbreeds are healthier due to the perceived benefit of hybrid vigour, which is said to reduce the harmful effects of inbreeding common in purebred dogs. However, the RVC’s research indicates that for the three most popular designer crossbreeds—Cockapoo, Labradoodle, and Cavapoo—there is little difference in health outcomes compared to their parent breeds. Specifically, the risk of developing one of 57 common canine disorders was the same in 86.6% of cases. For the remaining 13.4% of comparisons, the risk was nearly evenly split, with crossbreeds showing a higher risk for 7% of disorders and a lower risk for 6.4%.
The research was led by Gina Bryson, a master’s graduate, along with Dr Rowena Packer, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science, and Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology, all from the RVC. They gathered data from 9,402 UK dog owners of the three most popular designer crossbreeds and their parent breeds (Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Miniature, Toy, and Standard Poodles). The team analysed the risk of these dogs developing the 57 most common disorders.
Key Findings:
- In 86.6% of comparisons, there was no difference in the risk of disorders between designer crossbreeds and their purebred parents.
- Designer crossbreeds had a higher risk for 7% of disorders, but a lower risk for 6.4%.
- All three designer crossbreeds were more likely to suffer from dietary indiscretion, vomiting, and diarrhoea compared to their shared parent breed, the Poodle.
- Ear infections were more prevalent in the crossbreeds compared to their non-Poodle parent breeds, while Cockapoos had a higher likelihood of developing itchy skin due to allergies.
- Labradoodles and Cockapoos had a lower risk of patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) compared to Poodles, while Cavapoos showed no significant difference compared to either parent breed.
The findings debunk the idea that designer crossbreeds are inherently healthier than purebreds. They also counter the notion that designer crossbreeds are “damaged” or “inferior” simply because they lack the “pure” lineage of their parent breeds.
Choosing the Right Dog
In light of these results, the researchers advise prospective owners to look beyond the myth of hybrid health benefits when selecting a dog. Instead, potential owners should consider factors such as the specific health risks associated with each breed, the dog’s size, temperament, and behavioural needs, as well as the suitability of the breed for their lifestyle. Crucially, buyers should focus on finding reputable breeders who prioritise welfare, allowing visits to see the puppies with their mother in the breeding environment.
Expert Commentary
Dr Rowena Packer, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the RVC, explains:
“The popularity of designer crossbreeds, particularly Poodle crosses, has boomed over the past decade in the UK. With cute teddy bear-like features, their aesthetic appeal to many households is clear. However, our previous research discovered that many are purchased based on assumed characteristics that are not well-evidenced, such as perceptions they are hypoallergenic, good with children, and have good health.
“This study has demonstrated that although the health of designer Poodle-crosses is no worse than their parent breeds’, it is also no better. This means that owners should still be strongly focused on purchasing from breeders who prioritise health and temperament over looks in their breeding decisions, and not to assume their puppy will automatically be healthy due to being a crossbreed.
“Prospective owners should be extremely mindful that the popularity of Poodle-crosses means they are at high-risk of coming from poor welfare sources such as puppy farms and illegal imports to meet this demand, which could negatively influence their future health and welfare.”
Gina Bryson, lead author, adds:
“This paper delves into the health of common designer crossbreeds in the UK, with the clear intent of dispelling unfounded biases towards both purebred breeds and crossbreeds. Our foremost priority should be to prioritise overall dog welfare, and to ensure that responsible ownership and good breeding practices are upheld, with owner and breeder decisions driven by sound scientific evidence.”
Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology, notes:
“Ongoing public concerns about serious health issues affecting pedigree dogs are pushing the public increasingly towards acquiring designer crossbreeds, but this new work suggests that owners wanting to avoid acquiring innately sick dogs should instead focus on avoiding extreme body shapes—such as flattened faces, bulging eyes, or skin folds—regardless of whether the dog is purebred or a designer crossbreed.”
The Bottom Line
This comprehensive study provides a clearer understanding of the health risks associated with designer crossbreeds. The key takeaway? Health should not be the deciding factor when choosing a designer dog over a purebred, as both come with their own set of risks. Instead, prospective owners should focus on finding a breed that fits their lifestyle and ensure they acquire their dog from a high-welfare, ethical breeder.
The full paper is available from PLOS ONE and can be accessed at:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0306350
Photo by Mia Anderson on Unsplash