Designer Dogs
(Designer Dog Breeds, Hybrid dogs, Experimental Breeds)
"Designer dogs" are mixed breed dogs or hybrid dogs that are purposely bred in the hope to combine the virtues of two existing breeds, but with fewer genetic faults. They have been riding a wave of popularity due in part to their cute names and the belief that hybrid dogs have increased strength and vigor, a phenomenon known as hybrid vigor. (For the difference between heterozygosity and heterosis, see Breeding Myths: practical genetics for dog breeders).
As opposed to mongrels, the parents of designer dogs are always of known ancestry and pure-bred. Designer dogs are often first-generation crosses. For that reason there is a great variability among specimens. Attempts to further breed their offspring have not always produced the desired results, in that the positive traits of the parent breeds do not necessarily become a fixed attribute in the later generations.
Some of the reasons for their success:
- as many of the designer dogs are Poodle-mixes, their offspring tend to shed less.
- for the same reason they tend to be good for people with allergies who are looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed. Beware: not all designer dogs or mixed breed dogs are necessarily hypoallergenic dogs !
- Mixed breeds are believed to be healthier and more intelligent than purebred dogs, a phenomenon known as hybrid vigor, or the increase in strength and vigor resulting from the combination of the virtues of both parents.
- some hybrids have become very popular through dog sports, such as flyball. These hybrids often combine the compact size and agility of one breed with the resistance, strength and trainability of the other breed. Examples are the Borderjack (Border Collie/Jack Russell Terrier) and Borderstaffy (Border Collie/Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
- they have catchy breed names.
Some of the drawbacks:
- the lack of predictability. It is impossible to know what the puppy will look or behave like as and adult dog.
- they are very expensive and many claim they are overpriced and not very different from mixed breed dogs you can adopt from a shelter. read more >>
Crossbreeds where one of the parents is either Poodle or Pug are among the most popular. Poodle mixes are sought after because they tend to shed less and Pug mixes are popular because of their playful temperament and cute snouts.
Poodle mixes:
Cockapoo or Cockerpoo: a cross between the Poodle and American Cocker Spaniel. The Cockapoo is not as hyperactive as the American Cocker Spaniel and has a much lower incidence of skin problems.
Schnoodle, a schnauzer-poodle mixed breed dog;
Puggle came along. Labradoodles have been successfully trained and placed in Australia and Hawaii since the 1970s.
Goldendoodle, a golden retriever-poodle mix;
English Boodle (English Bulldog-Poodle cross)
Pugapoo (Pug-Poodle cross)
Canine Information
Articles
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Hot Dogs:
Fourteen of the Top Designer Dogs
by Norma Bennet Woolf (Introduction)
More information:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Designer Dogs(Paperback)
by Margaret H. Bonham
Puggle puppy, Beagle & pug mix
Photo: Rick Orrell
More about Pug mixes
Schnoodle, a Schnauzer and Poodle mix
Photo: Jill Fromer
Labradoodle, a poodle and Labrador mix
Photo: Ian Wilson
Goldendoodle
(Designer Dog)
(Hardcover)
by Kathryn Lee
Photographer)
Puggles
(Complete Pet Owner's Manual)by Andre Calbert and Chelle Calbert
More information:
Terripoo, a generic term used to refer to all Terrier and Poodle crosses. Terripoos are usually non-shedding, active and playful.
For other popular designer dogs and pug hybrids, see Pug mixes.
Labrodoodle: a poodle and Labrador Retriever mix. Labradoodles originated in Australia in the 1970s as an attempt to create a low allergy guide dog. They were the most popular of the "designer dogs" until the
Cockapoo Puppy
Photo: Jill Fromer
Yorkipoo, a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a poodle;
Peekapoo, a pekingnese-poodle mix;
Papipoo or Papadoodle, a Papillon and poodle mix.
a Terripoo, Terrier-poodle cross
Photo: Brenda A. Smith
Yorkipoo Puppy, 2 month old
Yorkshire Terrier/Miniature Poodle cross
Photo: Lorraine Swanson
Peekapoo
Pekingese-Poodle cross
Photo: Jonathan White
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