In years past a mixed-breed dog often found its way into the hearts of Americans by accident. They were the result of unintentional breeding and not all had a happy ending. More recently breeders have begun to change the way the public views mixed breed pups but they have not always been well received.
Hybrids Rise to Popularity
Once called “mutts” cross-breed dogs are now considered hybrids and some of the more successful crosses are considered designer dogs. Among the best known and popular hybrids are the Labradoodle (a lab/poodle mix) the Borderjack (Border Collie/Jack Russell Terrier mix), the Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel/poodle mix) and the Puggle (pug/beagle mix)
Many proponents of hybrids suggest that hybrid vigor and overall health and agility exist in mixed breed dogs more commonly then in purebred dogs. The general consensus suggests that dogs of different breeds often cancel out the inherited health problems that some breeds have, although the scientific foundation of such findings is shakey at best.
While some animal advocates or purebred fanatics fear that mixing breeds is going to be the downfall of the dog world that may not always be the case. While irresponsible breeders exist in the hybrid world there are many responsible breeders who are committed to achieving the much talked about hybrid vigor and breed two different dogs together for specific and ethical reasons.
Hybrid Vigor and Talent
It is rumored that the Labradoodle originated in the 1970’s as alternatives for visually impaired individuals. The poodle, a hypoallergenic dog and the Labrador retriever were mixed to give visually impaired individuals with allergies the opportunity to work with a guide dog. Since the introduction of the Labradoodle several poodle hybrids have sprouted up that gives dog-loving families with allergies pet options.
In agility contests hybrids have gained great popularity and often rise to the top of their sport. In Flyball the Borderjack appears to possess the best of both worlds. It has size and the speed of a Jack Russell terrier as well as the trainability and attention span of the much loved Border Collie. Another popular mix in agility training is a Border Collie/Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix. The mix gains the strength of the Bull Terrier and the agility and trainability of the Border Collie, who has long reigned supreme in agility contests.
Hybrids have been known to breed out some serious and potentially expensive health problems. The Puggle for example often inherits the longer snout of the beagle which prevents the breathing problems that is associated with the pug but maintains the loving and loyal nature of its pug counterparts.
The Final Decision
That being said there are mixes that simply are not desirable or safe to attempt, specifically mixes that link two similar health related problems together and irresponsible and money minded individuals can easily cause the downfall of the dog world, but the same exist in purebred territory as well.
In the end the decision between picking a mixed breed or a purebred pup to be part of the family is at the discretion of the person making the decision. Which ever way they go responsible buying and deep research is necessary to ensure the healthiest and best fitting pup joins the family be it a purebred poodle or one of its hybrid cousins.
