A new study from the Royal Veterinary College suggests that some popular crossbreed dogs – particularly “doodles” like cockapoos and cavapoos – exhibit more behavioral problems than their purebred parent breeds. The findings challenge the widespread belief that these hybrid dogs are universally healthier, hypoallergenic, or better-behaved.
The Rise of Designer Breeds
Over the last decade, crossbreeds have exploded in popularity in the UK and beyond. Many buyers are drawn to these mixes with expectations of reduced allergy risks, improved temperaments, and enhanced health. However, the study’s results indicate that these assumptions aren’t always accurate.
Study Methodology and Findings
Researchers analyzed data from over 9,400 dogs – including cockapoos, labradoodles, cavapoos, and their purebred counterparts (cocker spaniels, labradors, poodles, and cavalier king charles spaniels) – using an online questionnaire. Owners reported on their dogs’ behavior across 12 scales, covering aggression, fearfulness, trainability, and other issues.
The key findings:
- Cockapoos: Showed more aggressive behaviors toward owners, strangers, and other dogs compared to both cocker spaniels and poodles. They also exhibited higher rates of separation anxiety and excitability.
- Cavapoos: Displayed more undesirable behaviors than cavalier king charles spaniels in nearly all categories tested.
- Labradoodles: Scored better than poodles on most scales, but worse than labradors on several, indicating they may not necessarily benefit from the “best of both worlds” in temperament.
Why Does This Matter?
The study doesn’t prove that crossbreeds are inherently flawed. Instead, it points to a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and owner expectations. As veterinary behavioral medicine professor Daniel Mills explains, behavior is not solely determined by breed; training methods, owner experience, and cultural factors all play a significant role.
This suggests that some owners may be unintentionally exacerbating behavioral issues in crossbreeds due to unrealistic expectations or inappropriate training approaches. The popularity of these dogs may also be driving breeding practices that prioritize appearance over temperament, potentially leading to more unpredictable outcomes.
What’s Next?
Further research is needed to determine whether these behavioral differences are genetic, environmental, or a combination of both. Longitudinal studies that track dogs and their owners over time could help unravel the main influences driving these effects. For now, prospective dog owners should thoroughly research any breed or crossbreed before making a decision, and avoid relying on overly optimistic generalizations.
“The results of this study highlight the importance of owners thoroughly exploring the characteristics of any breed or crossbreed during pre-purchase research to avoid misinformed breed selection.”
Ultimately, choosing the right dog requires careful consideration of individual needs, realistic expectations, and a commitment to responsible ownership.
