Mixed-breed dogs are generally considered to be healthier than pure-breds – but recent research appears to show that is not true for some popular “designer dogs”.
A “doodle dilemma” study has looked at how the physical health of some doodle breeds compare to their pure-bred parents.
Such dogs – tennis star Roger Federer has one, as do Marvel actors Chris Hemsworth and Brie Larson – are the offspring of a poodle and another dog breed. They include the labradoodle, a mix of a Labrador retriever and a poodle; the cockapoo, a cross between an English cocker spaniel and a poodle; and the cavapoo, a mix of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a poodle.
The mixes are said to have friendly natures and, in some cases, allergy-friendly coats.
Some future dog owners, in considering such a mix, may think that these mixed-breed dogs have a lower risk of illness than pure-bred dogs. This is because they are considered more robust than pedigree dogs because of their larger gene pool.
