According to the world’s largest study on the subject, designer dogs such as Cockapoos, Labradoodles and Cavapoos are no healthier than purebred dogs.
Over the last decade, the demand for crossbreeds has increased significantly, with many crossbreeds now more popular than their parent breeds.
For example, last year in the UK there were more Cockapoo dogs than Cocker Spaniels or Poodles.
Much of this explosive public demand is driven by the widespread belief that designer hybrids are a healthier option.
However, a new study has found that – specifically for Cockapoo, Labradoodle and Cavapoo – the risk of the 57 most common conditions was no different between these three most common designer crossbreeds and their purebred parent breeds in 86 percent of cases.
Designer dogs such as Cockapoos, Labradoodles and Cavapoos are no healthier than pedigree dogs, according to the world’s largest study on the subject. Pictured: Footballer Declan Rice and his cavapoo, Raffa
Over the past decade, the demand for crossbreeds has increased significantly, with many now surpassing the popularity of their parent breeds. Pictured: Sylvester Stallone and his Cavapoo, Billie
The research, conducted by the Royal Veterinary College in London, involved a survey of more than 9,400 British dog owners.
They found that the risk of vomiting and diarrhea was higher in all three designer crossbreeds than in their common parent breed, the poodle.
All three designer breed crosses were also more likely to develop ear infections than their non-poodle parents.
And ironically, Cockapoos – a favorite among families with pet allergies – were more likely than their parent breeds to have itchy skin, a condition often caused by allergies.
Much of this meteoric public demand has been driven by a widespread belief that designer crossbreeds are a healthier option. Pictured: Jamie Lee Curtis and her labradoodle
When considering whether to get a dog, the researchers encourage owners to instead consider other factors such as anticipated health problems, breed size suitability, behavioral and grooming needs for their lifestyle, and likely temperament to decide on their chosen breed. Pictured: Kelly Brook and her beloved cavapoo, Teddy
Overall, the findings show that the risk for most conditions did not differ at all between the designer crosses and their parent breeds, the researchers said.
The findings largely dispel the belief held by some people that designer dog crosses are somehow damaged or defective because they lack the “pure” blood of purebred dogs and are therefore less healthy than their breed parents.
Based on these results, the researchers recommend that owners consider other factors when purchasing a dog, such as anticipated health problems, the suitability of the breed’s size, behavioral and grooming needs for their lifestyle, and likely temperament, when determining which breed to purchase.
Dr Rowena Packer, lead author of the paper, said: ‘The popularity of designer crossbreeds, particularly Poodle crossbreeds, has increased dramatically in the UK over the past decade.
‘With their cute, teddy bear-like appearance, their aesthetic appeal to many households is obvious.
However, our previous research has shown that many products are purchased based on perceived attributes that are not well-substantiated, such as the perception that they are hypoallergenic, good with children and good health.
‘This study found that the health of cross-bred designer poodles is no worse than their parent breeds, but also no better.
‘This means that owners should still be very focused on purchasing from breeders who prioritize health and temperament over appearance in their breeding decisions, and not automatically assume that their puppy is healthy because it is a crossbreed.
‘Prospective owners should be very aware that the popularity of Poodle crosses means they are at high risk of coming from sources of poor health, such as puppy farms and illegal imports to meet demand, which could negatively impact their future health and welfare.’
The findings were published in the journal Plos One.