Crossbreed dogs

Poodle cross on their Omlet Bolster dog bed in Pawsteps Electric.

Crossbreed dogs are those made up of two purebred parents, whereby one dog breed is mixed with another in an attempt to get the best traits of each parent. These dogs are not to be confused with mixed breed or mongrel dogs, which are those made up of multiple breeds with often unknown parentage.

Advantages of owning a crossbreed dog

Best of both worlds

The appearance or behaviour of mixed breed dogs cannot entirely be predicted but if you know what both parents are, you stand a better chance of getting the “best of both worlds”. Labradors and golden retrievers are commonly crossbred to produce a Goldador, combining traits of both breeds to produce a very effective guide dog for the blind.

Health

Both crossbreed and mixed breed dogs are less prone to inherited diseases than most pedigree dogs are. You may or may not be familiar with the scientific term ‘hybrid vigor’ in relation to crossbreed dogs but what this means is the improved performance of a trait which one parent holds that is passed down to a dog’s offspring. The higher the hybrid vigor, the more genetically diverse a dog is. The lower the level of hybrid vigor and less genetic diversity, the potentially higher chance of hereditary health problems.

Longer lifespan

Dog lifespan varies from breed to breed, but crossbreed dogs, as a whole, tend to live longer than their pedigree counterparts. Their better health is largely responsible for this as they’re less suspectable to hereditary illnesses that either parent may have had.

Any disadvantages?

Unpredictability

Each mixed breed dog is unique. Think of them as a canine limited edition! For example, a cockapoo with a poodle dad and cocker spaniel mom could inherit mostly the appearance of their father and the temperament of their mother, whilst another may look and act completely different. So if you’re after an exact 50/50 split from each breed, a crossbreed dog won’t guarantee this.

Pricing

Not all crossbreeds are expensive, but with the increasing popularity of “designer dogs”, many are becoming very pricey. The cost of owning a dog varies on several factors such as your location, size of the dog, grooming requirements and so on, but if you’re looking to keep the upfront cost down, a mixed breed dog is likely the best option for you.

Behavioural issues

Poodle mixes in particular are a growing concern for some professionals. Crossbreed poodles are currently very popular for two main reasons - they’re undeniably cute but poodles are also hypoallergenic. This provides a solution for those who are allergic to dog hair but don’t want to miss out on the joys of ownership. It should be noted, however, that poodle mixes may not be 100% hypoallergenic, depending on what breed the second parent is.

Poodles as a breed make for great pets. They’re incredibly intelligent but because of this, need plenty of mental stimulation. They can also be skittish and sensitive, which are traits that can often be overlooked when crossing with another breed. Mixing a poodle with another active breed such as a Boxer or Doberman for example, can be difficult to train, especially for an inexperienced owner.

Omlet and your crossbreed dog

Decide what dog is right for you with Omlet’s extensive dog guide. And once you’ve decided on whether a crossbreed, mixed breed or pedigree dog is right for you, find the perfect products for your pet pooch with a range of cosy dog beds, dog crates and dog leads.