Designer dogs not healthier than purebreds, study finds
In 86.6 per cent of disorder comparisons, there was no difference in risk between crossbred and purebred dogs.
A study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has challenged the belief that designer crossbreed dogs are more healthy than dogs which are purebred.
Researchers found that, in the most common designer crossbreeds, there was little difference in disorder risk between them and their purebred parent breed.
The UK has seen a significant increase in designer crossbreed ownership, with ownership of some crossbreeds surpassing ownership of their purebred parent breeds. In 2023, there were more cockapoo dogs (653,597) than either cocker spaniels or poodles.
The researchers suggest that this popularity is driven by the belief that designer crossbreeds are healthier than purebreds dogs as they ‘breed out’ harmful health effects of inbreeding in purebred dogs.
To investigate this, this study examined how the health of the cockapoo, Labradoodle and the cavapoo differed from their parent breeds.
The study saw researchers survey 9,402 UK owners of the designer crossbreeds and their parent purebred breeds. The risk of each breed having the 57 most common health disorders was then compared.
The results uncovered that, in 86.6 per cent of disorder comparisons, there was no difference in risk between the three designer crossbreeds and their parent purebred breeds.
Where the risk did differ, this was almost equally split between designer crossbreeds having higher or lower risk. Designer crossbreeds had a higher risk in seven per cent of cases and a lower risk in 6.4 per cent of cases.
Among the disorders which the designer crossbreeds had a higher risk of than poodles were dietary indiscretion, vomiting and diarrhoea. The crossbreeds had a higher chance of ear infections than their non-poodle parents. Cockapoos were more likely to develop itchy skin.
In contrast, both the Labradoodle and the cockapoo were seen to have a lower risk of patellar luxation than poodles.
The researchers say that these findings not only challenge the theory that designer crossbreeds are healthier than purebred dogs, but also dispel suggestions that the ‘pure’ blood of purebred dogs makes them healthier than designer breeds.
Instead of debating designer crossbreeds against purebred dogs, they recommend that prospective owners examine dogs’ specific expected health issues and the suitability of their dog’s needs to their lifestyle.
Those buying a dog should also be aware that increased popularity also increases the risk the puppy may come from a puppy farm or be illegally imported to meet demand
Rowena Packer, senior lecturer in companion animal behaviour and welfare science at RVC, said: "This study has demonstrated that although the health of designer poodle-crosses is no worse than their parent breeds’, it is also no better.
“This means that owners should still be strongly focused on purchasing from breeders who prioritise health and temperament over looks in their breeding decisions, and not to assume their puppy will automatically be healthy due to being a crossbreed.”
The full study can be found in the journal PLOS ONE.
Image © Shutterstock
RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.
