The research challenges widespread assumptions that doodle breeds are easier to train.
New research has revealed that cockapoos, Labradoodles and cavapoos — collectively known as ‘doodles’ — display higher levels of undesirable behaviour than their purebred parent breeds.
The study by the RVC is the first of its kind, and challenges widespread assumptions that doodle breeds are easier to train or are especially suited to family homes with children. The findings may also support owners in deciding which dog might be the right fit for their family.
Previous studies by the RVC revealed that the physical health of doodles is comparable that of their parent breeds. This is despite designer crossbreed owners being drawn to these dogs by a perception of superior health.
Building on these previous health comparisons, this latest study suggests that neither health nor behavioural advantages should be assumed for doodles, simply because they are crossbreeds.
Study author, Dr Rowena Packer, a senior lecturer in companion animal behaviour and welfare science at the RVC, said: “Realistic expectations are key to happy dog ownership. When expectations and reality don’t align, both dogs and owners can struggle.
“Preconceived beliefs, such as the idea that designer-crossbreeds are naturally easy to train or are safe with children, can have serious consequences if they aren’t supported by evidence. Our research shows that many designer-crossbreeds do not always behave as expected, particularly regarding training, anxiety and aggression, which were more common than in their parent breeds.
“We also found that not all ‘Doodles’ are alike, with Cockapoos tending to display more undesirable behaviour compared to Labradoodles and Cavapoos, highlighting that each breed is unique. By providing reliable scientific data, we can help puppy buyers to make better-informed choices that support both human wellbeing and canine welfare.”
In the study, researchers conducted a large online survey and used responses collected for 9,402 dogs to investigate the behaviour of cockapoos, Labradoodles and cavapoos. The behaviours were then compared between the doodles and their parent breeds using the Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire.
The findings reveal that doodles differed from their purebred parents in approximately 54 per cent of behavioural comparisons. Where differences were identified, doodles showed more undesirable behaviours in 82 per cent of those instances.
Some of these common undesirable behaviours included non-social fear (e.g. fear of traffic, loud noises); separation-related problems (e.g. vocalisation and destructiveness when left alone); and excitability (e.g. strong reactions to exciting events such as walks and doorbells).
The study also identified considerable variation between the three individual doodle breeds, indicating that designer crossbreeds should not be treated as a single, uniform group in terms of behaviour.
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