Scientists have found problems in popular "designer" dogs
Labradoodles, cockapoos and kawapoos have long been considered the "perfect" dogs - friendly, intelligent and family-friendly. But a new study shows it may be more complicated than that.
Scientists from the Royal Veterinary College (UK) analysed the behaviour of 9,402 dogs, including both hybrid breeds and their 'parent' purebred lines.
The focus was on three popular cross-breeds:
- cockapoo (cocker spaniel + poodle)
- cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle)
- labradoodle (labrador + poodle)
Behaviour was assessed on 12 parameters ranging from aggression to anxiety and excitability using the standardised C-BARQ questionnaire.
Details
The results were mixed but showed an important trend.
- In 44.4% of cases, the hybrid breeds showed more undesirable behavioural traits than at least one of the original breeds
- Only in 9.7 per cent of cases did they perform better
- In other cases, there was no significant difference
Who turned out to be the "most problematic"?
The highest number of undesirable behavioural traits was found in cockapoos.
They performed the worst in 16 out of 24 parameters, including:
- aggression towards the owner
- aggression towards strangers
- hyperexcitability
Kawapu were also more likely to exhibit:
- anxiety
- fear of other dogs
- separation problems
Labradoodles showed more mixed results:
- worse in some cases
- but in some cases better (e.g. less aggression)
Why it matters
"Designer" breeds have become popular largely because of the belief that they:
- friendlier
- are better suited for families
- are easier to train
However, the study shows that these expectations are not always borne out.
The authors emphasise:
it is not a question of hybrid dogs being "worse" in general.
Rather, their behaviour is:
- less predictable
- can combine traits from both breeds
- depends on a variety of factors - upbringing, environment and housing conditions
The researchers urge:
- more realistic assessment of breed characteristics
- take into account possible behavioural difficulties
- pay attention to training and socialisation
This is important both for the well-being of the dogs and for the safety and comfort of their owners.
Popular 'designer' dog breeds do not always live up to their ideal image.
Research shows that in some cases, they can exhibit more problem behaviours than their purebred ancestors.