Doodle Mania: The Human Causes and Canine Consequences of the Designer Crossbreed Phenomenon

This presentation explores the phenomenon of designer crossbreed dogs, tracing their origins from the Australian Labradoodle in the 1980s to their current widespread popularity in the UK and USA.

This presentation examines the motivations behind their acquisition, with a focus on perceived hypoallergenicity and general health as primary drivers. I will explore my team's recent research which challenges common beliefs about designer crossbreeds, particularly regarding their health benefits compared to purebreds. Findings will be presented from a comprehensive study comparing three popular designer crossbreeds (Cavapoo, Cockapoo, and Labradoodle) with their purebred progenitors, revealing no significant differences in health status for 86.6% of conditions examined. This data contradicts widespread assumptions about hybrid vigor and suggests that health should not be the primary factor in choosing between designer crossbreeds and purebreds.

This presentation will further investigate owner purchasing behaviors that drive this phenomenon internationally, highlighting poor acquisition bejaviours, such as designer crossbreed buyers being less likely to inquire about health testing or view puppies with their mothers and littermates before purchase compared to purebred owners. These practices potentially support irresponsible breeding and may lead to welfare issues in their own dog including health and behaviour challenges.

Furthermore, this presentation will address the misconception of hypoallergenicity in Poodle-crosses, noting that scientific evidence to date does not support this claim. This discrepancy between owner expectations and reality could increase the risk of dog relinquishment.

Finally, this presentation will conclude by emphasizing the importance of evidence-based decision-making in dog acquisition. We suggest that prospective owners should consider factors such as breeding conditions, temperament, and parental health, rather than relying on marketing claims or social anecdotes. We call for better communication of these findings to align owner expectations with reality and promote responsible dog ownership.