Labradoodles

The mixing of various dog breeds to form hybrids has been going on for hundreds of years. But it wasn’t until the 1990s, with the revolution of the Goldendoodle, that hybrids, also known as designer dogs, began to grow in popularity.

Poodle hybrids, or doodles, became popular because they combine the hypoallergenic qualities of a Poodle’s coat with the personality of whatever breed you choose to mix with a Poodle. However, looks and reduced allergies aren’t the only reasons that hybrids continue to gain popularity.

For years people desired purebred dogs with impressive pedigrees, but those pedigrees came at a devastating price: inbreeding. In order to keep bloodlines pure and to achieve the certain distinct look that each breed has, breeders resort to breeding dogs that are related. Inbreeding results in a loss of genetic diversity, which leads to increased health issues and higher susceptibility to sickness.

Take the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, for example. The classic Cavalier look comes with a short snout, round head, and large round eyes. The short snout and round head come with some huge drawbacks, however. Cavaliers are also known for their health issues like heart murmurs and Chiari-like malformations, which make their skulls too small for their brains and lead to many neurological problems. So, although Cavaliers are very cute, sometimes they live short and sadly painful lives simply because people want Cavaliers to look a certain way.

A hybrid takes two completely different genetic codes, that of, say, a golden retriever and a poodle, and mixes them together, increasing genetic diversity within the offspring of these two breeds. Hybrids result in stronger, healthier dogs that live longer. Better health of these hybrids is not only good for the dog itself, but also good for their owners. Healthier dogs means less vet bills and more years with your favorite companion.

Some dog owners still desire a purebred dog solely because they prefer the way a specific breed looks. But many dog parents are choosing to add hybrid fur babies to their homes because instead of searching for a distinct look, they wish for a healthier companion. After all, the healthier the dog, the longer your pooch will be around to fill your life with joy and plenty of puppy snuggles.