The initial thought was that the mixing pure breeds would increase the gene pool of the offspring eliminating by this the large number of hereditary diseases that purebred dogs are exposed to.
Perhaps the most popular pure breed used in crosses is the Poodle, very much loved for its low-shed coat. Poodle crossbreeds are hypoallergenic and this is an appealing quality for many dog lovers with allergy problems. Lets see some of the popular mixes between poodles and other breeds:
* Cockapoo or Cockerpoo: American Cocker Spaniel / Poodle, a mix with fewer skin problems than Cocker Spaniels usually have.
* Schnoodle: Schnauzer / Poodle
* Labrodoodle: Labrador Retriever / Poodle, one of the most popular mixes among designer dogs.
* Goldendoodle: Golden Retriever / Poodle
* Pugapoo: Pug / Poodle
Crossbreeds are intriguing, and it is understandable that they are given such a public attention. Naming them is fun and sparks creativity, they rarely look the same and the wide variety of possible outcomes adds to their attractiveness. An interesting fact about designer dogs is that they are most often first crosses, because the desired results of the cross are lost in many next generation dogs. The well known hybrid vigor - the better health and higher intelligence that these dogs are said to possess - is one of the reasons for their smooth success.
With all the frenzy surrounding them, there are small drawbacks to crossbreeds and the impossibility to tell what the puppy will look like is one of these. Very cute at a young age, they might surprise the owner later on, when they grow up, by turning into dogs that look quite different than anticipated. This applies just as well to temperamental aspects too. Unfortunately, the owners reaction to such surprises leads alarmingly often to these animals being abandoned, or taken into shelters. Hundreds of thousands of designer dogs meet their fate in cold, inhospitable cages. Another drawback is the expense. Crossbreed puppies are usually high-priced and not essentially different from mix breed dogs that one can get for a low price. However, if you decide adopt a designer dog from an animal shelter, you will not have to worry about the price.
Puppy mills are the dark side of the crossbreeding fashion. These puppies live in horrible conditions; they are often shipped far away from the litter soon after they are born. Many of them are too weak for long trips and get sick or die during shipment. Their mothers are not cared for, as soon as they are unable to give birth, they are disposed of. For this, if you fall in love with designer dogs and insist on owning one, take the animal shelter tour. There are great chances that you will find the exact dog you would want, saving by this a precious life.
