Hybrid dogs - the new dog breeds

Schnoodle, Cockapoo or Puggle - what sounds like serious movie competition for Scooby Doo, Goofy or Snoopy are actually real hybrid dog breeds that have enjoyed great popularity for several years. We explain what makes a hybrid dog and which crossbreeds are particularly popular.

What are hybrid dogs?

Hybrid dogs or designer dogs are created when two breeds are deliberately crossed with each other: A Golden Retriever and a Poodle become a dog with the sonorous name "Goldendoodle", a "Schnoodle" is created from a Schnauzer and a Poodle. Whereas the mating of different dog breeds used to be considered an "accident", today the demand for certain hybrid four-legged friends is very high. According to Mendelian inheritance rules, the puppies of the first litter after crossing two different breeds resemble each other in appearance (phenotype), so a certain homogeneity is expected. No further breeding is done with the hybrid dogs themselves. If another litter of the hybrid dog breed is planned, two purebred parents must be mated again. Strictly speaking, these matings are cross-breeds, so to speak "bred cross-breeds".

Why do hybrid dogs exist?

Breeders of hybrid dogs want to combine the best qualities and characteristics of two different purebred parents in their offspring. Some matings thus produce hypoallergenic puppies at best, others usually become more robust and older than one of the crossed breeds alone. An unusual or particularly cute appearance and desirable traits can also be reasons to breed hybrid dogs.

However, there are also concerns. It is not possible to foresee whether the desired characteristics and traits will actually prevail. Therefore, some critical voices can be heard around hybrid dogs, for example when breeds are mated but show very different or even opposite characteristics. If the desired effect is not achieved, the designer dog may suffer as a result of this type of breeding, e.g. because his physique is not designed for continuous hunting, but the hunting instinct of a breed has prevailed more strongly than hoped for in the mating.

5 facts about hybrid dogs

What else there is to know about hybrid dogs, we tell you in 5 facts:

1. Health: In principle, hybrid dog puppies are often more efficient and robust because the gene pool is expanded by both parents. In principle, however, the health status of the parents is decisive for possible hereditary diseases of the puppies. This applies equally to pedigree dogs, hybrid dogs and mixed breeds.
2. Allergy sufferers: Especially doodle dogs, i.e. hybridisations with poodles, are often mentioned as being particularly allergy-friendly. However, this is only true to a limited extent, because Labradoodles can also inherit the coat of the hairy parent, for example.
3. Characteristics: Hybrid dog puppies are real miracle bags. It is possible that a litter will be born completely with the traits of one parent animal, but it can also become a colourful dog mix.
4. Nutrition: A balanced nutrition is important for your dog to stay healthy and have the longest possible life expectancy. The best way to do this is to tailor the food to the dog's activity level and breed-specific metabolic characteristics, and thus base the choice of food for your hybrid dog on the dominant genes.
5. Recognition: Breeders cross hybrid dogs exclusively from two purebred parents, i.e. not a Goldendoodle male with a Goldendoodle female. Since puppies of the first generation are always born and further breeding is excluded, there are no requirements for breed standards and hybrid dogs do not receive recognition in FCI groups.

The most popular hybrid dog breeds

HHybrid dogs are generally very popular. Especially the non-hairy poodles are often crossed with other breeds. It is not known exactly how many hybrid dogs and designer dogs there are at present. However, these 7 breeds are among the most popular among them:

1. Labradoodle:

The intelligent and docile pioneer among designer dogs is a cross between a King Poodle and a Labrador. This social hybrid dog with a teddy look is usually considered peaceful and cuddly, but needs a lot of exercise.

2. Goldendoodle:

Also called Golden Poo or Groodle, this is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The medium-sized hybrid dog originating in the United States is very powerful and demands demanding exercise.

3. Schnoodle:

This mating of Schnauzer and Poodle, up to 35 cm tall, is considered to be extremely friendly and affectionate. Its character traits make it a perfect family dog, which is now also increasingly used as a therapy animal.

4. Maltipoo:

If you cross a Maltese with a Toy, Miniature or Small Poodle, you will get these lively and small-sized doodle puppies. The Maltipoo is considered alert, but is rather reserved towards strangers at first.

5. Cockapoo:

This clever hybrid dog quickly forms a close bond with his family and is also suitable for dog beginners. The sociable furry nose sees the light of day when the parents are one part Cocker Spaniel and one part Poodle.

6. Aussiedoodle:

The Designer Dog is a mix of Australian Shepherd and Poodle (mostly King Poodle). Due to his robust and spirited nature, he likes to romp around outdoors in all weathers and enjoys dog sports and agility training the most.

7. Puggle:

A real surprise package awaits you when you buy a Puggle puppy. You can't plan the character of the pug/beagle mix: If the Beagle is more dominant in the offspring, the puppies develop a pronounced hunting instinct and need a lot of outdoor activity, where they prefer to sniff out scents. If, on the other hand, the frugal pug dominates in the genes, the puppy usually develops into a comfortable lap dog. He then loves leisurely walks and feels completely at home even in a small city flat.