DESIGNER DOGS

9 INTERESTING FACTS

Have you heard of Morkie, Pomsky, or Schnoodle?

Hybrid dogs, often called designer dog breeds, are the results of controlled cross-breeding between two purebred dogs. It is believed that the term "designer dog" was made popular by the media after many celebrities showed interest in hybrid dogs.

1/ Unlike the average mixed-breed dog or "mutt," a hybrid dog has purebred parents who, in most cases, were deliberately bred to one another to create the desired hybrid.

2/ The first generation hybrid dog is known as an F1 - the direct result of breeding 2 purebred dogs of different breeds. The second generation is called F2 and is the result of mating 2 F1 dogs.  And so, an F3 puppy is bred from 2 F2 hybrid dogs.

3/ The percentage of hybrid dogs with genetic problems is lower than purebred dogs.  They draw from broader gene pools, so reducing inbreeding, which can cause health problems.  They can still have some genetic health problems, though, as you are crossing 2 first-generation dogs.

4/ First bred in the 1950s, the cockapoo is the original hybrid and remains the most popular.

5/ Crossbreed dogs actually live longer than purebreds. This is all because of genetic diversity, which sometimes allows them to live up to 18 or 20 years. 

6/ Even some of the healthiest dog breeds, however, are predisposed to certain genetically inherited conditions like progressive retinal atrophy or hip dysplasia. If two dogs that carry a genetically inherited disease are bred, there is a greater chance of being passed on to the puppies.

7/ Mixed breed dogs are actually more flexible and more prone to be easily trained. They are not as strongly programmed as their purebred parents, which means they won’t be as stubborn and will adjust to every kind of household as long as they are socialized enough.

8/ Wally Conron, the original “inventor”, regrets the day he created his first Labradoodle back in the 1980s. He did so with hopes of accommodating the needs of a married couple. The Lab portion of the mix was intended to assist the wife who had vision problems, while the Poodle portion would deter the husband’s allergies.

9/ Here are some of the most popular designer dogs in 2020:

• Labradoodle: Labrador and Poodle.

• Yorkiepoo: Yorkshire Terrier and Miniature Poodle.

• Corgipoo: Toy Poodle and Corgi.

• Horgi: Corgi and Husky.

• Pitsky: Pitbull and Husky.

• Chug: Pug and Chihuahua.

• Maltipoo: Maltese and Poodle.

• Puggle: Beagle and Pug.