Mixed-breed dogs have become ever more popular over the last couple of decades. In fact, during the lockdown, the demand for crossbreeds, in particular Doodles, overtook that for purebred dogs!
So, what’s so good about a mixed-breed dog? And why are they so much in demand?
In this article, we reveal some amazing fun facts about mixed-breed dogs.
Crossbreed Dogs Are Healthier!
The first thing you should know is that mixed-breed dogs are often healthier than purebreds!
How so?
Well, purebred dogs tend to be inbred in order to produce puppies that are as close to the dictated breed standard as possible. Inbreeding happens when puppies are produced by mating two related dogs that have relatives in common. The higher the degree of inbreeding, the greater the risk of the puppies inheriting congenital disorders.
Since mixed-breed dogs are not inbred, there’s a much lower likelihood that their puppies will inherit any of the unwanted hereditary disorders of their parents. That’s a phenomenon known as “hybrid vigor.” Effectively, the gene pool that these dogs come from is richer and more diverse, so mutts are usually hardier and stronger than their purebred counterparts.
Mixed-Breed Dogs Live Longer
As you might expect, because they are generally healthier, mixed-breed dogs tend to have longer lifespans than many purebreds.
Some research suggests that mixed breeds can live for up to 20 years. I can vouch for that! My mixed-breed dog had a bit of German Shepherd, a smidge of Border Collie, and random splats of who knows what in her heritage. She lived to the grand old age of 18, which is remarkable for a large dog.
You Don’t Know How A Mixed-Breed Dog Will Turn Out
When you buy a mixed-breed puppy, you have no clue how the dog will turn out as an adult.
That can be a good thing or a bad thing. Although there’s no such thing as an ugly puppy, some pups are undoubtedly less cute than others. But your ugly duckling will probably end up turning into a beautiful swan when he reaches adulthood.
Mixed-breed dogs take a portion of their DNA from each parent. So, if the parent dogs are also both of mixed breeding, it’s anyone’s guess what each puppy’s genetic makeup will be. That means you really have no clue what the puppy will turn into once he’s grown. For example, you might buy a Labradoodle grooming brush for your fluffy puppy, only to have him blossom into a straight-haired hound!
However, the main “problem” of that physical unpredictability is that you have no idea how big your dog will be as an adult. If you desperately want a small dog, your best bet is to choose one of the many kinds of Doodles like the mini Bernedoodle. According to this article, mini Bernedoodles typically stand at a height of 12 to 17 inches. Furthermore, pups . These pups are produced by reputable breeders who will know what size their pups are likely to make, especially if you choose an F1 generation dog.
You Can’t Predict Mixed-Breed Temperament
When it comes to predicting your Heinz-57 pup’s temperament, that’s a real box of frogs!
Of course, if your mutt is a cross between two purebred dogs that have a similar temperament, you can be fairly confident about how your dog will behave once he’s grown up. However, if you get a totally random crossbreed of uncertain parentage from your local rescue or shelter, you really have no clue as to how he will turn out.
There Are So Many To Adopt
Did you know there are over 664,000 dogs entering UK rescue centres every year and over 50% of them are mixed breeds. These dogs need safe, loving homes and by adopting a dog, you could save a whole pile of cash, too.
The money you pay to adopt a dog, usually tends to take the form of a donation which will support the feeding of rescue dogs, veterinary bills, and other expenses.
However, if you want to buy a dog, for instance a Doodle, you can expect to pay up to £5,000 from a reputable breeder. Yes, that’s right! Designer mixed-breeds are often more expensive than purebreds these days.
Mixed-Breed Dogs Can Work As Service Dogs
Mixed-breed dogs can work as service dogs! Who knew?
Until recently, it was purebred dogs that were trained as service animals. However, now that everyone has discovered how fabulous mixed-breeds can be, many are employed as service dogs.
In fact, did you know that the Labradoodle was originally bred to work as a guide dog? Labradoodles have Labrador retrievers as one of their parent dogs, and Labs have long worked in service as guide dogs.
These days, you can see mixed-breed dogs working in all sorts of different roles, including as therapy animals, in law enforcement, as disability assistance dogs, and with search and rescue services.
Final Thoughts
If you decide to adopt a dog rather than going down the purebred or designer dog route, you’re in good company! These days, more people than ever are offering forever homes to mixed-breed dogs.
Mixed-breed dogs are often healthier than purebreds; they live longer, are unique in looks and temperament, are less expensive to buy, and are just as fun to have around. Of course, crossbreed dogs are every bit as loving and affectionate as purebreds.
So, if you want to welcome a dog into your family, why don’t you consider taking on a mixed-breed pup?
