Designer Crossbreed Dogs Display More Unwanted Behaviors Than Purebreds, Study Shows
Recent scientific research has uncovered that crossbred "designer" dogs exhibit significantly worse behavior compared to pedigree breeds. The study, conducted by the Royal Veterinary College in London, specifically highlights cockapoos as displaying the highest number of undesirable traits, including aggression directed towards both owners and strangers.
Survey-Based Analysis of Canine Behavior
Lead researcher Gina Bryson and her team examined comprehensive survey data from British dog owners, covering a total of 9,402 dogs. The research focused on three popular types of designer crossbreeds: cockapoos, cavapoos, and labradoodles, alongside their purebred parent breeds. The survey utilized the Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), a widely recognized method for evaluating canine behavior across 12 distinct behavioral traits.
Ms. Bryson explained, "The popularity of these and other 'designer' crossbreeds as pets is rapidly rising around the world, in part because of widespread beliefs that they tend to have more desirable behaviors—such as being easier to train or better with children—than other breeds. However, very little research has tested those beliefs until now."
Key Findings on Crossbreed Behavior
The results, published in the journal PLOS One, revealed that in 44.4% of the comparisons, the crossbreed exhibited more undesirable behaviors than the progenitor breed. Crossbreeds demonstrated fewer issues in merely 9.7% of the comparisons, while no significant difference was identified in 45.8% of the comparisons.
Among the crossbreeds, cockapoos had the most undesirable behaviors overall. Cockapoos scored worse than their progenitor breeds in 16 out of 24 behaviors, including owner-directed aggression, stranger-directed aggression, and excitability. Cavapoos scored worse in 11 out of 24 behaviors, such as excitability, separation problems, and dog-directed fear. Labradoodles showed mixed results, scoring worse in five behaviors but better in six, including displaying less owner- or dog-directed aggression than purebred poodles.
Implications for Pet Ownership and Canine Welfare
Based on these findings, the researchers advocate for greater awareness of potential crossbreed behavioral concerns. This awareness is crucial not only to support canine welfare but also to enable safe and fulfilling pet ownership. Ms. Bryson added, "Additional research could further deepen understanding of crossbreed dog behavior, helping prospective owners make informed decisions."
The study underscores the importance of considering behavioral traits when selecting a pet, challenging common assumptions about the advantages of designer crossbreeds. By highlighting these issues, the research aims to promote responsible pet ownership and improve the well-being of dogs across various breeds.
