Searching Google one may stumble across this baffling list: Affenhuahua, Rottaf, Lab’Aire, Bulloxer, ShiChi. Mistakes? Not likely. It sounds a bit like gibberish, but these are actually the next step in man’s search for the ultimate best friend. Unfortunately, it is also a vehicle for the more enterprising and less scrupulous to use the public’s need for the next big thing for profit.

These strange words are just a few names of hybrid dogs, sometimes referred to as designer dogs. There are literally dozens of these ‘breeds’ out there. Hybrid dogs are not purebreds with predictable physical traits and temperament. A hybrid is the mix of two purebred dogs. This means the hybrid can take on any combination of traits from the parent breeds.

What makes them different from a mutt then? A mutt has unknown origins. The mix is uncertain. A hybrid dog has a clear ancestry of the two distinct purebreds. Plus, mutts are usually an accident! Hybrids are normally created with the purpose of arriving at a desired result. Neither a purebred nor a mutt, the hybrid isn’t without its advantages.

The gene pool in purebreds becomes small and thin. You only have so much to choose from. This can lead to genetic problems. Crossing two different breeds mixes up the gene pool resulting in something called hybrid vigor. There is still the chance the hybrid pup could have a problem handed down from one of the parents (especially if the parent breeds suffer from the same genetic problems), but the chances are greatly reduced. The ideal result is a healthier dog.

Out of the dozens of hybrids that have sprung up in the last decade, garnering a great deal of attention are the Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever x Poodle) and Labradoodle(Labrador Retriever x Poodle). While Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle) have been around since the 1950’s, Goldendoodles and Labradoodles came to public notice around the 1990’s.

Inspired by the popularity of the Cockapoo, Goldendoodles were born. The Goldendoodle enjoyed increasing status, even going so far as to get his face on the cover of Life Magazine in 2004. “I have had many dogs in the past”, states Peggy, a NJ resident and Goldendoodle owner, “but this breed was beautiful and so friendly.”

The Labrador Retriever and Poodle were first crossed with intent in Australia by Wally Conron for the Australian Guide Dog Association in an attempt to develop a guide dog for allergy sufferers. However, he ran into trouble finding acceptance for these ‘mongrels’. In the August 2007 issue of the Australian Reader’s Digest Conron said, “I was sure we’d have no problem placing our three new crossbred pups with a family. But again I was wrong; it seemed no one wanted a crossbred puppy.” He goes on to explain the birth of the Labradoodle. “Frustrated and annoyed (with the problem of placing the pups) I decided to stop mentioning the word crossbreed and introduced the term labradoodle.”

“It worked- during the weeks that followed our switchboard was inundated with calls from (people) who wanted to know more about this ‘wonder dog’.”

A large part of the Doodle’s popularity is due to the supposed non-shedding coat that Conron worked so hard to develop. Some have claimed that the Doodles are even hypoallergenic. This isn’t exactly the case. “A more correct term would be allergy friendly,” says Blue Sterling, Goldendoodle owner and creator of goldendoodles.com. People with allergies to dogs are usually allergic to the dander and sometimes the saliva. All dogs have dander, even hairless ones. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America says that while the fur itself is not the allergen, it may collect dander and other allergens such as pollen. They also state that there are no hypoallergenic breeds.

However, for people with mild allergies a dog that sheds less may be beneficial. While Doodles for the most part shed less than a Labrador or Golden Retriever, that doesn’t mean they don’t shed at all. Always remember, they are a cross between the Retriever and Poodle, so any combination of traits is possible. This isn’t always a bad thing as Sterling points out. “The joy of the hybrid is that there is always a little variety in Doods, and it allows people to choose just the right dog for them.”

Unfortunately, there are always opportunists out there who are only in it for the almighty dollar. Beware the backyard breeders who take random dogs and cross them in the barn in the back and claim they are ‘designer dogs’. These nefarious creatures have no knowledge of genetics.

They aren’t the least bit concerned about breeding a healthy dog with good temperament. They simply want your money. Hybrid dogs can run anywhere from $500-$2500, so there can be plenty of money to be had. Puppy mills have long been a problem with purebreds, and now with the increasing popularity of the hybrids, the puppy mills have an even better chance to thrive. Puppy mills are often establishments with large numbers of caged animals kept in poor conditions and bred as often as possible. Dogs from puppy mills are often not given regular vet care nor properly socialized.

In the Australian Reader’s Digest Conron expressed concern for this very problem. “I began to worry, too, about backyard breeders producing supposedly ‘allergy-free’ dogs for profit.” He goes on, “Were breeders bothering to check their sires and bitches for heredity faults, or were they simply caught up in delivering to hungry customers the next status symbol?”

No matter what kind of dog you decide on, check out the breeder. Don’t rely on the internet. Web sites can be fabricated. Go to the breeder and ask for a tour. Ask lots of questions. A reputable breeder will know what genetic problems may plague the breed, conduct health testing, and offer guarantees.

The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website lists signs of a responsible breeder. Some of these include screening stock for heritable diseases, keeping stock well socialized, does not breed the very young or very old, screens potential new owners, and offer help and guidance for new owners. Peggy from NJ didn’t just decide on a Doodle willy-nilly. “I asked a lot of questions and found a breeder who was very understanding and answered all of my concerns (and) they always keep in touch with me.”
No matter where your heart lies, whether it be with purebreds, mutts, or something in between, make sure to do your homework.

If you decide to go with a breeder, do a thorough check and go with someone reputable. Take your time and choose the right dog for you and your situation. Sterling recommends, “I think that everyone should carefully consider bringing home a pup of any breed. A new dog will impact the family and the home for up to fifteen years.” Choose wisely, after all, how often do you get to pick a family member?