Crossbreed Dogs Display More Behavioural Issues Than Pure Breeds, Study Suggests
In the United Kingdom, the popularity of designer crossbreed dogs, particularly those involving poodles, has surged in recent years. However, a new study offers a critical perspective, revealing that some of these mixed-breed dogs exhibit more behavioural problems than the pure breeds from which they are derived. The research, published in the journal Plos One, highlights significant findings regarding cockapoos, cavapoos, and labradoodles.
Research Methodology and Key Findings
The study was conducted by a team led by researchers at the Royal Veterinary College. They analysed data from 3,424 crossbreed dogs and 5,978 purebred dogs, collected through an extensive online questionnaire completed by owners. The breeds included in the analysis were cockapoo, labradoodle, cavapoo, cocker spaniel, labrador retriever, cavalier king charles spaniel, and poodle.
The questionnaire covered various aspects, including owner demographics, expectations for their dogs, training methods, and 73 specific questions about dog behaviour. These responses were used to generate ratings on 12 different behaviour scales, assessing traits such as aggression, fear, and excitability.
Behavioural Comparisons Between Crossbreeds and Pure Breeds
The results indicated that cockapoos, a cross between cocker spaniels and poodles, showed more undesirable behaviour than poodles on six of the scales. Specifically, cockapoos exhibited higher levels of:
- Owner-directed aggression
- Stranger-directed aggression
- Dog rivalry
- Non-social fear (e.g., fear of traffic and novel objects)
- Separation-related problems
- Excitability
When compared to cocker spaniels, cockapoos also displayed more undesirable behaviour for dog-directed aggression, stranger-directed fear, dog-directed fear, and trainability issues.
Cavapoos, crosses between cavalier king charles spaniels and poodles, scored worse than poodles on three scales and worse than cavalier king charles spaniels on eight of the nine scales where differences were noted.
Labradoodles, a mix of labradors and poodles, differed from poodles on six scales, scoring better for all. However, they differed from labradors on five scales, scoring worse for all, indicating a complex behavioural profile.
Expert Insights and Implications for Pet Owners
Daniel Mills, a professor of veterinary behavioural medicine at the University of Lincoln, who was not involved in the study, praised the research as a much-needed contribution. He emphasised that behaviour results from the interaction of genes and environment, and the study does not imply that crossbreeds are genetically predisposed to problem behaviours.
"Behaviour is always the product of the interaction of genes with the environment, and looking for simple causes in one or the other is doomed to failure," Mills stated.
He noted that cultural factors, such as differences in owner behaviour, training approaches, and expectations, might play a significant role in the observed behavioural differences. Mills suggested that further longitudinal studies are necessary to better understand the main influences behind these effects.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The study underscores the importance of thorough pre-purchase research for potential dog owners. The authors advise that individuals should carefully explore the characteristics of any breed or crossbreed to avoid misinformed selection, which could lead to behavioural challenges.
As the trend for designer crossbreeds continues to grow, driven by perceptions of hypoallergenic qualities, health benefits, and suitability for families, this research provides valuable insights for making informed decisions about pet ownership.
