Cockapoos, doodles, and other crossbreeds have behavioral problems, too

Designer crossbreeds are increasingly popular pets. By some estimates, the world of “doodles” alone brings in more than a billion dollars a year. Much of the growing interest has to do with claims that these mixed dogs possess more desirable aspects than many purebred or mutts. But according to a study published today in the journal PLOS OneAt least three trendy designer breeds – labradoodles, cavapoos and cockapoos – exhibit more problematic traits than at least one of their original breeds.

The latest findings come from a survey of UK dog owners representing 9,402 cavapoos, cockapoos and labradoodles. Each cross comes from a poodle bred with a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, cocker spaniel or Labrador retriever. Animal behaviorists at the Royal Veterinary College used an industry standard test called the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), to collect data on behavioral traits such as aggression, excitability and trainability.

Their results contradict some of the most popular assumptions about these crossbred dogs. In more than 44% of comparisons, a crossbreed had more undesirable aspects than its purebred parents, including excess energy, separation anxiety, and more. Meanwhile, they found no noticeable differences in almost 46 percent of the comparisons, and fewer than 10 percent of the crosses had fewer problems.

But if you had to choose one of three types of dogs, the study suggests avoiding cockapoos. These dogs performed worse than their parent breeds in 16 of 24 behaviors, particularly regarding owner-directed anger and excitability. Cavapoos come in second, scoring lower in 11 out of 24 areas, although labradoodles seem to fare the best. These dogs only performed worse in five areas and actually ranked higher in six topics like aggression toward other pets.

Although the findings do not condemn any specific crossbreeding, the study authors hope the new information will help dispel lingering myths about designer dogs. At the very least, pet owners should know what to expect when they bring their new four-legged friend home.

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