Cockapoos, cavapoos, and labradoodles fill social media with adorable photos and are sold as ideal dogs: gentle, intelligent, and allergy-free. But a study from the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London has just called that image into question.
The researchers analyzed the behavior of 9.402 dogs in the United Kingdom using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) and found that, in nearly half of the cases, these designer crosses show more behavioral problems than at least one of their purebred parent breeds. Cockapoos —a mix of cocker spaniel and poodle— were rated the worst: greater aggression toward owners and strangers, and more intense fear reactions. Labradoodles performed better on some parameters, but exceeded the Labrador in five problematic categories.
The study, published in the scientific journal Plos One, also debunks the myth of “hybrid vigor”: being a mix does not guarantee a better temperament. The authors recommend that, before adopting or buying, you thoroughly research the breed or cross that catches your attention. 🐶 Because the perfect dog for Instagram is not always the perfect one for your home.