Did you know that first generation mixes, and even up to fourth generation and further, are often unable to meet the promises set by their breeders?

Labradoodles, as an example due to popularity (though this applies to any Poodle mix), are often sold as hypoallergenic, a label that is not only dangerous to a buyer who has allergies, but to the dog as well. This is because totally hypoallergenic dogs simply do not exist; there are simply dogs better for allergy sufferers. On top of that, first generation mixes do not breed true and will often get the worst qualities of one or both breeds, overriding and even completely eliminating the positive traits many breeders put forward.

In addition to this, one breed’s health issues cannot be canceled out by the absence of the same health issue in the other breed. The ‘hybrid theory’ in dog breeds is collapsible in a day and age where breeding every mix possible with whatever dogs you have on hand, specifically untested, just for money is rampant and quickly becoming a top reason for overpopulation in shelters and rescue groups.

So what should you look for?

Stick with purebreds and true breeding, or at the very least, meet and spend lots of time with these potential new family members before bringing one home. Meet both parents, regardless of purebred or mix, and make sure your breeder offers a comprehensive puppy contract (preferably one that doesn’t run out within the first 6 weeks and a lifetime one is even better!). Furthermore, check your local shelters and rescue groups. You will find many of these designer mixes sitting in cages and foster homes waiting for a new family because their mixture wasn’t quite where the breeder said it was. I have personally found everything from ‘cockapoos’ to ‘puggles’, ‘doodles’ and more within dozens of shelters and rescues. You can also find many dogs needing immediate re-homing in your local classifieds due to the same reasoning, or things such as moving, etc.

It takes a lot of hard work and many generations of breeding to create a new breed that will continually breed true. For me, it is unfathomable as to why many mixed breed breeders refuse to breed beyond first and second generation and only stick with initial mixed puppies. But the fact of the matter is it takes a lot to create a breed, and you don’t do it by never aiming to breed true.