Researchers have found that popular crossbreed dogs such as cockapoos, cavapoos and labradoodles exhibit more undesirable behaviours than the pure breeds from which they are derived. The study, led by the Royal Veterinary College, analysed data from over 9,400 dogs, including both crossbreeds and pure breeds.
The research, published in the journal Plos One, used an online questionnaire to assess 12 different behaviour scales. Cockapoos scored worse than both poodles and cocker spaniels on several measures, including owner-directed aggression, stranger-directed aggression, and separation-related problems. Cavapoos also showed more undesirable behaviours compared to both poodles and cavalier king charles spaniels.
Labradoodles, while scoring better than poodles on some scales, performed worse than labrador retrievers on five out of six scales where differences were found. The study's authors emphasised the importance of thorough pre-purchase research to avoid misinformed breed selection.
Daniel Mills, a professor of veterinary behavioural medicine at the University of Lincoln, noted that the results do not imply a genetic predisposition for problem behaviours in crossbreeds. He highlighted that cultural factors, such as owner expectations and training methods, likely play a significant role.
