How mongrels differ from designer dogs
How a designer dog differs from a mongrel (photo: freepik.com)
Mongrel dogs and designer dogs represent two different worlds, each with its characteristics and advantages. While both types can make wonderful companions, their origins and temperaments may differ significantly, so choosing between them is an important decision.
History of designer dog breeds
For centuries, purebred dogs remained popular pets, but in the 1990s, a new trend emerged — designer breeds.
This story began when Australian breeder Wally Conron received a request for a guide dog for a blind woman who was allergic to dogs. He decided to cross a standard poodle with a Labrador retriever.
The result was three puppies, only one of which, Sultan, was suitable for the woman. However, there were difficulties finding trainers for the other puppies, as people were more interested in purebred Labradors.
Conron decided to introduce the new breed — the Labradoodle, which was touted as hypoallergenic. This move sparked great interest, and demand for the new breed skyrocketed. Labradoodles became popular pets, and other breeders began crossing Labradors and Poodles, Golden Retrievers with Poodles, and many other combinations. Thus, designer breeds continue to win hearts today.
Labradoodle (photo: Wikipedia)
Popularity of designer dogs
Today, designer dog breeds have gained widespread popularity, with Poodles forming the basis for many new combinations. The most famous among them are the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle. However, there are other interesting mixes, such as the Puggle (a pug with a beagle) and the Goldador (a golden retriever with a Labrador).
Despite their popularity, most breed registries in North America, such as the American Kennel Club, do not recognize designer dogs. This is due to the lack of officially approved standards for these breeds.
Many people believe that doodles are hypoallergenic and do not shed, but this is not always the case. In reality, if one parent is a Poodle and the other is a purebred, the puppies can have varying types of coats. The term "hypoallergenic" means that a dog may cause fewer allergic reactions, but no dog can guarantee a complete absence of allergies.
Today, guide dog programs typically use Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, rather than designer breeds. Wally Conron, who created the Labradoodle, later expressed regret over its creation due to health problems associated with irresponsible breeding. However, fans of designer breeds believe that these dogs have their appeal, and their popularity seems likely to continue growing.
Earlier, we discussed the top 5 most dangerous animals on the planet.
Sources: National Geographic, Live Science.
