Page 283 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

CR O S SBREED S 283

CROSSBREEDS

Dogs of mixed breeding vary from the so-called designer dogs,
with purebred parents of two different recognized breeds, to
the bit-of-everything type, the result of accidental, random
crosses (see p.290). Some designer hybrids are now extremely
fashionable. They are mostly given whimsical combination
names, such as Cockapoo (a Cocker Spaniel–Poodle cross). No pedigree, parents unknown—
but an excellent companion

One of the reasons for creating modern the Sealyham Terrier and the Norfolk there is no sound evidence for this.
designer dogs was to mix the desired Terrier. Currently, it is rare for such Random breeds are often said to be
characteristics from one breed with crosses to achieve breed recognition. healthier than purebreds, and it is
the nonshedding, hypoallergenic coat Deliberate mixing of two specific true that they are at much lower risk
of another. A cross of this type breeds to produce particular of the inherited diseases prevalent
currently enjoying great popularity characteristics has proliferated since in some breeds.
is the Labradoodle, a mixture of the end of the 20th century, but is by
Labrador Retriever and Poodle. no means a modern trend. One of the GUNDOG CROSS
However, even when the parents are best known crossbreeds, the Lurcher, The Labradinger is a cross between two
readily recognized breeds such as has been around for several hundred popular gundogs—the Labrador Retriever
and the English Springer Spaniel.
these, it may be impossible to predict years. This dog combines the qualities
which side of the family the puppies of speedy sight hounds, such as the
will favor. Labradoodles, for example, Greyhound and Whippet, with desirable
show little consistency from litter to traits found in other breeds, such as
litter, some puppies inheriting the curly the collie’s enthusiasm for work
Poodle coat while others are more and the tenacity of the terrier.
obviously influenced by the Labrador Prospective owners of a
parent. Such lack of standardization designer dog should take into
is common in designer crosses, although account the personalities
occasionally it has proved possible to and temperaments of both
produce a standard and breed dogs breeds involved in the
to type. An example of this is the mix. These may be very
Lucas Terrier, the result of crossing different, and either one
might predominate. It is also
important to consider both
parent dogs’ requirements
for general care and exercise.
All crossbred dogs are
commonly believed to be more
intelligent than pedigree dogs, but

HEALTHY DOG
Random-bred dogs, like this terrier
cross, are usually robust and are
largely free from inherited disorders.

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