[Sarahrox]

I’m still on the fence about adopting a purebred dog b/c of their health issues. I’ve heard that mixed breeds can be healthier than purebreds. But what about newer hybrid breeds, like Puggles, Goldendoodles, Cockapoos, etc.? Are these designer dogs healthier considered mixed breeds? Are they healthier than purebreds?

[Danielle DeGroot]

Hi Sarahrox, I understand your concern about adopting a purebred dog, as many breeds, like French Bulldogs, have significant health issues. Technically speaking, any dog that is made up of two or more breeds is a mixed breed, so designer dogs, as they are called, would fall into this category. In general, mixed breeds are healthier due to the genetic diversity they have from different breed lines. That said, there is always a possibility that health issues could be compounded if the different breeds share some of the same genetic disease risks. For example, dogs with smushy faces, or brachycephalic breeds, like Bulldogs and Pugs, are at risk for respiratory issues, so breeding them together may increase that. Beagles and Boxers have a high risk of cancer, so breeding those two together may not be a great idea health-wise. Ultimately it really depends on the specific mix you are considering and the precautions that have been taken during the breeding process.

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