Puggle (Pug + Beagle cross) | Image credit: skeeze
For the last 2 decades, the cross-breeding of dogs has become a trend and most of the breeders have started crossbreeding different breeds to develop new breeds.
Interestingly, the people and dog parents out there are also interested in developing new dog breeds. Despite the fact that there are around 200 recognized pure dog breeds to get, still, they go for designer dogs.
In the 2010s, we have seen many popular and healthy crosses such as Pomsky (Pomeranian + Husky cross), Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle cross), and Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Bichon Frise cross), etc.
Now, the question that we have often been asked by the people whether the crossbreeding of dogs is good or bad. Are there any pros and cons of crossbreeding? Should it be done or not? So, we decided to dig deep on the internet to find some eye-opening facts about crossbreeding.
Let’s find out these facts below but a short introduction to crossbreeding first.
What is Crossbreeding?
Crossbreeding is the process of breeding 2 different pure dog breeds. Along with that, we have also witnessed mixed breeds in which they cross more than 2 breeds to develop a new breed with mixed traits and fewer health concerns.
Now, let’s find out the pros of crossbreeding below.
Pros of Crossbreeding:
Best of 2 Different Breeds
If both the parent breeds are healthy and there are no health-related issues, you are most likely to get the best of both the breeds. The puppies usually inherit the best traits of their parent breeds. For example, if you cross Poodle with another pure breed, the puppies will more likely be hypo-allergenic and intelligent, just like a Poodle.
Adorable Dogs in Low Cost:
Purebred dogs are usually expensive such as a pedigree German Shepherd or Samoyed will cost you between $2000 and $9000. While the crossbred dogs may be found under $1000. Also, it is recommended to adopt a dog instead of buying it from a breeder or puppy mill and you’ll have 2 advantages; dog in a budget and giving new life to a dog.
Chances of Good Health:
Breeding the healthy dogs of 2 different breeds increases the chances of healthier puppies. Actually 2 different breeds combine the best of their genetics so the outcome is healthy.
Cons of Crossbreeding:
No Size Guaranteed:
None of the breeders can guarantee the size of puppies when they grow, especially when there is a significant difference in sizes between the parent breeds.
Temperament is unpredictable:
Most of the breeders, especially puppy mills do not take precautions and other necessary practices are not followed by them. So, the puppies are most likely to generate temperament and behavior issues when they grow up. Also, it is necessary to read out all the negatives and positives of both the breeds before crossbreeding them.
Genetic Issues:
Crossbreeding of 2 different breeds can lead to serious genetic issues because there is no guarantee that everything will go as planned during the crossbreeding process.
Final Words:
So, these were some pros and cons of crossbreeding. And there are even more. In our opinion, instead of breeding or crossbreeding dogs for the sake of puppies, first, we should adopt all the puppies from the shelters and rescue groups because they too deserve a lovely forever home.