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A new study has found some mixed-breed “designer” dogs show more behavioural problems than their purebred parents.

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The survey-based study, by the Royal Veterinary College in England, involved owners of cockapoo, labradoodle, cavapoo, cocker spaniel, Labrador retriever, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and poodle dogs.

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An online questionnaire was sent out in early 2023 to those dog owners, and more than 9,400 responses were received, researchers said.

Undesirable behaviours among mixed breeds

The results, published in the research journal PLOS One, found cockapoos, labradoodles and cavapoos – the most common “designer” dogs in the United Kingdom – have more undesirable behaviours than a purebred pet in 44.4% of comparisons.

“Cockapoos displayed the most undesirable behaviours of the three designer crossbreeds,” researchers said.

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Cavapoos scored worse in 11 comparisons to Cavalier King Charles spaniels and poodles while labradoodles had issues with five behaviours but better results in six others when compared with Labrador retrievers and poodles.

“These findings suggest notable behavioural differences between designer-crossbreeds versus their progenitor breeds, with cockapoos and cavapoos in particular scoring worse,” the study said.

“Wider awareness by prospective owners of these potential issues around undesirable behavioural traits could avoid misbelief-driven acquisitions (e.g., designer-crossbreeds require minimal training, or are particularly suited to households with children) that risk public health (e.g., elevated dog bite risks) and relinquishment due to unmet expectations.”

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The study said some owners reported major struggles to train their dog or found it impossible to leave them alone.

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Dr. Rowena Packer, the senior author of the paper, said these behavioural issues are not ones that pet owners should ignore, the BBC reports.

“Preconceived beliefs, such as the idea that designer crossbreeds are naturally easy to train or are safe with children, can have serious consequences if they aren’t supported by evidence,” said Packer, who is also the senior lecturer in companion animal behaviour and welfare science at Royal Veterinary College.

Breed not ‘reliable indicator

However, Britain’s largest canine charity Dogs Trust said a pet’s breed was “not a reliable indicator” of an individual dog’s behaviour.

They say key factors in a dog’s behavioural patterns include the pet’s health and how much socialization the animals have received.

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