For or Against: Cross breeding

[GSD Fan]

Um, could someone correct me if I'm wrong, but an example of cross breeding is the goldendoodle, right? Okay.

So, what are your thoughts on cross breeding? Like taking a golden retriever and breeding it to a poodle.

Is it benefiting the dog world or the opposite?

[Deuce]

I'm totally against it. It's just as you said, cross breeding and it's not doing anyone or anything any good. They're basically mutts.

[Good_Karma]

I don't like or dislike it. If it weren't for mixed breeding I wouldn't have Rosa. I think wide variety in everything (people, plants, animals) benefits the world. I believe those who wish to breed crosses have that right, as do those who breed pure lines. Whether one chooses to own a purebred or mix is up to them.

[Dainerra]

I believe that, if they DO crossbreed they should be honest about it! Don't call it a new breed, admit that it is a mutt. I voted against because there really isn't anyone doing it properly. They aren't trying to make a new breed, which is a TON of work and careful planning and paperwork/record keeping. They throw 2 dogs together and call them hypo-allergenic. They don't tell buyers that the dog could fall anywhere in size/weight of the 2 breeds used, not to mention that the temperment can be very questionable since the breeds are often on opposite ends of the spectrum. A golden retriever and a poodle are very different in personality. Also, some will use a minature poodle and some will use a standard. Etc Etc...

I remember a few years ago there was work on a new breed. I want to say it was the Kelpie, but I it's too early to remember. That I would approve of - they had a purpose and they put in the work to make it happen. Too often crossbreeding = irresponsible make a $$ breeders

[Deuce]

Originally Posted by dainerra

i believe that, if they do crossbreed they should be honest about it! Don't call it a new breed, admit that it is a mutt.

amen!

[Samba]

It depends on the motivation for me. There are cross bred dogs that I would own. I think it can be successful for some purposes. I am not particularly interested in it as a way to produce the next popular pet though.

[LaRen616]

I dont like "designer" dogs.

I'm not a huge fan of mixed breeds, I mean yes they are adorable and they are some of the best dogs but it's like a wild card, you dont know how big they are going to get, you dont know how their personality is going to be because chances are your not going to know the parents of that dog.

However I do like the mix of GSD/Husky. I love the looks and the temperment of GSD/Husky mixes though, they all seem to be the same (my mom has one, I have one and I know a couple of people that have some). They are smart, fast learners, beautiful, fast, athletic, talkers (but not as bad as PB Husky's) they are a little bit independent (not glued to you like a GSD, but not as independent as PB Husky's) and they can have GSD coloring or Husky coloring and they could have those beautiful haunting blue eyes.

I also like GSD/Chow mixes and Rott/Chow mixes.

[AgileGSD]

Originally Posted by Good_Karma

I don't like or dislike it. If it weren't for mixed breeding I wouldn't have Rosa. I think wide variety in everything (people, plants, animals) benefits the world. I believe those who wish to breed crosses have that right, as do those who breed pure lines. Whether one chooses to own a purebred or mix is up to them.

I totally agree with this. And there are a lot of purposely bred mixes that are actually used for work or sport. Lurchers, Borderjacks, GSD/Mal crosses, even the Doodles.

Also at some point, adding a different breed to the gene pool of some of the purebreds is going to be the only option for improvement of health. When you have breeds where most of the affected by a genetic disorder and the rest carry it, the only way to improve on health is to outcross. This was the case with Dalmatians and uric acid. All resgitered, purebred Dals have the potential to be stone formers, though not all are because they all have abnormal uric acid. There is a line of Dals that was created by adding a Pointer in one time (first generation was PointerxDal all subsequent generations were only bred to Dals). About half of those dogs have normal uric acid. Unfortunately, while the project was originally intended for these dogs to be adding into the AKC studbook, the DCA members changed their minds and don't want "mixed breeds" in their gene pool. The "backcross project" Dals are still being bred, they just can't be registered.

[Emoore]

Originally Posted by Dainerra

I voted against because there really isn't anyone doing it properly. They aren't trying to make a new breed, which is a TON of work and careful planning and paperwork/record keeping.

Aren't they doing this with Labradoodles in Australia?

[Lilie]

There are far too many 'mix' breeds at the shelters. IMO, it is just a scam to make money.