Hybrid Vigour

Some breeders would like you to believe that Labradoodles have hybrid vigour. In my opinion this is not true. The crossing of two dog breeds will not automatically produce healthier dogs, you still have to know the genetics behind them. Perhaps in a first generation cross you will be lucky to avoid problems but once these dogs are bred from they will carry any faults from both parents and then you have a Labradoodle which can suffer from all of the faults of both original breeds.

There are far too many people out there breeding F1s from endorsed labrador and poodle dogs/bitches, without a clue of what is going on in the genetics. Responsible breeders endorse their pedigree puppies for a reason and they have yet to breed the 'Perfect dog' all lines have faults, some more serious than others, breeders who are dedicated know what they are and breed to avoid them but in the hands of a novice the outcome can be fatal. Poodles suffer from Addisons, SA, PRA, HD, Labradors suffer from CPRA, GPRA, HD, ED, OCD you can also add to these the problems not associated to breeds but the cruel hand of nature such as Epilepsy.

Lets just look at one fault PRA which is present in both breeds, I have lost count of the Labradoodle pedigrees I have seen with known carriers of PRA, if crossed to a Poodle which is also a carrier, the result is Labradoodle puppies suffering from PRA :-(

If people continue to breed indiscriminatly they will destroy a breed that is not even established yet and if it continues the Labradoodle is doomed.

For an explanation of the terms used above please look at 'Health Issues'

Please note the information above is 'our own opinion on hybrid vigour' but we are not alone in our beliefs. Click on the photo left of a Pedigree Standard Poodle & visit Paris Poodles, Vancouver to read thier article on hybrid vigour and see some beautiful Poodles of course.