The 10 most popular designer dog breeds: do we need these hybrids?

In recent decades, new types of dogs, or designer hybrids, created by crossing purebred dogs have been spreading around the world at a rapid pace. Why are they created and why do people like them?

What are designer dogs really? These purebred dog mixes are designed and consciously created primarily in America and the Anglo-Saxon dog environment. The designers of these mixes usually emphasise that their aim is to create a ‘breed’ better suited to the modern human environment. They also often point out that all the dog breeds registered as purebreds today were developed in a similar way, only at the end of the 19th or the beginning of the 20th century. Opponents of this practice, however, rightly ask why there is a need to create new mixed-breed hybrids when shelters are already full of mixed-breed dogs. It is also very often suggested that the real motivation may be financial gain rather than lofty principles. This seems to be supported by the fashionability and high market price of designer hybrids. Here and now, we do not wish to take a position in this debate, although we are inclined to accept the validity of the arguments of the opponents. So what are the best-known hybrids, of which more and more are appearing in our country?

You can see some hybrids in this Hungarian video:

10. Jug

A Jug a Jack Russell Terrier and the Pug  to create a dog that combines the character of the Pug with the health and agility of the Jack Russell Terrier. The design was also intended to ensure that the longer nose of the jack russell would be passed on and the breathing difficulties typical of Pugs.

9. Schnoodle

This hybrid dog, which appeared in the 1980s, was created by crossing the Poodle with the Middle Schnauzer. The aim was for the new hybrid to combine the intelligence of the Poodle with the character and healthiness of the Schnauzer. According to its fans, this goal was well achieved.

8. Goberian

Developed by crossing Golden Retrievers with Siberian Huskies, the original aim was to combine the healthiness of Huskies with the sweetness of Golden Retrievers.

7. Molosso Presa Mayo

This striking-looking hybrid dog was developed by a “breeder” called Chad Mayo, by crossing Bull Terriers, American Bullies and Presa Canarios. By his own admission, he wanted to develop a dog type with excellent working ability, a moleskin type and strength, free from the common health problems of Bull Terriers and with the excellent qualities and hardiness of Presa Canarios.

6. Bullpup

The Bullpup was bred by crossing English Bulldogs with Pugs and has grown in popularity ever since. It is reasonable to wonder what the purpose of their creation was, apart from financial gain, given that neither English Bulldogs nor Pugs are known for their health, and indeed these problems can be cumulative in these two breeds.

5. Miniature German Shepherd

This small but very similar hybrid to the German Shepherd was developed by crossing German Shepherds with Border Collies or Poodles. The purpose for which they were created is fairly well known: the German Shepherd has always been one of the top 10 most popular dogs in the world, but its size meant that it was not suitable for people living in small spaces such as apartments. Designers have addressed this “niche market”, unfortunately with success.

4. Labradoodle

Hybrids created by crossing Labradors and Poodles, they have perhaps the longest history of designer hybrids, having first appeared in the 1980s. Interestingly, the original aim of the former design was to create a guide dog that would have the good temperament of a Labrador but also carry the trait of being hypoallergenic to a Poodle. Today, it is one of the most popular and widely kept hybrids in the Anglo-Saxon world.

3. Goldendoodle

A type of hybrid dog created by mixing the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, developed in the 1990s in the homeland of hybrids, North America. They are extremely popular and their popularity is constantly growing according to sales figures.

2. Pomsky

This extremely popular and much-admired dog is a cross between the Pomeranian and the Siberian Husky, first bred in 2016. Their popularity is rocketing upwards, mainly because their looks capture the imagination of most dog lovers, but their nature and very special character make them unsuitable for keeping by many. This was recognised by the hybrid’s designers, who sought to reduce the size of the husky and loosen its character with the Pomeranian.

1. Puggle

Currently, the most popular and most widely purchased of all known hybrids (pictured in the featured image – ed.), the dog was first developed in the 1980s, where else but in America. They were created using two breeds of dog, the very popular Beagle and the equally popular Pug. The aim of the designers was to create a dog with the health and longevity of the beagle, but with the character of the pug, which would become widely popular. For example, among those who had previously been deterred from keeping a pug by the expected health problems.