Cross breeding dogs is a subject of controversy the world over. Many dog owners believe that cross breeds are impure, and simply represent an experiment that has gone wrong. However, on the other hand, many other owners think the exact opposite, believing the practice of cross breeding to add more vigor and strength to the breeds it creates. Here is what you need to know, courtesy of jackpotjill.net.
What Is Cross-Breeding?
Cross breeding occurs when you breed two dogs of different breeds together, for example, a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever (Labradoodle). You can potentially breed any combination of dog breeds together, or purebred dogs with mixed breed dogs, as dogs are all one species. It’s sometimes hard to imagine that dogs are all the same animal when you consider the variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities there are. Dogs can also be bred with a few other species to produce a “hybrid.” Dog, wolves, dingoes, coyotes, and golden jackals are interfertile which means they share enough DNA and biology in common to breed and produce litters. However, other members of the genus Canis cannot breed with domestic dogs including foxes, African wild dogs, and side-striped and black-backed jackals.
Why To Cross-Breed
First, take a look at the positive aspects of cross breeding. People who are strictly interested in the purebred dogs often overlook these points.
Unique Look
Some people prefer a dog that doesn’t look like any other breed they know, and cross breeding can certainly produce such a dog. When you combine two different breeds, it’s a coin toss as to how the genetics will combine. This means that each puppy in a litter can look different from its littermates, and this can lead to a very interesting-looking litter.
Can Make Great Pets
Being a cross doesn’t automatically mean the dog won’t make a good pet. Proper socialization and training will bring out the best in any dog’s temperament and behavior. There are some dog-themed games you’ll find at casinos français if you’re interested.
Fewer Congenital Issues in Some Cases
It’s true that many purebred dogs suffer from genetic conditions that have been passed from one generation to the next. Careful cross breeding may lower the chances of passing on a particular condition if only one parent is a carrier. There’s an often-repeated belief that mixed breed dogs have “hybrid vigor” and are healthier than purebred dogs. In truth, it’s difficult to say one way or another if purebred versus mixed breed life expectancy differs significantly. Purebred dogs are more likely to suffer from genetically inherited conditions, but this does not mean that mixed breed dogs live longer as they can pass away from many other types of disorders.
May Become Foundation for a Future Pure Breed
Keep in mind that many of today’s purebred dogs were founded on crosses of different breeds, and they have been refined through selective breeding to produce the consistent characteristics they display today.
Some of today’s crosses could potentially evolve into tomorrow’s pure breeds if breeders organize themselves and follow a specific plan to make that happen. The Cockapoo is one example of cross breeding that demonstrates this potential.
