Dog hybrids and crossbreeds

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A dog hybrid is a cross between two different species. Hybrids are also known as crossbreeds or crossbreds, although the term crossbreed is also used to refer to a mixed-breed dog where the breed of only one parent or grandparent is known. A dog of unknown parentage is called a mongrel. However, just because a Backyard Breeder decides to breed two of their pet quality dogs together, it doesn't make the mixed breed a hybrid.

In biology, the word hybrid refers specifically to a cross between two different species e.g. the dog and coyote. In less technical conversation and particularly in the KNOWLEDGEABLE dog world, the word refers to the same thing. For example, the Queensland Wild Dog Management Strategy, September 2002, states that hybrid will also refer to the descendants of crossbred progeny. This is because Australia seems to be where all of these "hybrids" come from.

Some dog mixes are now being selectively bred. The term designer dogs has been coined to refer to these crosses. The practice causes much controversy; opponents cite the often exorbitant prices charged for what is essentially a mutt, particularly the 'impulse buy' nature of such purchases which leads to a high abandonment rate. The unpredictability of temperament or type and the lack of pedigree history (particularly any defective genes or genetic illnesses in the breeding lines) becomes a major issue as many such dogs are bought as puppies whose adult characteristics are only expressed later.

Proponents argue that supply follows demand, and point out that there are bona fide reasons for the breeding of some of these crosses, notably to provide pets for people with allergies. However, the term "hypo-allergenic" is misleading due to the fact that most people are allergic to dog saliva and dander - an unavoidable aspect of owning nearly any dog.

Among the better known dog mutts are Labradoodles and Australian Bulldogs, which each have their own breed fancy associations. Poodle crosses are popular.

Dog hybrids are not recognized by the main registries. They should be a cross between a wolf and a dog breed, or a coyote and a dog breed (which is difficult to get due to the breeding cycles of each.)

1 Portmanteau names
2 Inter-Species Hybrids
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Portmanteau names

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With the long-time popularity of the "breed" name cockapoo, used since at least 1970 and constructed by combining elements of its two contributing breeds (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle), it has become extremely common to find mixed-breed dogs named with breed names likewise invented by portmanteau. The tendency for using such names in a jocular way dates back at least to Queen Elizabeth's Dorgis (Dachshund/Corgi). However, extremely few of these become mainstream "breeds" over long periods with determined breeders, and, as of 2004, cockapoo is still the only such combined name to make it into the dictionary. Nonetheless, names such as these commonly appear in for-sale ads and often lack consistency; a cross between a Maltese Terrier and a Poodle, for example, may be advertized as either a "Maltipoo" or a "Moodle".

Among these are commom mixes claimed to be breeds or "hybrids":