A UK study led by researchers at the Royal Veterinary College has examined whether popular doodle mix dogs are healthier than their purebred parent breeds.
Published in the journal PLOS ONE, the findings suggest there is no clear overall health advantage despite common claims about hybrid vigour.
The study focused on physical health and did not assess temperament or behaviour.
Key Points
• Study led by the Royal Veterinary College and published in PLOS ONE in August 2024
• Analysed health data from 9,402 dogs in the UK
• Compared Cockapoos, Cavapoos and Labradoodles with their purebred parent breeds
• No significant difference found in 86.6% of health comparisons
• No clear overall health advantage identified in these designer crossbreeds
The study was conducted by researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in the UK and published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE in August 2024.
It analysed owner-reported health data from 9,402 dogs, focusing on three popular designer crossbreeds — Cockapoos, Cavapoos and Labradoodles — and comparing them with their purebred parent breeds.
The research examined 57 common disorders and adjusted for factors including age, sex and neuter status.
What researchers found
Across 342 health comparisons, no statistically significant difference was found in 86.6% of cases.
Designer crossbreeds showed higher odds in 7.0% of disorders and lower odds in 6.4%.
Overall, the findings indicate there is no clear general health advantage in these designer crossbreeds compared with their parent breeds.
Breed specific findings
Some differences were identified in specific conditions.
All three designer crossbreeds showed higher odds of issues such as digestive problems compared with Poodles, and increased likelihood of ear conditions compared with some parent breeds.
Other conditions showed lower odds in certain comparisons, depending on breed.
What this means
The findings challenge the common assumption that doodle-type dogs are generally healthier due to crossbreeding.
The researchers concluded that prospective owners should not rely on perceived health benefits when choosing a dog, and should instead consider factors such as breeding practices, parent health and suitability for their lifestyle.
Limits of the study
The study used owner-reported data rather than veterinary clinical records.
All dogs included were under five years old, meaning longer-term health outcomes were not assessed.
The findings apply specifically to the three designer crossbreeds studied.
Why it matters
Cockapoos, Cavapoos and Labradoodles are among the most popular dogs in the UK.
This study provides one of the largest datasets on their health, helping move the discussion away from anecdote and towards evidence-based understanding.
FAQ’s
Are doodles healthier than purebred dogs?
This study found no clear overall health advantage in Cockapoos, Cavapoos and Labradoodles compared with their purebred parent breeds.
What is hybrid vigour in dogs?
Hybrid vigour refers to the idea that crossbreeding improves health. This study found limited evidence of a strong overall effect in the breeds examined.
Does this mean doodles are less healthy?
No. The study did not find that these designer crossbreeds are generally less healthy, but rather that their overall health is similar to their parent breeds.
Who carried out the doodle health study?
The study was led by researchers at the Royal Veterinary College in the UK.
Where was the study published?
It was published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE in August 2024.
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