hybrid vigour and designer dogs
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The myth that designer or hybrid dogs are healthier
The theory goes that mixed breeds with their deeper gene pool - are less likely to have common genetic disorders found in virtually all purebreds. By combining two different breeds, these problems in effect, cancel one another out.
Unfortunately this theory simply isn't true, and for good reason. There's certainly no need to avoid mixed breed dogs -- but just be sure you're not buying into the idea of the combination as a new and heartier breed.
Above, an adorable Morkie (Morky) is the mix of Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier.
What IS "hybrid vigour"???
and how does it relate to mixed-breed dogs?
The idea is that dogs of mixed ancestry will be healthier as a group, than purebred dogs. This theory is especially popular now, when dogs are being cross bred on purpose to produce "new breeds" like Morkies, Maltipoos and Cockapoos among many others. Sadly there's no real evidence that these mixed breed dogs are significantly healthier, or less prone to genetic problems.
Purebred dogs are intentionally bred generation after generation, to like dogs and so can carry similar genetic faults... especially if the dogs bred are closely or genetically related.Mixed-breed dogs on the other hand, are more genetically diverse due to the more haphazard nature of their parents' mating. So the theory goes....
However, as scientists point out, there are three main problems with the belief that mixed breed or hybrid dogs will be healthier and live longer than purebred dogs.
I may be cynical but....
THREE REASONS
why hybrid vigour
doesn't apply to dogs
First reason
Different parents aren't better than good parents!
If the parents are not healthy or are not good specimens, then the puppies will suffer - whether they're purebreds, mixed breeds, designer dogs or good old fashioned mutts.
You'll see comments on many different dog forums that "true breeders" will never purposely mix breeds, especially when they've devoted so much time and effort perfecting the breed they're interested in.
So that leaves the hobby breeder, who's a lot less likely to do the extensive health and genetic tests on the parents to make sure they're good for breeding.
Second reason
Purebreds AND mixed breeds can both get diseases
Second, both purebreds and mixed-breed dogs are vulnerable to the full range of non-genetic ailments, such as rabies, distemper, injury, and infestation by parasites.When it comes to non-genetic illnesses, mixed-breed dogs don't have any advantage over purebreds and vice versa.
And of course, accidents can happen to any pet.
Learn more about choosing a mixed breed
Excellent resources from Amazon
Third reason
Designer dogs may be doubling up on genetic fauilts
Third... many dog breeds have common genetic problems, so breeding them together will not reduce the chances of the problem occurring in the puppies.For example, "Luxating Patellas" or floating kneecaps which can lead to lameness, are common to Yorkshire Terriers, Lhasa Apsos, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Poodles and others.
Right, many breeds share the same genetic health problems, so cross breeding can actually increase the chances of them showing up.
But the REAL FLAW in the hybrid vigour theory?
Dogs of mixed breeds are not hybrids!
Two DIFFERENT species produce a hybrid
Donkey + horse = mule
Hybrids are the mixing of two different species.
All dogs, no matter what breed they are, belong to the same common species Canis familiaris.
In order to be a hybrid, an animal must be the product of two different species: donkey and a horse, offspring is a mule for example.
More mixed breed fun!
What's hybrid?
Hybrids are the mixing of two different species.
All dogs, no matter what breed they are, belong to the common species Canis familiaris. In order to be a hybrid, an animal must be the product of two different species.
Yes, dog breeds are different but they're still the same species, bred on purpose to produce certain qualities or characteristics. Over many many generations, consistent characteristics and appearance are developed and a breed is recognized.
As writer Karen Peak points out, all humans are Homo sapiens regardless of color, eye shape, etc. Nature helped develop certain traits to best suit the environment the Homo sapiens were developing in. All domestic dogs are Canis familiaris; we just developed them into different breeds. Species is the same but there are differences based on need.
You can read more about the confusion over the term hybrid dogs here.
Are there any advantages to a crossbred dog?
Yes, absolutely!
O.K. so hybrid vigor doesn't apply to mixed breeds, but there is some evidence that cross bred dogs may live a little longer than average pure breeds.
However there are a couple of good reasons for getting a crossbred dog:
1 First, there are PLENTY of them in shelters and rescue organizations across the country, and all need and deserve loving forever homes.
2 Second, you just might prefer a one-of-a-kind dog that can result from cross-breeding. Absolutely nothing wrong with that; dog lovers have enjoyed cute or unique looking mixed breed dogs for many years.
Just don't fall prey to unscrupulous breeders who intentionally breed two different dogs - for example, a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier - and give it a fancy name, in this case a Morkie, and a big price tag.
by DebGray0333
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Welcome! I love all dogs, but especially toy dogs. If you're like me and can't decide between a Maltese dog and a Yorkie, good news....
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