5 Questions to Ask Breeders Before Buying a Hybrid Dog

Hybrid or so-called designer dogs, such as the Cockapoo, Goldendoodle, and the popular Labradoodle, have surged in popularity across the UK. These breeds aim to combine the best traits from two unrelated pedigree dogs, offering benefits like a low-shedding coat alongside friendly temperaments.

While hybrid breeds offer the advantage of genetic diversity and potentially fewer hereditary health problems thanks to hybrid vigour, buying from breeders requires diligent questioning to avoid pitfalls. This guide outlines five key questions to ask any breeder of designer dogs, empowering you to make a responsible and informed choice.

1. Why did you decide to breed this type of dog?

Asking about the breeder's motivation helps reveal their ethics and purpose. Responsible breeders often pursue hybrid breeding to combine desirable traits, such as temperament or coat type, or to improve genetic health compared to purebred lines. This question helps you distinguish dedicated breeders from those focused solely on profit or producing puppies without due care.

2. What is the background of the parent dogs?

Understanding the lineage of both parents, ideally back at least three generations, is vital. Despite crossing two breeds, some breeders may inbreed or back-cross hybrids, which can increase the risk of inherited conditions. Ensure the breeder can provide transparent pedigree information and explain any measures to maintain genetic diversity within their breeding programme.

3. Have the parent dogs had any health checks or tests?

Although hybrid dogs usually have fewer inherited health problems due to genetic diversity, they can still inherit conditions from one side of the lineage. Responsible breeders will have health-tested parent dogs for common hereditary diseases relevant to both breeds. They should be able to provide health certification, including tests for issues like hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart conditions, ensuring the puppies' long-term wellbeing.

4. Why the price point?

Prices for hybrid pups can vary widely. It's useful to research typical prices for the type of hybrid in your area and to question breeders about any deviations from the average. Lower prices may indicate accidental matings or reduced health testing, while higher prices might reflect extensive health screening, careful breeding choices, or particularly sought-after bloodlines. Clarifying this helps avoid overpaying or purchasing a poorly bred puppy.

5. What is the aftersales policy?

Reputable pedigree breeders often provide formal contracts covering health guarantees and return policies, offering reassurance if issues arise after purchase. For hybrid dogs, such policies are sometimes lacking. Ask the breeder if they offer any support, guarantees, or return options post-sale to ensure you have help if your puppy develops health or behavioural problems.

By carefully asking these five questions, you can better ensure you're adopting a healthy, well-socialised puppy from an ethical breeder. This not only protects your new pet's wellbeing but also supports responsible breeding practices within the designer dog community.