This
Maltipoo lies down in the heat of a sunlit windowsill.
A Poodle hybrid
is a cross (hybrid)
between a Poodle
and some other
breed of
dog. Poodle hybrids
have become very popular as pets. They play a big role in the current
designer dog trend. The Poodle's nonshedding coat is the usual impetus
behind such experimentation, where potential pet owners are looking for a
nonshedding version of a breed for health or hygenic reasons. Some of these
crosses have been developed deliberately, while others have happened
accidentally.
A breed cross is not a recognized breed, although some breeders promote them
as such. They do not have predictable size, appearance, temperament, or health
like purebred
dogs. Some Poodle crosses do shed, and they can cause allergic reactions. The
generation of hybridization might make a difference, too. It is possible that
first-generation hybrids are less likely to carry the genetic weaknesses of
either breed, but second-generation hybrids might begin to suffer from
inbreeding
problems as do some purebred dogs.
Names for hybrids
None of the following hybrids have been recognized as breeds, but many people
who sell such dogs give them invented names to enhance their marketability. The
crosses are usually with the appropriately sized Poodle for the size of the
second breed; for example, Cockapoos are usually Miniature Poodle mixes.
In fact, any crossbreed with a poodle is usually given a "...poo" or "oodle..."
based name, although most of these are fanciful concoctions by individual
owners, such as pooter or perrier for a poodle-terrier mix, and
are not part of the mainstream.