“There is a distinct genetic advantage of crossbreeding purebred dogs. Combining two breeds from unrelated gene pools results in what breeders refer to as “hybrid vigor” and geneticists call “heterosis.Not only is heterosis related to a decrease in the incidence of genetic defects, but also to an increase in traits like fertility, survival, and growth rate,” says Denny Crews, Jr., Ph.D., genetic research scientist.

Purebreds and inbreeds often carry genetic disease. Heterosis is a theory, where the phenomenon of crossing two inbred lines can produce descendants with superior genetic foundation. In addition to the absence of inbreeding depressing, present in inbreed and purebred dogs in general, there is some remote inbreeding in any breed. Heterosis is also produced by over dominance, i.e. better combined function of two diverse genes (alleles) on a gene site (locus), compared to two identical (but harmless) ones. This increased health and vigor does not create a superior breed, but the advantages obtained from it are what produce hybrid vigor. This goal in this scenario is not to create a new breed, but to create a happy and healthy pet.

Heterosis effect results in a healthier, more vigorous dog with a reduced chance of genetic disease. It is well known in all domestic animal breeding, hybrids, 50%-50% mixes of two different breeds, will raise the chances of having less genetic diseases because all doubling of detrimental effects will stop in the first generation. The genetic term for this is HETEROSIS EFFECT. This effect often gives non-related individuals stronger descendants than inbreeds.

Breeders who breed these hybrid dogs have stated their goal was to get healthy and happy dogs without genetic problems. Most breeders crossing with the poodle are looking for a soft silky non-shedding coat good for allergy sufferers.

This increased health and vigor does not create a superior breed, but the advantages obtained from it are what produce hybrid vigor. The goal in this scenario is not to create a new breed, but to create a happy and healthy pet.