What’s in a dogs name? We take a look at a range of common dog breeds
During the peak of the pandemic whilst home schooling my two primary school age boys I learned a good word- portmanteau!
This is when a word is made by blending the sounds and combining the meaning of two others. Common examples we all know are brunch (breakfast and lunch) or ginormous (giant and enormous).
I quickly realised the dog world is full of such examples these days. Not a day goes by without me seeing a Cockerpoo, Cavapoo or a Labradoodle.
When I graduated in 2004 – I only saw a pedigree or a proper cross breed – a Heinz 57, a mutt! (I have one of these myself!) But some time later, maybe around 2010, we started to see more and more Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever x Poodle).
The two way cross had been around for some time – first reported in America in 1955, but suddenly hit real popularity, considered a good choice for people with dog fur allergies, also nice natured and attractive dogs and with the theory that crossing the two breeds creates ‘hybrid vigour’ and reduces the likelihood of inherited health defects.
Then came the rise of the Cockerpoo (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle) also attractive, fun, nice natured dogs but smaller than the Labradoodle and probably an easier family pet/companion dog for many due to the smaller size- with an average weight of 12-15kg compared to the 30kg average weight of the Labradoodle.
The popularity of these two way cross breeds, sometimes called designer crosses, is now huge in the UK and can still keep us vets on our toes when we see a new two way crossbreed- trying to work out what it could be.
Here are a few we see:
Jug- Jack Russell Terrier x Pug
Pomski- Pomeranian x Husky
Dalmador- Dalmatian x Labrador
Cavapoo- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle
Golden Doodle- Golden Retriever x Poodle
Cavachon- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Bichon Frise
Any guesses for Puggle or Shorkie is made up of?!
There are many more lovely ‘designer cross breeds’ out there and they all make great pets- family friendly and fun.
If you are thinking of getting a dog and would like advice our nurse team are always keen to talk you through choosing the right addition for you family. Just give us a call or drop us an email.
Photo of nurse Ellie Kifts Yorkshire bred ‘designer cross breed’ Douglas the Australian Labradoodle- what a handsome fellow he is!
Written by Vicky Williams, BVM&S MRCVS