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Oodles of doodles have come together with every breed imaginable. What started as an endeavor to create a hypoallergenic dog turned into a massive phenomenon mixing every breed imaginable with the low-shedding poodle.

Now there are numerous doodle varieties from goldendoodles to shepadoodles and more. While doodle breeders have achieved the desired result of a low-shedding pup, a new study highlights a hidden issue that doesn’t present in their purebred counterparts.

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Study Highlights a Hidden Doodle Breeding Side Effect

“Designer dogs” are incredibly popular. But a new study says the popular trend comes with undesirable behavioral consequences. The Royal Veterinary College selected the three most popular designer doodle blends in the U.K. to study: the Cockapoo, Labradoodle, and Cavapoo.

When compared to their purebred parents, i.e., the cocker spaniel, Labrador retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and the respective poodle breeds, they fell behind in several key categories.

The study shows that, among the dogs surveyed, 54% of the doodles exhibited different behavior than the purebreds. Of the 39 behaviors evaluated, the designer pups showed more undesirable behavior in 82% (32 of 39) of the categories. The RVC’s biggest concern is that, most often, adoption or selection of these pups is based on the assumption that they are better-behaved dogs.

However, the study shows that this is unequivocally not the case. The most common behavioral red flags for the three crossbreeds are high levels of non-social fear. So they are afraid of things like loud or sudden noises, such as traffic. The dogs also show a higher incidence of separation-related issues, leading to destructive behavior or loud barking, crying, or whining when their owner is absent.

Related: Funny Doodle Who’s Clearly ‘Part Goat’ Has People Cracking Up

The mixes are also far more excitable than their counterparts, reacting to things like walks, visitors, doorbells, knocks on the door and car trips with exuberance. Of course, all of these issues can be handled with training.

But the issue lies in access to training and support, as well as in the willingness to ask for them. The study points out that earlier research has shown that “remarkably few owners seek veterinary or other professional help or advice to manage these three important behavioural issues.”

“Owners of designer-crossbreeds should be mindful that displaying these behaviours likely indicates their dog is experiencing negative emotions such as fear, anxiety and/or panic which should be prioritised with similar consideration as any physical ailment to maintain good welfare,” the study suggests. “Canine behaviourists and veterinary professionals can support designer-crossbreed owners by increasing awareness of the serious negative impacts of these undesirable behaviours upon their dogs and offer appropriate therapies to address them.”

Related: Doberman Hears a ‘Doodle’ Mom Call His Ears ‘Unethical’ – His Head Tilt Says Everything

Differences Between the Three Crossbreeds

Among the three mixes, the Cockapoos showed the highest level of undesirable behaviors in the behavior scale comparison. Compared with Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, they displayed undesired behaviors in 16 of 24 categories. Cavapoos scored 12 out of 24, while Labradoodles had fewer differences, clocking 11 differences from the Labrador retriever.

Overall, though, the Labradoodle fared best across all categories, which is not particularly surprising. Researchers say that while the study can be applied to other doodle mixes, it would be best if each crossbreed were studied as thoroughly as these have been.

But the most important takeaway from the study is that while these concerning behaviors do exist, consistent training with a certified trainer or breed specialist can do a lot of good, and ultimately create solutions that are better for the pup’s overall well-being.

Related: Goldendoodle’s Epic Side-Eye Over Mom and Dad Leaving Is So Human-Like

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Mar 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.