Summary: A large-scale survey of more than 9,400 dogs finds that several popular “designer” Poodle crosses—Cockapoos, Cavapoos and Labradoodles—often show higher rates of undesirable behaviors than one or both of their purebred progenitors. Using the Canine Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), researchers challenge the common assumption that these crosses are automatically calmer, easier to train, or better suited to family life.
While Labradoodles showed a relatively balanced behavioral profile, Cockapoos recorded the most frequent problem behaviors, including increased aggression and excitability. The results suggest that the rapid rise in demand for designer crossbreeds may be outpacing our understanding of their temperament and welfare needs.
Key Facts
- The Cockapoo findings: Cockapoos scored worse than their progenitor breeds (Cocker Spaniels and Poodles) in 16 of 24 behavioral comparisons, including owner-directed and stranger-directed aggression.
- Overall mismatch: Across all comparisons, 44.4% showed crossbreeds with more undesirable behaviors than a progenitor breed; only 9.7% showed fewer problems in the crossbreed.
- The Labradoodle exception: Labradoodles were the most balanced of the three designer crosses, performing better than purebred Poodles in several aggression-related measures.
- Marketing claims questioned: The study disputes the widespread “hybrid vigor” image used to promote designer dogs as inherently better tempered or easier to manage than purebreds.
Source: PLOS
Study overview
This survey-based study assessed behavior in three popular “designer” Poodle-cross dogs—Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel × Poodle), Cavapoos (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle), and Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever × Poodle)—and compared them with their purebred progenitor breeds. The research was led by Gina Bryson of the Royal Veterinary College, U.K., and colleagues and is reported in PLOS One (published March 19, 2026).
Owners of 9,402 dogs (including Cockapoos, Labradoodles, Cavapoos and the relevant purebred breeds) completed the C-BARQ questionnaire online. The sample included dogs acquired at 16 weeks of age or younger from January 1, 2019, and responses were collected in March 2023. Researchers compared scores across 12 behavioral subscales for each crossbreed and its two progenitor breeds, producing 72 distinct comparisons in total.
Overall, designer crossbreeds exhibited more undesirable behaviors than a progenitor breed in 44.4% of comparisons, fewer in 9.7%, and showed no significant difference in 45.8% of cases. Cockapoos deviated most markedly: they scored worse than Cocker Spaniels and Poodles in 16 of 24 behavioral measures, including excitability and aggression. Cavapoos scored worse in 11 of 24 measures, with higher rates of excitability, separation-related problems, and fear directed at other dogs. Labradoodles differed from their progenitors in 11 comparisons, scoring worse in five behaviors and better in six, notably showing less owner- and dog-directed aggression than purebred Poodles in some measures.
The authors emphasize that these results do not mean designer crosses are universally unsuitable as pets, but they do call for greater awareness among prospective owners about potential temperament challenges. Misguided expectations—such as assuming a designer cross will need little training or will always be good with children—can lead to frustration, public-safety risks, and increased relinquishment.
Key Questions Answered
A: Not necessarily. This study found that Cockapoos and Cavapoos often show more excitability and aggression than their purebred parents, which can demand more consistent training and management than many buyers expect.
Q: Why do Labradoodles seem to fare better than Cockapoos?
A: Labradoodles showed fewer aggression-related behaviors than purebred Poodles in several categories. This underscores that temperament varies across crosses, and not all “doodles” share the same behavioral profile.
Q: Should potential owners avoid designer crossbreeds?
A: The researchers do not categorically advise against buying designer dogs. Their recommendation is for informed decision-making: prospective owners should understand possible behavioral risks—such as separation anxiety, excitability, or fear-based aggression—and be ready to invest in training and socialization.
Editorial Notes
- Edited by a Neuroscience News editor.
- Journal paper reviewed in full by editorial staff.
- Additional context and clarification provided by the editorial team.
About this research news
Author: Hanna Abdallah
Source: PLOS
Contact: Hanna Abdallah – PLOS
Image credit: Neuroscience News
Original research: Open access. “Comparing undesirable behaviours between ‘designer’ Poodle-cross dogs and their purebred progenitor breeds” by Gina T. Bryson, Dan G. O’Neill, Zoe Belshaw, Claire L. Brand, Rowena M. A. Packer. PLOS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0342847
Abstract (condensed)
Designer-crossbreed dogs have surged in popularity, driven in part by beliefs they combine the best traits of two breeds. To test these assumptions, researchers compared C-BARQ scores across the three most common Poodle-based crosses in the UK and their progenitor breeds. Using multivariable linear models on data collected from 9,402 valid responses, the study found that designer crossbreeds more often scored higher on undesirable behaviors than their progenitor breeds. Cockapoos and Cavapoos in particular showed more problem behaviors, while Labradoodles displayed a more mixed profile. The findings highlight the need for prospective owners to be informed about potential behavioral challenges and for further research into crossbreed temperament to support animal welfare and responsible ownership.