'Designer' dog owners report more problem behaviours, vets warn

The Royal Veterinary College has warned that "doodle" dogs—popular designer crossbreeds—exhibit more behavioral problems than owners expect. The veterinary institution's findings challenge the common assumption that crossing purebred dogs produces animals with predictable temperaments and fewer health or behavioral issues. Owners of these increasingly fashionable hybrids report aggression, anxiety, and other unwanted behaviors that contradict breeders' marketing claims. The warning underscores a gap between public perception of designer dogs and their actual behavioral outcomes. The advisory suggests prospective owners should carefully research individual dogs' temperaments rather than relying on breed reputation.