What is Hybrid Vigor?
Increased vigor or other superior qualities arising from the crossbreeding of genetically different animals. Also called heterosis.
Purebreds and inbreeds often carry genetic disease. Heterosis is a theory in which crossing two inbred lines can produce descendants with a superior genetic foundation.
Heterosis is also produced by overdominance, 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 doesn’t create a superior breed, but the advantages from it are what produce hybrid vigor.
THE GOAL? –
To create a happy and healthy pet. This is Jaxson and his parental units…
HOW? –
By raising the chances of having fewer genetic diseases because all doubling of detrimental effects will stop in the first generation.
Lot’s of people question whether the Goldendoodle is a healthy breed, since both the retriever and the poodle are prone to similar health conditions.
The intentional mix of breeds allows you to have the predictability of the purebred, while maintaining the genetic diversity of a mixed breed dog.
This is why it is so important to ask breeders of purebred dogs what types of genetic testing they perform. The retriever and poodle are both prone to suffer from hip dysplasia and eye problems. If both breeds have been tested and are safe, it is likely the puppies they produce will be too.
When you breed two different types of purebred dogs together you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed.
So if you really want a hybrid dog, you’ve got to know which one to choose. It’s imperative you read and know the temperament and care for both breeds in the cross And be prepared for any combination of the two.
Dogs are not to be disposed of like old toasters when they do not perform as you wish. They are living creatures who deserve to be loved and cared for their entire life. So please do your research!
*I am not a breeder nor a veterinarian. I am a Doodle Mom searching and sharing a better understanding about everything Goldendoodle.
References:
Health Problems in the Goldendoodle
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We will attempt to blog everyday during the month of April (minus Sundays) completing the entire alphabet in one month.
Our Theme? – “Everything Goldendoodle” ❤️
April 9, 2016
This is such important and interesting information! I’m not sure I understand the science of it, but I love the goal and appreciate the importance of doing research when getting a dog from a breeder.
April 10, 2016
It becomes overwhelming but if you’re going to look for a hybrid dog, these are topics you’ll need to be familiar and comfortable discussing. It’s key to getting the dog that’s right for you.
April 9, 2016
No wonder Jaxson is so adorable…look at his pawrents. [cue the wolf whistle]
April 10, 2016
Cue the wolf whistle indeed – his pops was a real stud #punintended 🙂
April 9, 2016
Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to many forms of cancer. Unfortunately, there’s really no way to be sure the puppy won’t end up with cancer even if both parents are healthy. It’s heartbreaking. But they still love unconditionally either way, and that love is worth more than all the money in the world. 🙂
April 10, 2016
This is true – I know many breeders try to work with purebred lines that have had no genie history – but just like us, there is no guarantee. I just pray everyday – never ever to be faced with that situation. That’s all I really can do. In the meantime, I love and cherish every single moment with them.
April 9, 2016
I did not know this about breeding dogs. Very cool. This explains why not all mixed breed dogs are healthier than pure breed dogs.
April 10, 2016
Trust me, I only touched the surface, the information is not only fascinating – it is eye opening to so much about breeding. I’m still learning myself.