Perhaps you have considered purchasing your own Golden purebred. However, the price of these puppies can quickly make you think twice. Maybe you have been wondering if going with Golden Retriever mix puppies is a better idea. While there are some definitely benefits to going with this mixed breed, you’ll find that there are some disadvantages to consider as well. Take a look at the pros and cons of the mixed breed option before deciding that this is the right choice for your needs.
First, you’ll find that by going with a Golden mix you may be able to avoid some of the problems that may come with a purebred dog. One example is that the purebred can shed a whole lot, which can be tough for those who have allergies. Mixing the breed with other breeds, such as a Poodle, can help to eliminate the shedding, providing those with allergies a better option. This mixture is usually called the Goldendoodle. Of course, you have to remember that while you may eliminate allergy problems, this mixture can end up making grooming a lot more complicated for you and your pooch.
Of course, the Goldendoodle is only one of the different Golden Retriever mix options that are available today. This breed can be mixed with Beagles, Boxers, Irish Setters, German Shepherds, and Labradors as well and each mixed breed comes with specific characteristics. One mix that seems to be working great is the Golden Labrador, created by mixing a Golden Retriever with a Labrador. However, it’s important to realize that crossing various breeds isn’t that easy and there are a few disadvantages to consider if you are thinking of breeding your own mix or adopting a mixed dog.
One of the big disadvantages to going with a hybrid dog is that the major registries for purebred dogs will not recognize them in most cases. While some registries may end up being recognized by them in the future if they become a popular choice, usually this will take a long time. If you want a dog you can register with the AKC or another registry, a Golden Retriever mix may not be exactly what you are looking for in this case.
Another of the problems with hybrid dogs is that the first generation can be difficult to breed and the results may not be very steady at first. Take the Goldendoodles for example. In the first generation you may not end up with a dog that doesn’t have thick fur that sheds a lot. In many cases, some puppies may shed while others may not. Careful processes must be gone through to preserve a particular trait, which means that you may not end up with the traits you really want when you go with a mixed breed dog.
Health problems can become an issue when you decide to go with a Golden Retriever mix as well. Parents that are bred together should always be checked for any diseases that the breed is known for. Breeding between breeds that often have the same common health issues can be a problem, leading to an increase in these problems. For example, Goldens are known for having hip dysplasia problems. Mixing them with breeds that are known for the same problem, such as Labs and poodles, can end up leading to more instances of this problem within the new hybrid.
In some cases, a Golden Retriever mix can be a great choice if you’re looking for a good dog for a low price. However, usually there are more down sides to these mixes until they have been bred for some time, so consider the pros and cons before making your choice.