The Changing Face of Dog Grooming: Where Are All the Purebreds?

When I began grooming in the late 1980s, purebred dogs comprised of around 90% of the breeds coming through our salon doors. Fast forward to 2024, and that landscape has dramatically changed. It’s not that there has been a sudden influx of crossbreeds all at once, rather, it’s been a creeping gradual shift over time. Nowadays, groomers often find it challenging to even get purebred dogs for competitions, as many of the dogs coming into grooming business’s are crossbreeds. 

I've been listening and taking note from so many groomers who say, 'I just don't groom that many purebreds anymore'. Many groomers are noticing a growing trend, purebreds are now being overshadowed by an increasing number of crossbreeds and designer breeds.This shift raises an important question: where have all the purebred dogs gone? Understanding the factors behind this trend is crucial for us as groomers, as it helps us adapt our services, understand the grooming education we need to stay in business, be advocates for Purebreds and cater to the evolving needs of our diverse clientele.

In this blog, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind the decline in purebred dogs, the rise of crossbreeds, and how we can embrace these changes to enhance our grooming businesses. Let’s dive into the evolving landscape of our industry and discover ways to thrive together.

What Sparked the Crossbreed Influx?

Popularity of Designer Breeds

In the past, many crossbreeds originated from either accidental matings or intentional breedings aimed at fulfilling specific roles, such as working, herding, protecting, or hunting. Today, however, designer breeds like Labradoodles and other "oodles" are often chosen more for their appealing looks than their heritage functional purposes. While these mixed breeds still possess beautiful valuable traits and can play various roles in their owners' lives, the focus has evolved. Nowadays, dogs are more commonly cherished as companions, regardless of their historical roles or jobs. Most dogs, no matter the breed, have an inherent desire to please their owners, with their traits and the context of their breeding shaping how these qualities are expressed.

The Labradoodle, for example, was first bred in the late 1980s by Wally Conron. His goal was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog by combining the intelligence and trainability of the Labrador Retriever with the low-shedding coat of the Poodle. However, interestingly Conron has since expressed deep regret about this decision, noting, “I opened a Pandora’s box and released a Frankenstein monster,” in a podcast episode of Sum of All Parts on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. This interesting insight with Wally Conron on the background of the Labradoodle, is available on the podcast here: Designing the Labradoodle.

Media and Celebrity Influence

Media and celebrity endorsements have significantly popularised crossbreeds for decades now.  Dr. Harry Cooper, a well-known Australian veterinarian and TV personality who started his first show back in the 90’s, influenced pet ownership trends through his shows “Talk to the Animals” “Harry's Practice” and his segment on “Better Homes and Gardens”. While Dr. Harry advocated for responsible pet ownership, his discussions included both purebreds and crossbreeds, helping to shape public perceptions of both types of bred dogs.

Don Burke, who was also an Australian media figure, hosted “Burke's Backyard” in the late 80s. His program featured a variety of dog breeds, including designer breeds and rated “ Designer Dogs” such as Cavoodles and Maltalier as the no 2 Top 10 Best Dog Breeds https://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/fact-sheets/pets/pet-road-tests/dogs-breeds/top-10-best-dog-breeds/

More recently, media coverage and social media have also amplified the appeal of designer breeds. High-profile celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth, Tiger Woods, Harry Styles, and Miley Cyrus have shared photos of their designer breeds on social media, which has significantly boosted the popularity of certain  cross breeds.

This media exposure, combined with celebrity endorsements and public appearances, has influenced public attitudes towards crossbreeds, no longer holding the title of a “mutt” but now leading to their growing popularity.

Perceived Health Benefits of Crossbreeds

In a study shown in www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2023.1140417/full it was found that mixed-breed dogs could have fewer health issues related to recessive genetic disorders compared to purebred dogs. However, both types of dogs  purebred and x breed can be carriers of genetic diseases, underscoring the importance of genetic testing and responsible breeding practices for all dogs.

This conversation is debatable amongst breeders and without comprehensive genetic testing for every potential issue related to the breeds involved in a crossbreed, there is risk, it’s like a genetic lottery compared to a purebred breed where most known genetic faults can be more predictably managed.

So as Groomers, Why Are We Not Seeing as Many Purebreds?

The Cost and Perception of Designer Breeds

Not long ago, crossbreeds were often dismissed as “mutts” or referred to as the “Heinz ” variety—a term that humorously suggests a mix of many different breeds, due to the Heinz advertising slogan of “57 varieties”. These mixed-breed dogs were frequently sold for very little, often given away, reflecting their lower perceived value. In recent years, consumer preferences have shifted significantly towards mixed-breed and designer dogs due to trends, the perception of a mutt has some what turned and Australian pet owners are increasingly drawn to breeds that offer unique combinations of breeds and may portray different traits, colours, looks or specific temperaments. Designer breeds like Labradoodles and Cavoodles have surged in popularity due to their appealing cute characteristics, colour and perceived health benefits. So its possible that this trend reflects a broader shift in consumer tastes away from traditional purebreds.

Interestingly, the price of designer breeds has skyrocketed! Purebred dogs were once classed as too expensive, even though the money from puppies sold often does not cover the cost of having litters with veterinary bills, registrations, genetic testing, and purchasing and importing purebred dogs. In some cases, the cost of designer breeds can surpass that of purebreds. For example, a client of mine paid $15,000 for a "ruby" Cavoodle. This high price can lead consumers to believe they are getting a better deal or higher value. However, this misconception often arises from the higher price tag making designer breeds seem more exclusive or desirable, even though purebreds often come with the assurance of known lineage, predictable traits, and adherence to breed standards and often at a less expensive price.

Awareness and Adoption of Rescue Dogs

There has been a growing awareness and focus on rescuing and rehoming animals and acceptance of rescue dogs. Many pet owners are opting to adopt dogs from shelters and rescue organisations, which often include designer dogs. This trend towards purchasing from rescue centres or adoption over purchasing purebred dogs has also contributed to the increased ownership of mixed-breed dogs.

Pandemic Effect on Pet Ownership

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a significant increase in pet ownership, particularly among crossbreeds, As purebred dogs quickly sold out or were in short supply due to the high demand, prospective pet owners found themselves increasingly drawn to mixed-breeds and designer dogs. However, this "Pandemic Puppy" phenomenon also raised concerns. As noted in a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), “Pandemic Puppy” phenomenon has given rise to concerns that high demand for puppies during this period may have exhausted supply from good welfare sources and thereby pushed prospective puppy buyers towards purchasing from unscrupulous breeders and sellers hoping to ‘cash in’ on the phenomenon by producing large numbers of puppies under low welfare conditions, including puppy farms and via illegal importation at inflated prices [NCBI Article](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8468924/). 

What do we do as Groomers ?

To stay ahead in the evolving grooming industry, it's essential to adapt your services and strategies. Implementing the solutions listed below can help you meet the diverse needs of your clientele, provide exceptional grooming for both purebred and crossbreed dogs, and ensure your business remains competitive and successful.

Adapting to the Trend with Specialised Services

- Offer services tailored to the unique needs of crossbreeds, such as deshedding, hand stripping, clipping, asian fusion and scissoring, depending on the dog's mix.

- Recognise that certain crossbreeds, particularly 'oodles,' may require more regular bathing and brushing, while others may need extensive deshedding.

- Its so important to learn breed standards to understand the coat types you’re dealing with, enabling you to provide the best advice and grooming practices to your clients.

- Explain to clients that their crossbreed may have a "combination coat" due to the mixing of breeds, which can affect how you groom the dog and how often grooming is needed.

- Provide detailed information on the grooming requirements of the parent breeds to help clients understand what to expect in terms of coat care and maintenance.

- Offer personalised grooming plans based on the dog's specific coat type and grooming needs.

- Highlight your expertise in grooming both purebreds and crossbreeds through your website, social media, and promotional materials.

- Create educational content, such as blog posts and videos, showcasing your knowledge of different breed standards and grooming techniques for crossbreeds.

- Collaborate with local pet stores, veterinarians, and breeders to reach a wider audience and establish your business as a go-to grooming service for all dog breeds. 

By implementing these strategies, groomers can adapt to the evolving pet grooming landscape and provide exceptional service to a diverse clientele.

Encouraging the Purchase of Purebreds

Groomers play a crucial role in supporting the future of purebred dogs by actively encouraging pet owners to consider purebreds alongside of their designer or crossbreed. Educating clients about the unique qualities and historical significance of purebred dogs can help spark interest and appreciation. By showcasing the benefits of purebreds—such as their consistent traits and predictability in temperament and health—groomers can highlight why these breeds are valuable. Additionally, groomers can collaborate with breed clubs and reputable breeders to provide clients with reliable information and resources on purebred dogs. As groomers we can encourage pet owners to choose purebreds, helping to ensure these breeds continue to thrive.

Breeders registered with the ANKC play a vital role as custodians of their breeds, ensuring that the dogs they produce meet established breed standards and maintain the health and integrity of the breed. Groomers can benefit greatly from developing relationships with reputable breeders, as breeders can provide invaluable insights into the specific grooming needs, temperaments, history and care requirements of their breeds. This collaboration can enhance the quality of your grooming services and ensures that the unique characteristics of each breed are respected and preserved.

Understanding Coat Types for Better Grooming

Having a solid understanding of purebred coat types can significantly aid in determining the best grooming approach for crossbreeds. When explaining to clients, it’s essential to highlight that some coats are genetically programmed to grow to a predetermined length (PDL). This means the coat will grow to a certain length and then stop, for example the Schnauzer, where the coat also normally requires manual removal by hand stripping. Conversely, other coats grow to an undetermined length (UDL), like Poodles, meaning they will keep growing until they are cut or break naturally.

When a crossbreed has a mix of these coat types, including Nordic breeds in the mix,  it presents unique grooming challenges. For instance, crossing a breed with a PDL coat with a breed that has a UDL coat means groomers potentially could be dealing with two different coat characteristics. Understanding whether the coat will continuously grow or stop at a certain length helps in determining the most suitable grooming method—whether it be regular clipping and scissoring for a UDL coat or techniques like hand stripping , deshedding for a PDL coat.

Empowering Groomers Through Education

As the pet grooming landscape evolves, it’s essential for us groomers to not forget the roots of our purebreds and deepen our understanding of both purebred and crossbreed dogs. Recognising that crossbreeds do not have an official "Breed Standard" until they are acknowledged in Australia by The Australian National Kennel Council, groomers must rely on their knowledge of the background or parent breeds to apply appropriate trims. Understanding the history and characteristics of these parent breeds is crucial for determining the best trim, as it helps tailor grooming techniques to the traits that each crossbreed may inherit. This expertise also ensures a smoother transition when purebred dogs come into your business.

As a groomer and a purebred breeder, I know that x breeds are becoming the bread and butter of many grooming business’s and I certainly have my favourite designer breeds that are just beautiful to groom,  but I have my concerns and think the importance of maintaining our purebred lines for the genetic future of dogs depends on how the public perceives them. Purebreds have been carefully developed and monitored for generations, some breeds centuries , ensuring predictable characteristics, health pros and cons and grooming needs.

If we allow purebreds to fade into the past, we risk losing not only the genetic diversity and specific qualities of these breeds but also the rich history and knowledge that comes with them. As groomers we can encourage and support the breeding of purebreds by ethical breeders as it is crucial for the future of our canine companions.

Join us and let us help you along your grooming journey, at Groomer Nation, we provide valuable resources to support your education and help you with grooming needs. Come and explore our tutorials from Australia’s leading Master Groomers, breeders, and exhibitors, as well as content on both purebred grooming standards and crossbreed trims. By staying informed and educating our clients, we can ensure the well-being of all dogs and preserve the valuable traits of purebred breeds for future generations.

Visit us at www.groomernation.com.au to enhance your skills and stay ahead in the grooming industry. Together, let's support the diversity and health of all dog breeds and ensure that purebreds remain a vital part of our grooming landscape.

Happy Grooming my friends!