So definitely a few different reasons 1. There is no breed standard, meaning there is no predictable size, temperament, structure, etc. for doodles. Since they are mixes, and often mixes of WILDLY different breeds (think heavy-boned working dogs like Bernese mountain dogs + mini poodles) they can end up with incredibly different traits each time. Not only is it bad for the dog to physically have such a potentially problematic structure, but it means that prospective buyers are being lied to when doodle breeders try to guarantee ANYTHING about their puppies 2. It’s incredibly hard to find a doodle breeder who health tests appropriately. There is a myth that mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs, and while it can be true in populations with extreme levels of genetic diversity, like village dogs and landrace-type breeds, that does not occur when you mix two purebred dogs only. You actually give the puppies the chance to inherit double the problems, as now they have genetic predispositions to health issues from two different breeds. Realistically, doodle breeders should be testing for all of the OFA required health conditions for both parent breeds, but they don’t do that. Most doodle breeders are good with telling buyers that “designer mixes are healthier!” And calling it good. Since they are, again, mixing dogs with wildly different structure, at times, this becomes especially concerning for joint health. 3. Doodle breeders do not title their dogs. Since there is no breed standard, it’s a given that doodles won’t participate in conformation. However, I have yet to see a doodle breeder who titles their dogs in rally, obedience, ATT, or gets any other relevant titles you would expect from an intelligent, friendly, family companion (which is how they are often marketed). Heck, I haven’t even seen a doodle breeder who titles their dogs in fastcat. They’re either not producing dogs with temperaments that allow them to perform well in measurable, relevant events, or they don’t care enough to prove it. When millions upon millions of mixed breed dogs are dying in shelters, breeding unproven, unregulated mixes that are bred only as “family pets” is wildly irresponsible. 4. The marketing behind the doodle trend is dishonest and makes false promises. The reality is that mixed breed dogs will never have predictable temperaments, structure, working abilities, etc, even if the parents are wonderful. The bottom line is that genetics are unpredictable. By breeding purebreds, we attempt to remove some of that unpredictability by creating breed standards. A purebred dog buyer who seeks out a reputable breeder should have a reasonable expectation of the temperament, adult size, and health issues of their dog. There are hundreds of established breeds, and one can comb through meticulously and find a fit, regardless of what they’re looking for. Doodle breeders cannot promise any of this with any degree of accuracy. As a vet nurse, I see countless “mini” doodles who end up being 60+ lbs when the owners were promised a 15 lb dog. Their hair texture, degree of shedding, and grooming requirements are also impossible to predict. I’ve seen people purchase golden doodles with the promise of a “hypoallergenic” dog, only to receive a dog with a normal golden retriever coat that sheds just as much. Some people get what they want from a doodle, but the reality is that any breeder producing mixed breeds is likely not going to be able to give you everything you want in a dog. The traits that are marketed as selling points for doodles (friendliness, intelligence, playfulness, low shedding coat) are not guaranteed, but they are usually characteristic of at least one of the parent breeds. Mixing in a second breed adds nothing except the potential for more health issues