At Briarwood Farms, we believe that every dog—no matter their breed, background, or lineage—deserves love, respect, and a happy home. But as a breeder of designer breeds like Cavapoos, Bernedoodles, and Aussie Mountain Doodles, we often find ourselves caught in a frustrating debate: Are these dogs just “mutts”? Or are they purposefully and ethically bred companions?
Let’s dive into the difference—and why words matter.
The “Mutt” Misconception
The term “mutt” has long been used to describe mixed-breed dogs. For many, it simply means a dog of unknown or diverse ancestry. But when used toward intentionally bred designer dogs, it becomes a dismissive label. It’s a word that implies a lack of intention, purpose, or value. And that’s where the problem lies.
Designer breeds are not accidents. They’re not “oops” litters from the neighbor’s yard. They are carefully planned pairings with clear goals in mind—pairings that prioritize health, temperament, and structure.
What Is a Designer Breed?
A designer breed is the result of breeding two purebred dogs to combine the best traits of each. For example:
• A Cavapoo blends the affectionate, gentle nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of a Poodle.
• A Bernedoodle brings together the calm, loyal demeanor of the Bernese Mountain Dog with the clever, hypoallergenic traits of a Poodle.
• An Aussie Mountain Doodle adds a dash of energy and agility with the Aussie’s influence.
These aren’t random mixes. These are deliberate combinations backed by health testing, structure evaluation, and years of experience.
Why Breed Designer Dogs?
It’s not just about creating cute puppies (though we certainly don’t mind that part!). It’s about offering families a companion that fits their lifestyle—dogs that are smart, loving, lower-shedding, and often better suited for allergy-sensitive homes.
And let’s not forget temperament. At Briarwood Farms, our goal is to raise family dogs. Dogs that can work as therapy animals, travel companions, or just gentle friends for young children. That doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of careful, ethical breeding.
Words Carry Weight
When someone calls a designer dog a “mutt,” it dismisses the work behind responsible breeding. It disregards the planning, investment, health screenings, and soul we pour into our programs. It lumps thoughtfully bred puppies into the same category as backyard breedings done without intention or care.
At the same time, we hold no judgment against dogs from shelters, rescues, or surprise litters. In fact, we love them just as fiercely. But we also ask that people respect the difference between intentional breeding and random mixing.
A Call for Respect
There’s room for both rescue and responsible breeding in the dog world. There’s room for shelters and breeders to work side by side for the good of the dogs. But that starts with respect.
So the next time you see a Labradoodle, a Cavapoo, or a Bernedoodle, try not to say, “Oh, it’s just a mutt.” Instead, ask about their temperament. Their lineage. Their purpose. You might be surprised to learn just how much love, science, and dedication went into that dog’s life before they ever reached their forever home.
At Briarwood Farms, we’re proud of what we do—and we’ll keep doing it with integrity, purpose, and love.
