Research challenges notion of 'hybrid vigor' in dogs

More than a century ago, the famed naturalist Charles Darwin discovered that cross-pollinated maize plants were taller and more fertile than their self-pollinated counterparts. The observation gave rise to the concept known as hybrid vigor, whereby a richer assortment of genes makes an organism hardier.

But the idea that hybrid vigor makes crossbreed and mixed-breed dogs inherently healthier than purebreds is looking questionable, judging from several scientific studies.

This story was published on Dec. 10, 2024.