Cross breed dogs or the new craze 'designer dogs' are laden with health problems. You can NEVER guarentee their temperament for many reasons.

One reason for this is that they are bred by 'back yard' breeders meaning they are not registered breeders so it is not compulsary to do health checks on the Dam and Sire.

No registered ethical breeder would ever cross breed. A puglier, spoodle, labradoodle are all mutts no matter how cute they are.

If you want a dog that is gentle with children and is also a good guard dog, get in touch with some registered reputable breeders after researching different breeds. They will cost a little more and you may need to wait a while plus they will check you out thoughly to make sure your home is suitable for one of their puppies but they are health tested, microchipped, and vaccinated and healthy.

If you don't want to wait then why not get in touch with the many dog rescue organisations. Their dogs are in foster care and are temperament tested making sure they are suitable with children, other dogs and generally healthy and happy. They also come desexed, microchipped and vaccinated. The rescuers can also point you in the right direction with suitable breeds.

Good luck in your search. There are so many doggies out there just waiting for their loving forever homes.
I am sorry but I have to disagree with this post. Not all crossbreeds are laden with health problems. In fact a lot of crossbreeds eliminate health problems in dogs. Cross breeding a dog also stops blood lines getting to close which cause genetic problems in dogs.

Quote from Wiki:
"Several studies have shown that mixed-breed dogs have a health advantage. A German study finds that "Mongrels require less veterinary treatment".[4] Studies in Sweden have found that "Mongrel dogs are less prone to many diseases than the average purebred dog"[5] and, referring to death rates, ?Mongrels were consistently in the low risk category?.[6] Another study reports that ?The median age at death was 8,5 years for all mixed breed dogs and 6,7 years for all pure breed dogs... For each weight group, the age at death of pure breed dogs was significantly less than for mixed breed dogs?,[7] and a study in Denmark finds that "Higher average longevity of mixedbreed dogs (grouped togther).[8]"

I am not for people breeding dogs in their backyard but there are registered breeders who do breed cross breed dogs properly.

All cross-bred dogs and pure- bred dogs sold at shops or from breeders come with a 2 week health check and a free vet check. They all are also microchipped and have usually started their initial vaccinations.

Also you can never guarentee the temperment of any dog pure bred or not.