In the past three decades, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, and goldendoodles, among many other variants of so-called “designer dogs,” have taken over public spaces across the country—and ignited a backlash. Are doodles an emerging breed, a pricey mutt, or some new category of dog altogether? John Seabrook writes about how poodle crossbreeds became so popular, and so controversial.

 In the past three decades, Labradoodles, Bernedoodles, and goldendoodles, among many other variants of so-called “designer dogs,” have taken over public spaces across the country—and ignited a backlash. Are doodles an emerging breed, a pricey mutt, or some new category of dog altogether? John Seabrook writes about how poodle crossbreeds became so popular, and so controversial.