My neighbors have several (expensive) Lab/Standard Poodle "crosses." (I'm not sure whether they are a recognized breed or not, but they COST like purebreds!).
Actually, despite the cost, they're still mutts.
I have owned a number of dogs that were AKC breeds with paperwork.
This Australian Labradoodle completely outclasses any of them with respect to health, conditioning and service from the breeder. I now view the AKC as a 'money tree' for those involved in the breeding and selling of dogs. To look upon some organization as constituting whether or not an animal is a breed with papers or a 'mutt' is nonsense or that if not an AKC breed then the animal is diminished. Anyone with money can purchase a dog from an AKC breeder, you cannot purchase one of Beverly's dogs unless she agrees that you and the dog are suitable for each other. The amount of money is irrelevant that i paid for Lily as it will always be a comparative bargain to what the dog has delivered to us!
I probably will never own another AKC animal again but would purchase another 'Doodle' from Rutland Manor in a heartbeat!-Dick
