Just out of interest, which intentional crosses do you think would, or could, be good, and for what purpose? As a starter for 10 I've heard of the following GSD X Goldie for WT - all the qualities of the GSD with the temprament of a Goldie Collie X Lab - work ethic of a Collie with the nose of a gundog for Search work
I think there are probably enough breeds for any type of job or sport that is required without having to cross breeds for that purpose. However, an interesting one for me was the bloodhound x ESS for specific Search & Rescue work. The reason behind the cross-breeding was that not everyone was able to keep a full size bloodhound, but for SAR the best nose possible was wanted, whilst alleviating many bloodhound associated problems (such as problems with the skin and eyes). Apparently they work extremely well.
Bedlington x whippet - rabbiting I have heard a lot of keepers (one here) crossing gwp's with labs to get a better retriever. I've seen them work and tbh, don't see the appeal as a good gwp can do the job, as well as a good lab. Helen
Established breeds have come about for this very reason and there's no way of knowing what a first cross will be like physically or in terms of temperament. Hypothetically speaking (as I've never worked her) I think Pointer X Lab could be a very handy dog.
If you look at what the Aussies do with Boar dogs ,loads of crosses there.. The bull arab being an example of one thats been around for a while ... If you class boar hunting as work ..