Is the hybrid of two animals greater than the sum of its parts? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. We analyze the histories, characteristics, and strengths of two iconic animal combos: the mule and the labradoodle.

Learn how a mule supersedes the donkey and the horse on almost every level, and why the creator of the labradoodle calls it his “life’s regret.”

Plus: hopital summer continues, gallbladder surgery on a budget, and what the current most popular dog breed says about the state of our nation.