Designer Dogs
 (Hybrid Dogs)

What the heck is a designer dog..

A “designer” dog is a cross between two purebred dogs so let me break this to you gently. They are not “breeds” nor are they “hybrids” they are MUTTS which are not new because many have been in the shelter systems for years.

I do not understand why anyone would spend hundreds of dollars for a dog when the same mixes that have been making headlines lately have been turning up on our shelter systems for years. One may say that the ones in the shelters are mutts and the designer dogs are bred so that makes a difference. Sorry but it is the same.

The designer breeders will say that their designer dogs are healthier then purebreds but without genetic testing on the parents how do they know for sure. All breeds of dogs have some genetic problems such as Slipped Stifle, eye infections, gum and teeth weaknesses which are a problem in Yorkies and Maltese and can show up in a Yorkie Maltese mix.

See the letter below that was printed by a Veterinarian in response to the networks not broadcasting the Westminster 2009 show on television:

****"Veterinarian speaks out on PETA & Westminister

Permission to crosspost: Only if you copy and past in a new e-mail and don't just forward~!!!! !!

Thank you Libbye Miller DVM for stating:

"Adorable mixed breeds" get cancer, epilepsy, allergies, heart disease, and orthopedic problems just like purebreds. I see it every day in my veterinary practice but mixed breed dogs aren't tracked like the purebreds so they have a reputation as "healthier" that is actually undeserved in many cases."

It is so sad that a lot of folks, including young veterinarians these days, buy into the "hybrid vigor" baloney. The vet schools have been infiltrated by the Animal Rights Extremists, who are teaching them this junk science in order to push their agenda.

All animals have a certain amount of genetic load, which is to say there is absolutely no animal without some genetic problem of some sort of another. Know anyone who wears glasses? Has allergies? Thyroid problems? Weak knees? Flat feet? A skin condition? Arthritis? A gap between their front teeth? These are all genetic imperfections.

No human is genetically "clean." Neither is any individual of any species on earth. So this idea that dogs should not be bred because they might have a genetic problem, and that breeders are somehow "evil" for breeding them, is ridiculous. Every single individual of every single species has at least a few genetic conditions.

To use PeTA's logic, all breeding of all kinds (including having human babies) should halt immediately. And to be honest, Ingrid Newkirk (the woman who founded PeTA) does believe exactly that. She thinks that humans should become extinct, along with dogs, cats, etc.
This ridiculous scenario is precisely what she would like to see happen. So folks, if that is what you want...if you agree with Ingrid Newkirk's whacky views, send your hard earned money to PeTA. They will help to ensure you are not able to own a dog or cat or hamster or any other pet in the future. They will see to it that you can't eat meat or fish or eggs or any type of animal-based nutrition. They will work to shut down places like Sea World, the zoos, etc. so you cannot observe the many wonderful animals on the Earth. Eventually, once they accomplish these things, they may turn their efforts to making it illegal for humans to procreate.

If you don't agree with their extremist views, wise up and start supporting those who truly do love, care for and enjoy interaction with other species here on our little blue planet.

The fanciers of the breeds, those you see exhibiting their dogs at Westminster and other dog shows, work very hard to eliminate serious genetic conditions. They screen their breeding stock with every available test. They research pedigrees before breeding into other lines, to check for similar clearances in those animals. They contribute money to research organizations to further the work being done to track down genetic problems. They contribute blood, cell samples, etc. from their own animals to help with DNA and genome studies. They have made great progress so far, and they continue to work hard at it.

Are there unethical breeders? Certainly, there are. Just as in any group of humans, you will find the good and the bad. United States VP Elect Joe Biden, for example, managed to find a not so good one when he got his new German Shepherd puppy. I don't know who did his research for him, but they obviously didn't do their homework if they
were looking for a responsible breeder. Joe has the right to get his dog from whomever he wishes, but if he was trying to set an example of purchasing from a responsible hobby breeder he went off the track this time. That's too bad, but it was his choice.

Unfortunately, breeders like that may be a lot easier to find because of their high volume and high profile. If you are looking for a nice family pet from a breeder who will be there for you forever, you need to do due diligence. You won't get that from a pet store. You won't get that from the guy selling dogs out of his pickup truck in the WalMart parking lot. You won't get that support from a high-volume breeder, either. Yes, it takes a little more time and effort to find someone who really cares and does all the work to breed the healthiest, happiest puppies possible and then stands behind those puppies.

This is a living being that will be part of your family, hopefully, for many years. Isn't it worth a bit of effort to find a breeder who will be there for you and that puppy forever?

And guess what? Shows like Westminster are a very valuable resource for finding breeders who do care and who use the best possible practices, as well as for learning more about the various breeds.

Bravo to USA Network for broadcasting the Westminster Kennel Club show all these years. May they enjoy continued success through the ongoing inclusion of such programs. I will be eagerly watching this year's show!"****

Golden Retrievers can have problems with hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as cataracts and Poodles have a problem with Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) as well as hip dysplasia so without the parents being tested - genetics' being what it is makes it quite likely for these problems to appear if there is the right combination in the parents - a reality in both a purebred and mixed breed.

Grooming and coat care can be a challenge in the mixed breeds. The blends of coat can matt so much more and it can grow coat and shed at the same time. The Golden Doodle or Labradoodle are a mix and not purebreds. With this mix there is always the chance that if there is too much Golden Retriever or too much Labrador you could have a dog that grows hair and sheds at the same time!

As to where to purchase your puppy think about this scenario.  This came from a very reliable source. Some folk living on an acreage picked up their puppy from an auction. No shots no vet check nothing. Well it turned out that this puppy was 1/2 coyote and guess what they had coming into their yard - more coyotes or how about the puppies purchased at a flea market that had rabies making everyone that came in contact with those pups have to go through a full set of painful rabies needles. Not a fun thing for any of them. Be sure that where your puppy comes from is someone that is reputable and responsible.

There are a lot of new “dog registries” where you can get “registration” papers for your MUTT.

Of late it appears that there is many new registries for dogs being created which can become confusing for puppy buyers who think they are getting something special which is not the case. These registries will register dogs that the other registries will not such as mixed breeds or dogs with unknown pedigrees and the unspecting puppy buyer will pay hundreds of dollars for a “registered” mutt.

The recommended registries that are the most recognized and oldest purebred dog registries in North America which are CKC  (Canadian Kennel Club) AKC (American Kennel Club) and UKC ( United Kennel Club).  There are some breeds that are not recognized by the CKC or the AKC but are registered with the UKC which registers many rare breeds. If your dog is registered with any other registry then the Canadian Kennel Club, American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club there is a good chance that your pup was bred by an irresponsible breeder.

If you are looking for a puppy that is not registered with one of the 3 registries mentioned above then be sure to do your homework to find out what registry your puppy is registered with.  

If you do not care if your dog is a purebred and check out the local shelters and rescue organizations that often have many dogs looking for a second chance in a forever home.

Home