Designer Dog website-hahahaha!

[carnation]

All 3 of our dogs and our cat are rescue animals and we have personally rescued some 20 animals for other families. We work with the humane society in numerous projects. However:

I still reserve the right to laugh at some of these dogs! Boston Terrier plus anything? What were these breeders thinking?

[psusue]

Thank you for this thread. I've decided I need a Chug SO BAD. They are the cutest thing I've ever, ever seen. This whole not-having-pets-in-the-dorm thing sucks.

[Drolefille]

On the whole these aren't legit "breeders" in the first place. So they weren't thinking of anything other than trying to make some money off a mixed breed. Legit breeders take care with animals to avoid genetic problems and reinforcing positive traits (leaving aside that some 'positive' traits are net negatives for the animal.) "ACHC" registered or not, my guess is the vast majority of designer dogs come from backyard breeders and I shudder to think what happens to the mixes that don't "work" or the puppies who aren't "cute enough."

I think I finally convinced my coworker not to stud her bulldog. He's purebred, and it would be to create another purebreed, but she's already complaining about his behavior since he hasn't been neutered. But that's another story.

[adpiucf]

I showed my BFF a photo of the cocker spaniel-shar pei, and he said, "That dog looks unhappy to be alive."

[carnation]

He looks hungover!

I was ROTFL about the Brussels Griffon-Cocker and the Brussels Griffon-Shih Tzu, who also look photoshopped! Actually, the last one looks like one of my former bosses--bald with a goatee.

[IrishLake]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I wish these people would have spent the time and money they wasted on trying to create a "designer" dog to help the thousands of dogs and other animals that are already here and in shelters.

Sorry, but I can't see anything funny about this in the least. The current situation of too many animals is just too sad.

Originally Posted by Drolefille

On the whole these aren't legit "breeders" in the first place. So they weren't thinking of anything other than trying to make some money off a mixed breed. Legit breeders take care with animals to avoid genetic problems and reinforcing positive traits (leaving aside that some 'positive' traits are net negatives for the animal.) "ACHC" registered or not, my guess is the vast majority of designer dogs come from backyard breeders and I shudder to think what happens to the mixes that don't "work" or the puppies who aren't "cute enough."

I think I finally convinced my coworker not to stud her bulldog. He's purebred, and it would be to create another purebreed, but she's already complaining about his behavior since he hasn't been neutered. But that's another story.

Co-sign.

[thetalady]

Originally Posted by Drolefille

I think I finally convinced my coworker not to stud her bulldog. He's purebred, and it would be to create another purebreed, but she's already complaining about his behavior since he hasn't been neutered. But that's another story.

BLESS YOU!!! Of All of the breeds that should NOT be bred by "amateurs", it is the bulldog. What a health & genetic mess that breed is. You know why? Because MAN created the bulldog and we are not such great canine engineers.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by thetalady

BLESS YOU!!! Of All of the breeds that should NOT be bred by "amateurs", it is the bulldog. What a health & genetic mess that breed is. You know why? Because MAN created the bulldog and we are not such great canine engineers.

Exactly. I don't know if she would have stud him back the to breeder she purchased him from or not, but either way.... uh uh. That's why I said what I did about "positive" traits. While on one hand, breeders breed for health, they also breed for standards that often have their own negative affects on health.

[Gem]

I am getting rather tired of attacks on "Designer Dogs". All the published scientific research shows that crossbreds are healthier and live longer than purebreds.

Most people just want a happy, healthy family pet. But say “Boxer” and think heart disease; say “Golden Retriever”and think hip dysplasia. The incidence and severity of inherited diseases increases every year, and yet purebred breeders continue with outdated practices that continuously limit genetic diversity. The recent BBC program “Pedigree Dogs Exposed” did much to bring the health problems in purebred dogs to the attention of the general public (see http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=44215 931).

In addition, changing fashions and fads in the show ring have caused some purebred breeders to exaggerate physical characteristics that make dogs more susceptible to health problems problems (bulging eyes in Pekingese, elongated backs in Dachshunds etc). Recently the RSPCA in the UK cut it’s ties with the Kennel Club dog shows for “encouraging the breeding of deformed and disabled dogs” (see http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKGRI63987020080916).

On the other hand, hybrid “Designer Dogs”, can provide the best of both worlds, purebreds and mutts: the ability to carefully select the parent dogs for health and temperament, and test for inherited diseases (like you can with purebreds); and the increased health and longevity provided by genetic diversity (like mutts).

I don't believe adoption should be the only option for families who choose a crossbred dog. It's great that people take dogs from shelters, be they are purebred or cross. I've had rescue dogs myself in the past, no doubt will have more in the future, and also help out at my local shelter once a month. However, as anyone who works in rescue can tell you, adoption isn't for everyone. I see no reason why those people who want a healthier dog, and hence choose a crossbred for their family, should then be forced to choose a dog from rescue (and likely with unknown history of health and temperament) while those that choose a purebred may opt for a puppy from a breeder.

I believe families that choose a crossbred pup should have exactly the same rights as those that choose a purebred. They should be able to buy a pup from a breeder who carefully chooses their breeding dogs, carries out the necessary health testing, and provides a comprehensive health warranty. To say that puppy buyers must either buy a purebred or take their chances with a shelter dog is just discrimination, pure and simple. The option to buy from a breeder or to adopt from a shelter should be open to everyone, regardless of what type of dog they decide is right for their family.

Of course all puppy buyers need to be careful. There are puppy mills and "backyard breeders" with bad breeding practices, producing purebred and crossbreds both. However, there are also many dedicated hybrid breeders whose main aim is to produce healthy dogs, without the genetic problems that have plagued many purebreds. They aren’t trying to create new breeds, or to compete in the show ring - these breeders simply want to provide happy, healthy family pets.

JMHO

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by Gem

I am getting rather tired of attacks on "Designer Dogs". All the published scientific research shows that crossbreds are healthier and live longer than purebreds.

Most people just want a happy, healthy family pet. But say “Boxer” and think heart disease; say “Golden Retriever”and think hip dysplasia. The incidence and severity of inherited diseases increases every year, and yet purebred breeders continue with outdated practices that continuously limit genetic diversity. The recent BBC program “Pedigree Dogs Exposed” did much to bring the health problems in purebred dogs to the attention of the general public (see http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=44215 931).

In addition, changing fashions and fads in the show ring have caused some purebred breeders to exaggerate physical characteristics that make dogs more susceptible to health problems problems (bulging eyes in Pekingese, elongated backs in Dachshunds etc). Recently the RSPCA in the UK cut it’s ties with the Kennel Club dog shows for “encouraging the breeding of deformed and disabled dogs” (see http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKGRI63987020080916).

On the other hand, hybrid “Designer Dogs”, can provide the best of both worlds, purebreds and mutts: the ability to carefully select the parent dogs for health and temperament, and test for inherited diseases (like you can with purebreds); and the increased health and longevity provided by genetic diversity (like mutts).

I don't believe adoption should be the only option for families who choose a crossbred dog. It's great that people take dogs from shelters, be they are purebred or cross. I've had rescue dogs myself in the past, no doubt will have more in the future, and also help out at my local shelter once a month. However, as anyone who works in rescue can tell you, adoption isn't for everyone. I see no reason why those people who want a healthier dog, and hence choose a crossbred for their family, should then be forced to choose a dog from rescue (and likely with unknown history of health and temperament) while those that choose a purebred may opt for a puppy from a breeder.

I believe families that choose a crossbred pup should have exactly the same rights as those that choose a purebred. They should be able to buy a pup from a breeder who carefully chooses their breeding dogs, carries out the necessary health testing, and provides a comprehensive health warranty. To say that puppy buyers must either buy a purebred or take their chances with a shelter dog is just discrimination, pure and simple. The option to buy from a breeder or to adopt from a shelter should be open to everyone, regardless of what type of dog they decide is right for their family.

Of course all puppy buyers need to be careful. There are puppy mills and "backyard breeders" with bad breeding practices, producing purebred and crossbreds both. However, there are also many dedicated hybrid breeders whose main aim is to produce healthy dogs, without the genetic problems that have plagued many purebreds. They aren’t trying to create new breeds, or to compete in the show ring - these breeders simply want to provide happy, healthy family pets.

JMHO

There are plenty of mutts (a word I say with love) who need homes who are naturally all of the things that "Designer Dogs" are created to be except they don't have cutsie names (and they're not questionably hypoallergenic). The idea that a shelter dog (or, gasp, puppy) is any more of a risk than a bred dog is rather silly. Throughout your post there are hints that a shelter dog is inherently unhealthy and risky. And that's just not true. The majority of responsible breeders still breed purebreds, just not the excessively characterized ones that the RSPCA is complaining about. The majority of Shit-Poo breeders are irresponsible and making a buck.

So yeah, YMMV, but we're talking about OVERALL here. The vast majority of people would do well to go to a shelter and find a dog. Odds are they'll find a healthy dog who wags his tail so hard that they can't bear NOT to take him home. (And if you're hooked on the purebreeds, there are rescues for them too!) Dogs are put down every day purely for the reason that there are no homes for them, not because they're dangerous. Until that's handled, you're not going to convince me to get behind "designer dog" breeding because "people deserve a choice other than risky shelter dogs."

[knight_shadow]

[southbymidwest]

Yes, some of those pictures of crossbreeds are terribly cute. Especially he ones that are crossbred with my silly little terrier's breed. That being said, responsible champion breeders (read not puppy mill or oh I wanted my children to experience the miracle of life idiots) work toward making the breed more vigorous and test extensively for known breed issues. They are also really into that breed. Why in hell would they want to breed their dogs to those of another breed for the sake of coming up with some hot for the moment mix? Yes, there are a couple of crossbreeds that have become popular (labradoodle comes to mind), but come on. So I don't believe that the top breeders are doing this. AND, if a crossbreed puppy comes from two purebreds that exhibit breed specific issues, i.e., temperment, heart, hip, respiratory, etc. issues, you can't tell me the puppy will not exhibit any of those problems and will automatically be healthier than any purebred.

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by southbymidwest

Yes, some of those pictures of crossbreeds are terribly cute. Especially he ones that are crossbred with my silly little terrier's breed. That being said, responsible champion breeders (read not puppy mill or oh I wanted my children to experience the miracle of life idiots) work toward making the breed more vigorous and test extensively for known breed issues. They are also really into that breed. Why in hell would they want to breed their dogs to those of another breed for the sake of coming up with some hot for the moment mix? Yes, there are a couple of crossbreeds that have become popular (labradoodle comes to mind), but come on. So I don't believe that the top breeders are doing this. AND, if a crossbreed puppy comes from two purebreds that exhibit breed specific issues, i.e., temperment, heart, hip, respiratory, etc. issues, you can't tell me the puppy will not exhibit any of those problems and will automatically be healthier than any purebred.

Money money money money. MONEY.

Well that's the reason for the crossbreeders, it's probably very rare for the responsible ones to flip for the cash, though I'm sure it's happened once or twice.

[Gem]

Originally Posted by southbymidwest

Yes, some of those pictures of crossbreeds are terribly cute. Especially he ones that are crossbred with my silly little terrier's breed. That being said, responsible champion breeders (read not puppy mill or oh I wanted my children to experience the miracle of life idiots) work toward making the breed more vigorous and test extensively for known breed issues. They are also really into that breed. Why in hell would they want to breed their dogs to those of another breed for the sake of coming up with some hot for the moment mix? Yes, there are a couple of crossbreeds that have become popular (labradoodle comes to mind), but come on. So I don't believe that the top breeders are doing this. AND, if a crossbreed puppy comes from two purebreds that exhibit breed specific issues, i.e., temperment, heart, hip, respiratory, etc. issues, you can't tell me the puppy will not exhibit any of those problems and will automatically be healthier than any purebred.

The real problem is that way that the closed pedigree system is set up pretty much guarantees that an already small gene pool continues to shrink each year. This is often exacerbated by overuse of popular studs (particularly now that artificial insemination is widely available) and line breeding to try and "fix" certain characteristics, which further reduces the overall degree of genetic diversity. Then you have the added problems of extreme interpretations of breed standard producing physiological exaggerations that can be deleterious to the dog's health and welfare (excessively short noses, bulging eyes, long backs etc).

As far as crossbreds are concerned, Labradoodles are a good example of crossbred breeders who are trying to do it right. Their breed clubs have been set up with the aim to try and remedy some of the mistakes that purebred breeders have made in the past, and avoid the health problems that plague certain breeds. The ILA (International Labradoodle Association) was the first (and perhaps still the only) dog club to make DNA testing for genetic diseases such as PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which causes blindness) mandatory. They made health and temperament (and not appearance) the priority in their breed standard. They also set strict limits on how closely related breeding dogs can be (in the purebred world, father/daughter and sister/brother breedings are not that uncommon).

If you haven't seen it already, there is an excellent documentary on the health problems in purebreds, "Pedigree Dogs Exposed" at http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/44215931

[IrishLake]

THAT "scientist" is making THIS scientist do a facepalm.