Designer Dog Rage: Is It Safe?

Ever thought about buying a dog that's not only a companion; it's fashionable too? Unless you have been living under a rock you will most likely have heard about the new 'designer dog' rage.

You might have wondered what the big deal was with such new mixes. What is it about their cute little names and button noses that are driving hordes of people to the nearest designer dog breeder?

Many people are opposed to the deliberate crossbreeding of dogs. Mainly because it seems to have become a big money making scam.

The Schnoodle, Labradoodle and Maltipoo are just some of the cute new hybrids that are massively popular with those looking for a special kind of puppy, one that's been intentionally bred to suit your lifestyle, and of course your handbag.
These fashionable mixes have been around for a while. Even Queen Elizabeth's famous Corgi's mated with her sister's Dachshund resulting in Dorgi's.

Most crossbreeding occurs accidentally and these mixed breed dogs must not be confused with deliberately bred hybrid. To call itself a 'designer dog' the parents of the dog must both be purebred and of different breeds.

Within the various mixed dog populations there is a relatively large gene pool. These dogs take qualities from generations and generations of other crossbreeds before them. This is said to be good for the dog.

One of the problems with purebred dogs is that the gene pool is relatively small. While various sought after attributes is enhanced, so are some health problems. At least with purebred dogs there is a long and well documented list of things to expect. For every aspect of your dog