Designer dogs have greatly increased in popularity over the years. Not only are they adorable, but people often expect them to have more desirable traits, such as low shedding and better manners. While these dogs don’t always meet the many expectations dog lovers have, they are still frequently purchased as a sign of status and fashion. Many people just can’t get past their cute faces, which isn’t always as uplifting and positive as you might think.
What are Designer Dogs?
A “designer dog” simply refers to a crossbreed of two purebred dogs. Many people also call them hybrid dogs, but in simpler terms, they’re technically a mixed breed or a mutt. Yet, people will pay thousands of dollars for these hybrid puppies, depending on which purebreds they’re mixed with.
The main reason designer dogs differ from your everyday mutt is because both of their parents were bred specifically to breed a hybrid puppy. These mixed breeds are intentional rather than a mistake caused by someone not spaying and neutering. Each designer dog usually has a cute name that’s a mix between the two purebreds. For example, the most popular designer breed is likely the Labradoodle, which is a mix between a Poodle and Labrador Retriever.
History of the Labradoodle
Like most designer dogs, the Labradoodle is most commonly used as a companion dog in the present day. They’re often most desired by people with lots of wealth and popularity. But believe it or not, this designer dog wasn’t made for this purpose at all. In fact, the man who created the Labradoodle regrets what the mix has become.
The Labradoodle was first bred as a service dog. A blind woman wanted a seeing eye dog, but she was allergic to dogs. The creator found that Poodles didn’t have the right temperament for the job like a Labrador Retriever, but they did have the perfect coat. So, he bred the two together to create a service dog with minimal shedding to cater to people with allergies.
At first, no one was interested in the mixed breed because it wasn’t a purebred. But once the creator named the mix “the Labradoodle”, people were suddenly interested. From there, the Labradoodle and other designer dogs greatly increased in popularity. The man never meant for his creation to become so overbred and expensive, so he has many regrets to this day. Therefore, designer dogs weren’t necessarily made to be expensive mixed breeds for wealthy people, but that’s eventually what they ended up becoming.
Popular Designer Dogs
Many mixed breeds could be classified as designer dogs, but some are certainly more popular than others. Here are some of the most popular and most well-known designer dogs:
- Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle)
- Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle)
- Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel + Poodle)
- Puggle (Pug + Beagle)
- Pomsky (Pomeranian + Husky)
- Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle)
- Schnoodle (Schnauzer + Poodle)
- Yorkipoo (Yorkie + Poodle)
- Chiweenie (Chihuahua + Dachshund)
These are just a few examples, but any breeders who breed dogs specifically with the intentions of creating hybrid puppies are creating designer dogs. Sometimes, other desirable puppies like teacup dogs are described as designer, but the term isn’t used correctly unless it’s talking about a mixed breed.
The Truth About Designer Dogs
Designer dogs are adorable and they make great companions just like any other dogs. However, similarly to bringing home any animal, there’s a lot to consider before choosing a designer dog. Not only will you be spending extra money to get one of these fancy mixed breeds, but you could also run into more complications if you don’t go to a reputable breeder.
The problem with breeding designer dogs is that there’s never a guarantee as to what they’ll turn out like. Breeders have been learning over time how to keep these dogs consistent, but breeding two different dog breeds will always create a mix with traits that could vary. This means that personalities, coat conditions, and energy levels could differ from one puppy to another. So, if you’re looking for a puppy that will exactly meet your expectations, then your expectations are too high. Puppies are unpredictable and can change as they age. So, if you want a dog that meets all your requirements, you’ll probably want to adopt an adult dog instead.
Another big concern with designer dogs is that they’re in such high demand that they’re often bred by inhumane breeders like puppy mills. Most commonly, the dogs bred in puppy mills will be sold to pet stores or online. So, if you’re looking for a designer dog, make sure you go about it correctly to avoid supporting these cruel businesses. When looking to buy a puppy, make sure you get to know the breeder well. They should be able to answer any specific questions you have in detail and be willing to show you the puppy’s parents and where the puppies were bred. If a breeder has lots of excuses when you ask them about these things, then you should move on and find a different breeder. Also, remember that mixed breeds can commonly be found at shelters and rescues too.
Designer dogs are adorable, but cuteness isn’t the only factor for getting a dog. Make sure you consider all your options and take your time when choosing your new furry friend. You’ll likely find that a dog’s personality is much more important than what breeds they’re mixed with.
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