They aren't necessarily bred to just make money any more than any other dog. I have a friend who deliberately bred a poodle with her own Bichon and is taking wonderful care of them at home until they go to a new home - (and, they have already all been "begged" for). In fact, she had several people who wanted one of the pups before they were bred.
This certainly is how many new breeds have been developed. However, I don't think it was done in the same way as what is going on now. It was done by more serious educated breeders who appreciated the traits of different breeds and bred intentionally trying to develop specific traits in a new dog. And, these new breeds have generally took years and a great deal of expense to develop. I don't think people are cross breeding these little guys in the hopes of developing a new breed --but rather just to come up with another cute, delightful, playful little dog.
If we can justify paying $500 for these little "designer mutts" because of the care, vet bills, etc. --- then no puppy should ever be sold for less than that amount. I am not sure all puppies need to be priced this high. Many people could never afford to have a dog if this were the case.
And, before anyone brings it up --- yes, when we own a dog - we should be expected to pay whatever bills are necessary to care for it and keep it healthy. I'm just not sure everyone needs to pay such a high price to get a dog in the first place.
Probably one reason these little crossbred dogs are commanding such high prices is because the dogs being bred are small expensive little dogs. Then, of course, the pups are small --and we know small dogs bring premium prices.
Carol Jean
Carol Jean |