Continued...
Humane society workers cringe at the designer dog trend. Any breeding will be upsetting to animal shelter workers as long as there is already such an obvious pet overpopulation. They also worry what will happen if the trend fades.
"The trendiness of it bothers us. All the young starlets carry their little pooch like an accessory, like the latest purse," says Spencer-Scher of the National Humane Education Society. "Designer accessories are fine, not designer dogs."
The world does not need more dogs, but designer dogs appear ready to sit and stay.
The American Canine Hybrid Club, a group that documents the types of designer dogs, started keeping track of them in 1992.
"It felt like a fad for 10 years, but a fad doesn't go on for 10 years," Garner,
the club's president, says. "People want something new, something different from their neighbor."
Something in a chiweenie, perhaps.
---
BY ANY OTHER NAME ...
These dog combinations were born in the United States and are registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club:
Basset-dachshund: basschshund
Beagle-pug: puggle
Bulldog-Dalmatian: bullmatian
Chihuahua-Yorkshire terrier: chorkie
Chihuahua-dachshund: chiweenie
Dachshund-schnauzer: schnoxie
Miniature schnauzer-Yorkie: snorkie
Shih Tzu-Yorkie: shorkie
Golden retriever-poodle: goldendoodle
Labrador-English springer spaniel: labradinger
Labrador retriever-poodle: labradoodle
Miniature schnauzer-poodle: schnoodle
Poodle-Saint Bernard: Saint berdoodle
For more new names, see
www.achclub.com
---
TIPS FOR DOG BUYERS
_Learn about breeds and their characteristics. Dogs often are turned into shelters because certain breeds' characteristics, high energy, for instance, are not a good match for the home. One classic book, "The Right Dog for You: Choosing a Breed that Matches Your Personality, Family and Lifestyle" by Daniel F. Tortora (Simon & Schuster, $14), offers not just breed descriptions but also quizzes to help you find a good match.
_Remember designer dogs can have any combination of their parents' traits. Nonshedding, for instance, is seldom a guarantee.
_Visit the kennel or home before buying your puppy. Local sellers say they are shocked at how many people want to the buy the dogs over the telephone. Make sure the dogs are well-loved and are being kept in clean environments.
_Ask for health documents.
_Visit the dogs' parents.
_Use the Internet to check out the going price for the dog.
_Don't forget to check area animal shelters. Purebreds and popular designer dogs are surrendered on occasion, plus plenty of other mixed breeds await homes.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssen...g/13819982.htm