So what do you think about Designer Dogs?

[kalina82]

Originally Posted by chocolatecoffee

I definitely agree, . I know that there are some "standards" circulating for designer dogs now, but anybody can make up standards, including Joe Blow in his basement. These designer dogs aren't going for AKC recognition, they're just being bred, given a fancy name, and that's it.

I love mutts, I'm owned by two of them. However, with all of the dogs sitting shelters out there today, with the 9.6 MILLION dogs and cats euthanized every year in the United States alone because they don't have a home (according to the American Humane), with as many as 64% of animals entering shelters being euthanized, I don't think that anybody should be breeding mutts (and that's what they are, plain ol' mutts). Then again, I don't think that people should be breeding any sort of dog that hasn't proven itself to be a fantastic example of its breed and has many titles. In my opinion, any dog who's bred should be titled, health checked, and the puppies should come with a contract stating that they MUST be returned to the owner if the purchaser is unable to keep the puppy for any reason. Breeders have to start taking responsibility for the puppies they produce, but unfortunately, far too many are solely interested in the money, or having their kids "witness the miracle of birth", or letting their dog have "just one litter".

I'm owned by a wonderful Maltese/Yorkshire Terrier X ("Morkie"? I call her by what she really is...my mutt, my Maltese/Yorkshire Terrier X, my angel). She's my beautiful little rescue dog. She was originally given some fancy name and some complete moron who obviously knew nothing bought her. After this idiot abused her, after she was attacked, after she lost an eye, after she barely made it past her 7-month birthday, she was finally safe in my arms thanks to a wonderful rescue.

These rescues work day in and day out working because of people's mistakes. They're working because somebody couldn't bother to spay or neuter their animal or become educated on the problem of pet overpopulation. This is what "just one litter" or "I want a puppy just like my dog" does. My foster "Yorkie-poo" lived a terrible life and died in June because some moron couldn't be bothered to include an contract and follow up the puppies he brought into this world. These countless dogs are suffering due to no fault of their own because of mistakes humans make.

I have no doubt in my mind that a lot of the people out there breeding their dogs care about them. I also know that a lot of people say that they're not looking for a show dog, just a pet. I'm not looking for a show dog either, which is why I rescue. There are also always pet quality puppies from every litter from a reputable breeder. With all of these caring people out there, it's my dream that they'd spay/neuter their animals and share that love with a dog who would be euthanized otherwise.

Of course, this is just a dream. Without people being fully aware of the problem and willing to make a difference, there will be more Yorkidoodledoos and Pikichuachuas and these rescues will continue to work around the clock, trying to help these animals, these innocent victims of other people's mistakes.

EXCELLENT POST!!!!!!!

[paulapoo]

I wanted to get a playmate for my Yorkie. I had every intention to get another Yorkie, preferrably from the same woman I got my first one from. But she had already promised her pups. My friend had a shih tzu-poo. He had the sweetest dispostion, and so much personality. While looking in the paper for a yorkie pup, I found a someone advertising a male shih-poo pup, and through a little investigation found them to be the same people my friend got hers from. I paid too much, and when I brought him home he had an eye infection. He's also had a minor skin condition, now clear up. But this is the sweetest, funniest, dog I have ever known. I am a true Yorkie lover, and will probably always have one. But I would recommend the shih-poo mix to anyone also. He can be sound asleep, and if I walk into the room, his tail starts wagging. He comes everytime he's called,(I wish I could get my Yorkie to learn that) and does well with potty pads. They have so much fun together. He was worth every penny.(350.00) He even plays with his toys by himself while laying spread eagle on his back when his older yorkie brother is not in the mood to play. Mine looks more like a shih tzu, my friends looks more poodle. But they are both precious. So much personality. Yorkies and shih-poo's.....2 thumbs up. I don't agree with the overcharging for "designer dogs" I agree with breeding for temperment and disposition. One day I'll figure out how to post a picture and show everyone the 2 cutest boys you'll ever see! Godd thread/discussion topic - thanks for letting me post.

[amspoelstra]

I was just looking at the designer dogs that are out there. OK, I have one question about the Saint Berdoodle: how do you breed a St. Bernard and a Poodle???

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by amspoelstra

I was just looking at the designer dogs that are out there. OK, I have one question about the Saint Berdoodle: how do you breed a St. Bernard and a Poodle???

Question should really be why in the world would anyone do that?
Likely it was a standard poodle. Especially an oversize can be pretty large. Likely the St. Bernard was the dam to a Standard Poodle sire.
I don't even want to think what the coat would be like.
As a professional groomer, I find most mixes can be a groomers nightmare. The coats often aren't one thing or another but a mix of all sorts of textures. It is often hard to make them even look reasonably nice unless you just zip them off like shearing a sheep.

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by paulapoo

I wanted to get a playmate for my Yorkie. I had every intention to get another Yorkie, preferrably from the same woman I got my first one from. But she had already promised her pups. My friend had a shih tzu-poo. He had the sweetest dispostion, and so much personality. While looking in the paper for a yorkie pup, I found a someone advertising a male shih-poo pup, and through a little investigation found them to be the same people my friend got hers from. I paid too much, and when I brought him home he had an eye infection. He's also had a minor skin condition, now clear up. But this is the sweetest, funniest, dog I have ever known. I am a true Yorkie lover, and will probably always have one. But I would recommend the shih-poo mix to anyone also. He can be sound asleep, and if I walk into the room, his tail starts wagging. He comes everytime he's called,(I wish I could get my Yorkie to learn that) and does well with potty pads. They have so much fun together. He was worth every penny.(350.00) He even plays with his toys by himself while laying spread eagle on his back when his older yorkie brother is not in the mood to play. Mine looks more like a shih tzu, my friends looks more poodle. But they are both precious. So much personality. Yorkies and shih-poo's.....2 thumbs up. I don't agree with the overcharging for "designer dogs" I agree with breeding for temperment and disposition. One day I'll figure out how to post a picture and show everyone the 2 cutest boys you'll ever see! Godd thread/discussion topic - thanks for letting me post.

Yes but you can't expect every Shih Tzu poodle cross to be like yours. Any crosses can end up being anything even with the mating of the same dam and sire for the previous litter and that includes temperment. ONe of my worst grooming clients is a shih tzu Yorkie cross. She is a real handful to trim nails and clean ears. She is so undershot on her bite that I am sure if she were outside during a downpour she would likely drown. That bad an undershot jaw could very likely present dental problems as she gets older.
That's one of the major issues with crosses, very bad over or under shot. And yes it can happen in purebreds. responsible breeders would never use them in breeding programs although they do still crop up.
I have rarely seen a cross that doesn't have a bad bite.