Designer Dogs

[voodoochyl]

I was wondering what everyone thinks about the designer breeds. I know of Teacups, Yorkie-poos, and Chorkies. I have the runt of the litter (purebred), but I will bet he is not the breeder's choice. However, he is just the best little creep I would ever want to have and wouldn't trade him for a champion. My opinion is, as long as the dog is healthy, and has a loving family...I don't care so much. Such a popular dog will be overbred, and that is always a problem from a health standpoint among other concerns. What are your thoughts? Is the breed overbred to begin with, are the designer breeds a problem, do you have one...post up.

[bellanares]

I've own a so called "malti-poo". He ending up being a standard size poodle Ares (my yorkie pup 13 weeks) was sold under the "tea cup" banner. He is a little guy, I love him to death! I didn't realise all of the problems that can occur with such a small dog. He is a purebred pup, but I just love anything cute and cuddly! I do have to say yorkies have stolen my heart ever since I was a little girl! I grew up with huge dogs! Dobies, malemutes, rotties, and germans, but the toy breeds are my fave! I never wanted to show or breed dogs... (I watched a vid on you tube of a yorkie giving birth and passed out!) lol So being a pure bred pup wasn't a huge factor. I will say that if I did want to strive to improve the breed, and/or show then yes it would be a factor. But my baby boy is a member of the family, and we love him no matter what!

[BamaFan121s]

Wow...did you ever hit on a hot topic!
How I feel about is this:
First off, they are not "breeds." A breed has a set standard. Designer dogs/mixes/cross breeds/mutts, take your pick are not recognized "breeds."
Health issues are not a result of a breed being popular and overbred, it's a result of indiscriminate breeding practices. People not taking the time to select quality stock, take the proper precautions to test their dogs first, and not taking the steps needed to ensure that genetic defects are not being passed on to generations. Health issues are not eliminated by mixing breeds...in fact, just the opposite could occur.
"Teacup" is basically taboo in regards to any breed. Breeders claiming such are usually the type people are advised to avoid. None of the breeds classified as toys (Yorkie, Chis, Maltese, Shih Tzus, etc) have subcategory in the standard based on the size of the dog. Furthermore, ethical breeders strive to achieve the standard, not to produce extremely small dogs.

I do not support purposely breeding mutts. Really, what is the point? To get cute little puppies? There are plenty of those in shelters that need homes. There's no goal standard to aim for, and it opens up a wide variety of possible problems. Is it done for the fun of the experience? Any experience breeder can tell you that it's not only costly, but not all "fun" and games.
IMO, it's nothing more than a fad and many are jumping at the chance to supply the current demand with no regard for the bigger picture and the best interest of the dogs in the long run. It's an easy way out...no specific health test to worry about, and no standard to judge the quality of the dogs you produce by. It's funny, but questions as simple as "why do it" and "what are you trying to achieve" should be easy ones to answer.

Understand, I in no way think that cross bred dogs are any "lesser" than purebred dogs. I have owned my fair share of mutts and wouldn't have traded them for anything. However, I don't think that they should be bred purposely.

So, I'm sure that opinions vary, and that is fine and well, but that is how I personally feel about the subject.

[my2boyz]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

Wow...did you ever hit on a hot topic!
How I feel about is this:
First off, they are not "breeds." A breed has a set standard. Designer dogs/mixes/cross breeds/mutts, take your pick are not recognized "breeds."
Health issues are not a result of a breed being popular and overbred, it's a result of indiscriminate breeding practices. People not taking the time to select quality stock, take the proper precautions to test their dogs first, and not taking the steps needed to ensure that genetic defects are not being passed on to generations. Health issues are not eliminated by mixing breeds...in fact, just the opposite could occur.
"Teacup" is basically taboo in regards to any breed. Breeders claiming such are usually the type people are advised to avoid. None of the breeds classified as toys (Yorkie, Chis, Maltese, Shih Tzus, etc) have subcategory in the standard based on the size of the dog. Furthermore, ethical breeders strive to achieve the standard, not to produce extremely small dogs.

I do not support purposely breeding mutts. Really, what is the point? To get cute little puppies? There are plenty of those in shelters that need homes. There's no goal standard to aim for, and it opens up a wide variety of possible problems. Is it done for the fun of the experience? Any experience breeder can tell you that it's not only costly, but not all "fun" and games.
IMO, it's nothing more than a fad and many are jumping at the chance to supply the current demand with no regard for the bigger picture and the best interest of the dogs in the long run. It's an easy way out...no specific health test to worry about, and no standard to judge the quality of the dogs you produce by. It's funny, but questions as simple as "why do it" and "what are you trying to achieve" should be easy ones to answer.

Understand, I in no way think that cross bred dogs are any "lesser" than purebred dogs. I have owned my fair share of mutts and wouldn't have traded them for anything. However, I don't think that they should be bred purposely.

So, I'm sure that opinions vary, and that is fine and well, but that is how I personally feel about the subject.

I agree 100% and I'd like to ad that it's the general public that fuels the fire. If people would stand up and tell these 'breeders' that they refuse to pay that price for a mixed breed puppy then they would have no other choice than to quit breeding them.

[MizMaRLeysMoM86]

I have what they call a "designer breed" .... a chorkie, if you will.. hes my 700 dollar mutt if you ask me LoL I got him because he was cute though. Not because he was a designer breed. I did some research online after I got him to see what his temperment MIGHT be like .. All the chis I have come across in my lifetime have been either vicious or really scared and peed on me LoL! He looks like a yorkie by his coloring.. but he has more of a chi face... but I would say hes feisty like a chi... but very loving also.. you never know what you are getting with a so-called "designer breed".. I didn't even know I had a "designer breed" until I came on here and read a thread.. I thought I had just spent alot of money on a mutt Regardless he is my world and I love him AND his pure bred sister yorkie Marley. I don't really get why people try to market them as designer breeds... maybe its just me but I am smart enough to know its a mutt.. but I believe that all dogs are created equal so it doesnt really matter.. puppy love is puppy love

[cj125]

Originally Posted by voodoochyl

I was wondering what everyone thinks about the designer breeds. I know of Teacups, Yorkie-poos, and Chorkies. I have the runt of the litter (purebred), but I will bet he is not the breeder's choice. However, he is just the best little creep I would ever want to have and wouldn't trade him for a champion. My opinion is, as long as the dog is healthy, and has a loving family...I don't care so much. Such a popular dog will be overbred, and that is always a problem from a health standpoint among other concerns. What are your thoughts? Is the breed overbred to begin with, are the designer breeds a problem, do you have one...post up.

I agree with Misty - there are no "designer breeds". There are dogs that are a result of mixing breeds.

I think we all know that most dogs were initially bred with other breeds to get the desired traits from each breed. Usually there was a function that they were wanting the desired dog for. Whether it be for ratting or guarding - the temperament, size, health and even color came into the decision on what to mix. I don't know how much effort was put into the actual science of it back then... but I do believe with what we know now - that to just put two dogs of different breeds together to have puppies and then call them a "designer breed" is just a money making ploy. Most of the people who do that are not what I would call a "breeder".

I believe if someone really wants to design a "new breed" - for any reason - that they should go about it in the correct manner - as any designer would. It takes research, development, financial investors, documentation and approval by a governing body of peers.

I don't think that the Yorkie has been overbred - just MISbred. People are breeding dogs that don't even look like the Yorkshire Terrier breed. And don't get me wrong - all dogs deserved to be loved - no matter what they look like - but I'm talking about a specific breed and the way it's suppose to look. Example - a lot of people here don't even realize that their dogs ears are suppose to be standing up! That is a specific trait of a Yorkshire Terrier.

Because people have decided that they love their little furry baby and "don't care" what it looks like - they just want to "have one" just like their beloved pet - or they can "just breed it once" and "get their money back" - we now have a breed that you never know what your dog will look like. If that's what you want - great! - but there are a zillion dogs in the paper, humane society and rescues that fit that description. If people really don't care about what their dog looks like - why aren't they getting dogs from these places?

I'm not sure what your comment about having the runt of the litter and it not being the breeder's choice is all about - could you please explain that? I know breeders that have kept their littlest ones rather than sell them - just to make sure they were always taken care of.

Again, I love animals and don't dislike any breed of dog. I'm giving my opinion on your post about "designer breeds".

[BamaFan121s]

Originally Posted by cj125

[COLOR=blue]
I believe if someone really wants to design a "new breed" - for any reason - that they should go about it in the correct manner - as any designer would. It takes research, development, financial investors, documentation and approval by a governing body of peers.

You hit the nail on the head! That's a point I've brought up many times before.

[vviccles1]

I personally love a tiny well bred purebred dog.There is no such reference as a "teacup". I have a darling tiny chihuahua who will probably be 3 pounds at maturity. at her last set of puppy shots on wednsday she weighed in at 2lbs9oz at 15 weeks with a snowsuit on. She has had nothing but health probblems since I got her sadly at 8 weeks .Sadly I was snowballed, thought it was a decent breeder, found out it was a puppy mill.
As far far as the "designer dogs" go, Hello,they are crossbreeds,mutts, instead off shelling out tons of money go to a shelter and design a needy dog who will love you unconditionally forever!

[jrsygal37]

I have four full Yorkies, one (What I believe to be) Yorkie Poo, and one Morkie (maltese Yorkie). I personally love the mixed breeds. My only issue with this whole thing is they are labeled designer dogs and given fancy names such as Morkie, Maltipoo and then also given exorbitant price tags. In reality they are mutts, although I prefer to say Mixed Up Pups. I also feel that people flock to breeders for these mixed breeds when they can easily be found at your local shelter or rescue. I'd prefer to see people who are intersted adopt from a shelter or rescue and not pad the pockets of breeders jumping on the band wagon to make a buck while this is all a hot commodity. Elaine

[orlnurse]

Well...I have a yorkipoo. I adopted him from a rescue group. I'm not sure of his history or if he was purposly bred. I love him nontheless, and if someone didn't breed him, my boy wouldn't exist. I do however prefer the term mixed breed over mutt mostly due to the negative connotation of the word. Anyway, my opinion doesn't mean much, but that's my thought on the subject.

[kmm_fantacy]

I Have mixed thoughts on this matter... I dont like how they promote them as disigner breeds... FIRST OF A DOG IS NOT A FASION!!! a dog is (im my eyes) a little person... my baby.... a animal that God made with its own little heart, sole, feelings, emotions and needs.... its not a hat, shirt, glove, purse, shoe... exc.... if your dog likes to ride in your purse great (like mine does... if she wants in the purse she jumps in herself)... so I dont like how they promote as disigner dogs... ....

HOWEVER..... I think that by mixing breeds (sometimes) it eleminates certain health issues that sometimes come with purebreeds... and some time these MixBreeds (sometimes) turn out cute and with great personalities...

Alice is a purebreed however... I didnt get papers for her on purpose... because I dont care whether she is pure or not because I new I would love her regardless... and if and when I breed her it will not be because of the money or purebreedness... it will be because I wanted her to experience mother-hood.... and give other people the chance to have such a darling, sweet, wonderful, companion that God created for us to love and take care of and love us back....

So in conclution... I think that if any one wants a PureBreed thats great, I wanted one... If any one wants a MixedBreed great.... Just dont traet them like cloths, jewlery, exc... just take care of them, love them unconditionaly... and dont you dare abandon them.... because you got bord of them and need a new look....

[cheryl19]

One day, when everyone get tired of their "designer breed" and they wake up to the fact that they payed BIG bucks for a mutt what will happen to them?? Yes they will end up in a shelter. So I belive if you want a designer breed go to your shelter and then tell every one that you got your dog from some fancy breeder, who would know??!! Then it would be a win win deal.

[hugz4all4]

Tucker is a "yorkie-poo" just recently I started to either call him my yorkie mix or a yorkie poodle mix. I was a "die-hard" designer breed fan and when I first joined this forum I was defending everything that had to do with breeding/owning them. I have learned alot.... Although I have nothing against mixes, some of the best dogs Ive ever had were mixes, however I do have somehthing agianst puppymills and selling them for high dollar amounts and trying to promote them to being something more then what they are, I LOVE,LOVE my little Tucker man and couldnt ask for a better dog. Would I own another one?.. absoutly, would I pay for one?.... not unless it was to rescue it.

[elliebear]

I have a shorkie (shi tzu cross Yorkie) she is adorable ! I wanted a sister for Daisy (Yorkie) but wasn't sure to get another Yorkie or a shi tzu then i came across the advert for Lola went and had a look and everything was all perfect.
To me she's more shi tzu with a slightly longer snout,Yorkie colourings and Yorkie eyes, but i love her so much she's my baby and i think that's all that matters.

[Cha Cha]

No doubt this is a very hot topic. I personally feel that people having litters of mixed breed dogs and selling them for hundreds of dollars under the umbrella of being a "designer" dog is only in it for the money. I also feel that this practice is causing and will continue to cause a rise in unwanted pet populations in shelters. Not everyone is irresponsible, and that is not what I am saying, but they are mixed breed dogs with papers (if they come with any) that don't mean anything. And people will breed their dogs in hopes to make a quick buck. I wish more imphasis was put on improving specific breeds. However, when you breed two dogs from different breeds, you actually do get the best of both breeds most times. Generally, it is the best genes that show up and a genetic problem that plagues one particular breed of the mating will not show up in the mixed breed animals of any species. Because of this, mutts and cross bred dogs are generally healthier animals with less genetic predisposition to specific disorders. One example of this is that certain types of bull dogs have probles birthing and often need C-sections. If you were to take female dogs from say a Boxer who does not generally have birthing problems but still in the bull dog family, and mate that dog with a male bull dog (whose breed does have problems) the resulting litter of puppies would likely not have the birthing problems plagued by the breed of the bull dog that does. Years ago, when dogs were first being used to create the breeds we know and loved today, this form of selective breeding is how we got what we have today. Most of the genetic problems in pure breed dogs actually come from breeding relatives that are too closely related which is a whole nother problem. Sorry to go off on my soap box here. I am not a fan of cross breeding or line/inbreeding.