Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 3299851)

Reputable breeders strive to produce the healthiest and best representation of their chosen breed as possible. They carefully follow the breed standard and follow the guidelines of the breed club.

Breeders who choose to mix breeds have no standard to follow, no breed club. They produce puppies for profit. Some are better than others, but none fit the definition of a reputable breeder.

If a newbie asks for a recommendation for someone who intentionally breeds mixes, the best thing we can do help them choose which breed they prefer and encourage them to get a puppy from a responsible breeder.

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama (Post 3300120)

I echo what everyone else has said here. There is no such thing as a reputable breeder of crosses. There is zero standard to hold to on the crossing (orange morkies, anyone...). No studies that insure quality (as in health).

I really, really hate the term designer breed. It's not designer at all. Just as recently as a few years ago, they were called mutts and given away for free in front of Wal Mart. I know that term offends some, but that's what we called them. They aren't rare, the shelters are filled with them. Nearly every household that has ever had a dog in it has had at least one. It's really an amazing example of how easily people are duped by advertising ploys. Call it a mutt or a mixed breed and you have to give them away...call it a "designer breed" and you can charge thousands. Has the line improved? Are the dogs suddenly healthier, faster, more beautiful? Nope. All that changed was the title.

The reason crosses will never be accepted by reputable breeders is that there is zero chance of controlling what the final genetic makeup will be. My neighbor paid thousands for a malti-poo because she wanted a little soft coated white dog that wouldn't shed, and that's what the breeder told her she would get. Now, Bailey is adorable, but she has coarse curly hair that sheds like crazy. They love her to pieces (as do we-she's Rhett's 'girlfriend'), but she isn't even close to what they were promised. They'll keep her no matter what because they are responsible people- but how many others out there wouldn't? We also have another family in my GS troop that recently purchased a labradoodle. They are already considering giving it away because of the shedding issue.

Another thing I've noticed is that I've yet to find a cross breeder who offers a REAL health guarantee (that covers things both breeds are prone to having) nor do they have an open door/ return policy. Why is that?

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I have nothing against the dogs themselves, I've had multiple mixes in my life. For all I know, Scarlett may be a mix too (I'm having my doubts about her lineage- but since she's from a rescue, it doesn't bother me one bit). But I've never paid a greeder to get one nor would I ever encourage anyone to do so.

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama (Post 3300120)

Another thing I've noticed is that I've yet to find a cross breeder who offers a REAL health guarantee (that covers things both breeds are prone to having) nor do they have an open door/ return policy. Why is that?

Originally Posted by Britster (Post 3299844)

I don't have an issue with cross-breds and think they are just as wonderful as purebreds. Me and my 15lb boy don't care, big or small, mixed or not! Love 'em all. In general, I don't think I would be so opposed to cross breeding if it wasn't for the number of dogs being put down in shelters EVERY single day. There are FAR too many dogs out there to just be breeding for the hell of it and alot of them make very nice pets, and that is awesome. But it's sad when you can go to the shelter and find these exact mutts and mixes in need of a good home. It's simply not necessary to be 'creating' new 'breeds' because we don't need them... dogs are way over populated as it is!

Originally Posted by Beamers Mom (Post 3300123)

But there is no such thing as an ethical breeder of cross breeds. Breeders that are reputable and ethical do not cross breed.

The ones looking for a cross breed are either going to have to do their own research on the net for breeders. I am sure they are out there.
But I, for one, will not help someone find a cross breed unless it is to point them to a good rescue group or animal shelter.

Originally Posted by Britster (Post 3299844)

There are a few crossbreeds who have established themselves moreso than others. Cockapoo's, for example, have a 'club' and ethics to follow and somewhat of a standard. Labradoodles are also recognized as a breed in Australia, I believe, but most US Labradoodles are just a case of BYB's and pet stores. In general, no, the problem with breeding two breeds or more is you simply NEVER know what you're going to get. I've met quite a few Golden/Lab-radoodle owners who claim even though they look like they have the Poodle hair, they DO in fact shed. That's the problem too, alot of people think they're going to be a non-shedding Golden Retriever and that's simply not the case!

I don't have an issue with cross-breds and think they are just as wonderful as purebreds. Me and my 15lb boy don't care, big or small, mixed or not! Love 'em all. In general, I don't think I would be so opposed to cross breeding if it wasn't for the number of dogs being put down in shelters EVERY single day. There are FAR too many dogs out there to just be breeding for the hell of it and alot of them make very nice pets, and that is awesome. But it's sad when you can go to the shelter and find these exact mutts and mixes in need of a good home. It's simply not necessary to be 'creating' new 'breeds' because we don't need them... dogs are way over populated as it is!

Originally Posted by pawever Yorkie (Post 3299999)

I agree with you, but thing is that one way or the other people will get their cross breed...:( when I said "cross breeder" I didn't mean it by any byb, but maybe there might be the one who isn't so bad(if it makes sense?) and unethical??? I'm asking this, because I met this couple who wanted to get morkie. Of course, I told them that there's not much history behind morkie and they are from BYB or puppy mill. I asked them if they can consider either yorkie or maltese. They saw morkie and fell in love with how it looked. I told them cross breed puppies don't have standard look, so they all look different. They said "yes, that's what we want, one of the kind!" :confused: When I told them that no reputable breeder will cross breed and it would be the best idea to get morkie from shelter if they really want morkie pup. They said"well, we saw many morkies at the pet store, so there must be decent morkie breeder out there" I lost my words, and didn't know what to tell...:(

Originally Posted by lexipoo (Post 3300728)

Well, I guess I am one of the lucky ones...Lexi is a Yorkie Poo in which we did purchase from "YES" a breeder. She has been absolutely wonderful and I would purchase one from her again. Lexi will be 2 in November and she calls and emails to check on her and see how she is doing. She asks for pictures to watch her grow and has always been apart of our life. It is hard to get upset at people who are as wonderful as she is giving people what they want...even if it does upset people but people do like mixed breeds for different reasons. I agree there are so many dogs and puppies in the pound that need loving homes and people get dogs without realizing the responsiblity that comes with them...."Mutts" or "Pure Breeds" they all can end up in the pound...just sad. Yes...breeding the designer dogs just for money can be upsetting but there are breeders breeding purebreed dogs for the same reason. Wish we could take all the dogs that need a loving home in and wish we could better educate people...but I have to say in the long run.....I am so happy the lady we meet gave us Lexi we couldn't be happier....Hugs...Cheryl & Lexi

Originally Posted by lexipoo (Post 3300728)

Well, I guess I am one of the lucky ones...Lexi is a Yorkie Poo in which we did purchase from "YES" a breeder. She has been absolutely wonderful and I would purchase one from her again. Lexi will be 2 in November and she calls and emails to check on her and see how she is doing. She asks for pictures to watch her grow and has always been apart of our life. It is hard to get upset at people who are as wonderful as she is giving people what they want...even if it does upset people but people do like mixed breeds for different reasons. I agree there are so many dogs and puppies in the pound that need loving homes and people get dogs without realizing the responsiblity that comes with them...."Mutts" or "Pure Breeds" they all can end up in the pound...just sad. Yes...breeding the designer dogs just for money can be upsetting but there are breeders breeding purebreed dogs for the same reason. Wish we could take all the dogs that need a loving home in and wish we could better educate people...but I have to say in the long run.....I am so happy the lady we meet gave us Lexi we couldn't be happier....Hugs...Cheryl & Lexi

Originally Posted by yorkieusa (Post 3300733)

...and Lexi is such a beauty, too.:p

Originally Posted by Beamers Mom (Post 3299864)

We tell them that no reputable breeder will cross breed because no reputable breeder will.
Breeding should be done for the betterment of the breed. I couldn't in all good conscience help them find a breeder of a cross breed. They can usually find a cross breed at the animal shelters or rescues - or if they want to pay good money for a mutt they can do a search on the internet for whatever cross breed they are looking for.

Originally Posted by chachi (Post 3299956)

If they were reputable they wouldnt be cross breeding

Originally Posted by lexipoo (Post 3300728)

Well, I guess I am one of the lucky ones...Lexi is a Yorkie Poo in which we did purchase from "YES" a breeder. She has been absolutely wonderful and I would purchase one from her again. Lexi will be 2 in November and she calls and emails to check on her and see how she is doing. She asks for pictures to watch her grow and has always been apart of our life. It is hard to get upset at people who are as wonderful as she is giving people what they want...even if it does upset people but people do like mixed breeds for different reasons. I agree there are so many dogs and puppies in the pound that need loving homes and people get dogs without realizing the responsiblity that comes with them...."Mutts" or "Pure Breeds" they all can end up in the pound...just sad. Yes...breeding the designer dogs just for money can be upsetting but there are breeders breeding purebreed dogs for the same reason. Wish we could take all the dogs that need a loving home in and wish we could better educate people...but I have to say in the long run.....I am so happy the lady we meet gave us Lexi we couldn't be happier....Hugs...Cheryl & Lexi