Reputable cross breeder?

[Beamers Mom]

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.

[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

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.

Well said!

[pawever Yorkie]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

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.

That is awful!!! I guess I was hoping for impossible...
I guess one and only way is that we try our best to talk people out of getting cross breed and hope they'll change their mind or at least get them from shelter. Often people get offened when I try to tell them not to get cross breed.

[QuickSilver]

Originally Posted by Rhetts_mama

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

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!

I'm not 100% sure that Thor is full yorkie, and I do wonder sometimes because he is SO light. But I adopted him from someone else, and as far as I'm concerned, he is perfect. I think "mutt" has some negative connotations, so I won't call a cross breed a mutt. But then again, I encourage everyone to consider rescue, not just those looking for cross breeds. If you do go to a breeder, you want one who is not only willing to take the dog back, but insists on it if the dog is surrendered. A reputable breeder should never let one of their dogs end up in a shelter.

[tkking17]

I agree with a lot of what has been said.

While I understand what the OP was asking for, and to be honest, have had this question myself, I don't think I could ever purchase a cross-breed from a breeder.

I have no problem adopting one from a shelter, but I don't think I would feel comfortable buying one from a "breeder." I think it's a bad idea to encourage people to breed away from the standards. You never know what you are going to get as far as looks, temperament, or health.

Some people may be able to do it ethically, but I feel like that may be searching for a needle in a haystack, and the end result would be to encourage the unethical people to ignorantly breed. IMO.

[chachi]

I said this on the wrong thread so Ill say it again. There are no easy answers. If we encourage someone to get a mixed breed from a breeder there is one in a shelter not being adopted. Whether they want to hear it or not we need to educate people on responsible pet buying and care. Also when we write a post we are not just putting that info on there for the op but also for anyone else reading. So you could be influencing someone and not know it

[CJxDanielle]

Originally Posted by Beamers Mom

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.

I actually have to disagree with this. There are plenty of people who, I believe, can be a reputable cross breeder. I know this is beating a dead horse but how do you think we got our breeds today? Through cross breeding. I know someone (on another forum) who is looking to have a guardian dog for her show dogs (long story) and considered many different purebreds and found something in each of them she liked and didn't like. She is considering "creating her own breed" but not for the money, for a specific task that it would be bred to do.

I personally don't think there is much wrong with crossbreeding as long as it is done responsibly and there is something trying to be achieved.

Originally Posted by Britster

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!

Even though I totally get what you are saying here, responsibly bred purebred dogs are taking homes from those dogs too. Grant it I support rescue to the fullest, just saying when you purchase a purebred that is a home that is probably no longer available for that shelter dog.

[misslissa]

a few months ago a friend of mine was in the market for a Yorkie-poo after three weeks of just get a Yorkie or a poodle. i caved, when we wear looking for the best we could i just took a list i found on the internet about what to look for in a breeder adding some things and went out to find a breeder that fit all the criteria of a ethical breeder except for the breeding to standard part.
in the end she got a pom from the pound.

[Lizzie07]

Originally Posted by pawever Yorkie

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!" 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...

These are the kind of people who will do whatever they want regardless of what you say. Why not tell them about the cruelty and horrors of puppymills that supply to the petstores. BECAUSE it won't matter! They don't care where the dog comes from they want a morkie. That is why puppymills and bybs who perpetrate untold abuse on defenseless animals continue to stay in business. Unethical, uncaring puppy buyers who want what they want. Don't believe they'd go to a reputable breeder, if there where such a thing, of morkies. It's like all the people who buy the cheapest puppy they can find on the internet, irregardless of the fact that most of those cheap puppies aren't coming from reputable breeders. Those people want what they want and they will get it, doesn't matter where the puppy comes from.

[lexipoo]

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

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by lexipoo

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

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

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by lexipoo

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

I agree with you 100%. Our pure bred dogs were developed from other breeds, not all but, some. But, they were bred for a purpose, not to satisfy a buyers market.

However, when cross breeding, one must understand that each breed comes with it's own set of health issues that you can perpetuate. These issues may not rear their ugly heads for several generations. Once that happens, if you aren't testing prior to breeding and keeping detailed documentation you'll never know where the problem originates from.

You were lucky to have found a breeder such as yours. However, breeder's such as yours, that cross breed aren't the norm.

I grew up with mutts, however, I never bought one or knew anyone that sold them. I got my pups because so and so's female got pregnant and puppies needed homes.

[lexipoo]

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

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

Thank you....enjoy your weekend...hugs

[2Morkies]

Originally Posted by Beamers Mom

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

If they were reputable they wouldnt be cross breeding

I disagree with all of you who say that "no reputable breeder" will cross breed. Long ago...your little "pure bred" Yorkies were much bigger because they were used to catch mice and rats on boats and farms. They were crossed with a Maltese to make them the small sweet little babies you all pay a fortune for. The "shelters" have the Puppy mill and BYB cross breeds.
The real truth is....No repuable breeder would sell their puppies to brokers or pet shops.....let alone take them to a shelter.
I did my research when looking for my Morkies. I found quite a few great breeders. They all had the same requirements and guarantees that pure bred breeders do...many of them sold either pure bred Yorkies or Maltese as well. I also found some not so great breeders.....big red flags...I knew better.
A breeder is the only one I would buy from because I know they were perfectly bred in the best way.
My breeder was and is wonderful...I still talk to her and ask questions. She has become a great friend too.

[Ringo1]

Originally Posted by lexipoo

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

She IS a darling girl; I must say!