Designer dogs have been made popular by recent media attention and celebrity owners. Many wonder though, are they a fad or here to stay?
Hybrid dogs are the desired mixes of two, deliberately mated purebreds. These designer dogs are bred to gain positive attributes of both dogs and are often named a combination of the parents’ names. Creating hybrid dogs is nothing new. Humans have been breeding hybrids for centuries, but there’s been an increase in popularity and marketing of these dogs since the late 20th century.
Designer dogs are high in demand, contributing to the $65 billion U.S. dog market. However, not everyone is enthusiastic. Traditional purebred breeders and organizations like the American Kennel Club have been a little hesitant about these breeds because of how new they are.
There are pros and cons to adopting designer dogs:
Pros. Hybrids are really cute and come in many varieties, from Aussiedoodles to Yorkipoos. They’re bred to fit various family needs: some are bred for their shorter stature, calmer temperament or for hypoallergenic needs. These breeds are also thought by some to have hybrid vigor, the strength of both parents with little chance of inheriting genetic defects.
Cons. Hybrids can cost twice as much as purebreds. They’re also less predictable and vary;
not all designed dogs have the desired appearances and traits. Designer dogs are thought to be better for those with allergies, but that’s not always true. And some hybrids don’t have a breed club or standards to ensure healthy puppies.
If you’re thinking about getting a pet, consider designer dogs like:
- Cockapoos (a crossbreed of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles). They’re one of the first designer dogs to start the recent trend. They come in four sizes and multiple colors. They’re easy to train and hardly shed or bark.
- Labradoodles (a crossbreed of Labrador Retrievers and Poodles). They’re the most popular designer dog, bred to be excellent guide dogs. They’re also great with kids and have ton of energy.
- Puggles (a crossbreed of Pugs and Beagles). They make great companions and are suitable for apartments. They’re smart, but stubborn, so training’s a challenge.
- Cavachons (a crossbreed of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Bichon Frises). They are fluffy lap dogs that are low on dander.
- Mastadors (a crossbreed of Mastiffs and Labrador Retrievers). They’re large, but really affectionate and make great family protectors.