"Designer" Dogs

Unless a dog has papers (AKC), it seems foolish to spend more than what you might spend at a shelter. Unless the dog 'hybrid' is something in fashion.... but I also prefer 'mutt' cats too. :)

All dogs are designer dogs - dogs didn't exist until humans bred them into existence.

As for the free market/capitalist system, I'm in favor of it.

One of my fellow dog forum members was posting on a similar subject, allow me to post her thoughts:

"A purebred dog is not worth more than a mixed-breed dog. A life is a life....

A purebred dog isn't better, or smarter, or cuter. In fact, he doesn't bring anything to the table that a mixed breed doesn't, except predictability....

So why is it that people think that it's acceptable to pay more money for a purebred dog? Because you're not paying for the dog - you are paying for the breeder. You are paying for the health clearances, the temperament tests, & the predictability that what ever puppy you get is going to be the stereotypical type of the breed you are buying.

So what is it that makes us in the (dog) fancy so crazy about people paying insane amounts of money for a mutt? It's the same thing that makes us crazy about people buying purebred dogs from backyard breeders and pet stores. There is nothing to be paying for.

It is incredibly rare to find someone who is breeding desiner dogs who does health tests, who does any kind of temperament testing, and there is no breed-type when you are crossing breeds.

So what makes that doodle worth that much money? Nothing."

I think she is spot on. The original "labradoodle" was created as a working non-allergenic dog for service work (seeing eye dog). But actual testing done on the litters shows only 1/4 - 1/3 of the puppies actually have non-allergenic coats.

Wally Conron, the person who worked to develop that breed (for a specific purpose, a seeing-eye dog for people who have allergies (Poodles do not typically have the steadfast temperament that the Labrador does) published his regret at doing so.

"All these backyard breeders have jumped on the bandwagon and they're crossing any kind of dog with a poodle. They're selling them for more than a purebred is worth and they're not going into the background of the parents of the dogs. There are so many poodle crosses having fits, problems with their eyes, hips and elbows; a lot have epilepsy. There are a few ethical breeders, but very very few.

Conron says that despite the fact the dogs have helped so many blind people, he regrets creating the first cross-bred. "I released a Frankenstein... People say 'aren't you proud of yourself?' and I say 'not in the slightest. I've done so much harm to pure breeding'."

The creation of the crossbred dog for service was not in itself the problem, but the marketing of this dog to make it sound desirable brought a flood of unethical breeders to the playground, and it didn't stop at poodles. Anyone with any breed can cross it with another & seems to be able to sell it (for a lot of money!) if they give it a cute enough name.

Personally, I have been involved in purebred sport & breeding for 13 years. My original breeder was not forthcoming to me about issues in her lines, and while I was fortunate enough to have healthy litters, I have worked hard to do a lot of research into the dogs behind my foundation, and the dogs that I breed to, to eliminate as much as possible any possibility of health & temperament issues.

That said, even if you take 2 dogs whose parents are clear going back 3 generations, there is still a chance that hip dysplasia (for example) will occur in a puppy. This is no different than 2 parents with perfect vision conceiving a child who develops myopia.

There are no guarantees, but ethical breeders do as much as possible to eliminate the risks for every puppy.

Wow... that was a big soapbox. I appreciate you reading all the way through, & if you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspects further (I am always interested in talking & teaching & learning!), please feel free to send me a PM.

T. (Breeder & Purebred Dog ethusiast of Rhodesian Ridgebacks since 2000)

Well yes, it is crazy.

People do spend outrageous amounts of money for 'designer dogs' these days (which is kinda not my thing, but whatever, if you have the money and you want that... it's your money). But this woman claims the dog litters were surprises? If she didn't know (they weren't purposefully bred), then how the heck can she claim they are a cross between x & y, to charge the fees she is asking? Makes no sense to me.

I don't have a problem with breeders charging $1000 (or $2500, which is the going price for a few of the designer breeds). If someone has the money and wants the dog - they'll pay. Besides, even if the designer dog is a mutt, it's the mix that the buyer wants... low shedding, easy temperament, etc. Reputable breeders have real programs that result in these dogs, including carefully selecting the parents, documented bloodlines, lots of prenatal care for the mama dog, and a socialization regime once the puppies are born.

But for your neighbor to try to get $1000 for dogs she didn't plan, well, that's a bit crazy! Sounds like she's trying to become a backyard breeder and that these weren't oops puppies.

Yes, they are basically mutts. But they are awfully cute mutts and people fall prey to the advertising. I almost did. At one point I was interested in a couple of different "designer dog" combos, until I did my research. I also talked my mom out of a "morkie" (Maltese/Yorkie). We both ended up buying purebred dogs from reputable breeders. I have nothing against mutts and I respect people who rescue dogs from shelters, rescue groups, etc., but charging thousands for mixed breeds from sometimes questionable breeders and/or puppy mills really bothers me. Not that all of the "designer dog" breeders are not reputable, but many are not. During my research I discovered that one of my neighbors purchased their mixed breed "Teddy Bear" puppy from a puppy mill that was later shut down. I don't know if they know the truth; before the shut down they had recommended their "breeder" to me. In the past, I adopted one dog from a shelter, attempted to adopt a rescue dog and attempted to help my mom obtain a rescue dog, but all three situations, unfortunately, turned out badly. I really respect people for whom the rescue process works, but I've turned to reputable breeders based on my prior experiences. This is a long answer to your question, but yes I think it's crazy too. It's a matter of demand though and people seem willing to pay.

ETA: Your friend needs to have her dogs spayed. Is there an opportunity or a nice way for you to suggest that?

I used to work in a pet store and a couple came in with a new puppy. I was looking at the dog and couldn't figure out what it was, it kinda looked like a golden, but not quite, the coat wasn't right. So I asked and they told me it was a labradoodle. I guess I looked confused cause she then said a yellow lab and poodle mix. Oh a mutt, cool! Man did she get mad! lol

That was years ago, but yes, I always think the same thing...a mutt. There is nothing wrong with mutts, the best dog I ever had was a mixed breed. I don't know what though, she def had some terrier in her, but what else?...Who knows! I got her when I was 7 and had to put her down when I was 24. ( she was really old and in a lot of pain)

I'm not sure why people pay that much for one, especially when the mix wasn't even done on purpose!!!

I've heard of labradoodles, cockapoos, schnudoodles and more! I know people who have paid A LOT for them.

The last two dogs I had were both rescued from an animal shelter. My family and I saved their lives. Both dogs played well with the kids and my wife, but hated me.

I guess both were abused by men. One of them wouldn't let me touch her. I finally told my family not to feed or water her after Thursday morning. When I got home Friday evening, I'd fry a hot dog sliced up. Then I'd give the dog a bowl of water and toss the hot dog slices to her. It took about 6 weeks for her to eat out of my hand.

I'll never buy a puppy again. My year old dogs were too easy to train. And I'd rather save a dog's life.

Good luck to you and yours.

We got our designer dog "used" for 500 bucks. I say used because we were the 2nd owner (got her at 5 months) LOL. She is a Maltipoo and very cute, but sassy as hell.

I think that bottom line, it's a created mutt. There are dogs that are more interesting that way, but it's still a mutt. I heard that the person who created the labradoodle regrets doing so.

Old coworker got herself a "hypoallergenic" designer dog for something like $2k....and ended up either returning it to the breeder or rehoming it because she realized she didn't have time for a puppy (this was not well-thought-out).

IMO, if you want a particular kind of dog, you can call up a rescue or a shelter and put yourself on the list. Many breed rescues have crosses (so a poodle rescue might have that labradoodle you want). I personally think that it's ridiculous to pay that much for a pet (my SIL paid $1k for her lab, who I suspect was a puppy mill/pet store puppy). Best dog we ever had was a breeder reject (wrong color) poodle that we got for $25. Another great dog was our Lhasa/wire haired terrier cross that we got from the SPCA.

Your friend SHOULD charge something for the dogs (free to a good home might mean they end up as bait dogs) but I think $1000 is a bit much.

I have two "designer" dogs and yes they are just "mutts." But, I love them dearly. One dog was supposed to be a pure breed poodle, but is really a bichon poodle mix. But, I got her for only $400. I should have know then, that she wasn't a pure breed. The other is a Goldendoodle and she was only $500.00, I would never ever spend more then that for a dog! The woman selling the doodle said she was selling them for so cheap because they were "oops" dogs and she could never charge $1000.00 for a dog....sold!!!

People always say to me, "oh, you got a designer dog." I say, "I did? I thought she was just a goldendoodle." The only reason we go for these types of dogs is because I'm really allergic to dogs that have hair that shed instead of fur. Otherwise, we'd go right for the golden retriever.

We just watched a Discovery show called 'Science of Dogs' or something like that. Anyway, 80% of the breeds available today have only come about in the last 100 yrs.
The Boxer, Pug, Bulldog and tons of other favorites are as you put it 'mutts'. There were bread for specific reasons, to obtain certain traits in a dog. It was a very interesting show.
But I do know what you're talking about, $1000 for a shitza-malti-cocker-poo?
Yeah, that is crazy.

I prefer mutts. But, to each his own.

My schnoodle would be considered a "designer" dog, and she wasn't inexpensive (but she wasn't $1000 either).

We looked for a couple of years for exactly the right dog for us, and we needed to have a non-shedding, low allergen breed(s). We also knew we needed a young puppy. I have one child who - prior to our schnoodle - was quite frightened of dogs and I knew he'd take to a tiny puppy who he could watch grow up.

I met my breeder in a forum completely unrelated to dogs. She is a homeschooling mom like me, and she loves and cares very well for her dogs. Not all breeders are bad or wrong.

Prior to our schnoodle we had a rescue situation turn disastrous on us. I love people who rescue, and I hope to try it again some day. My parents have rescued almost every dog they have ever owned, and there have been many. But our schnoodle was the right dog, at the right time for us. I would do it over in a heart beat, and I'd probably pay double what I paid for her. She is literally the best dog I have ever had. Her temperament is perfect for our family, her health is excellent, and she's gorgeous. People still stop me and ask me about her even out of the cute puppy stage.

Just my $.02.

PS: Down here the $1000-$1200 figures are from pet stores. I am completely against buying from pet stores, for multiple reasons.

ETA: My schnoodle opened my hearts to dogs again. Without her I'd never consider having another dog, rescue or otherwise. So I wouldn't be so quick to judge (not you - some of the other answers here).

i'm totally with you. i mean, if someone loves the attributes of two (or even more i guess) different breeds, then by all means, mix 'em up. but it was super-smart marketing to throw cute tags on them and sell them as designers, wasn't it?
it's not that i'm not fond of mutts. we almost always have 'em, and they're great. but it's always a crapshoot to breed for specific traits. breeding counts, but so does how they're raised, and pure luck.
i DO have a designer kitty, i must confess. i paid about $80 to cover her initial vet visit and shots prior to taking her home at 8 weeks. she is everything i dreamed of and more. but i think it comes more from being bred, born and raised in a family full of love instead of a breeder's kennel than anything else.
the 'craze' part bothers me, because it can have far-reaching implications for the breeds themselves. morgan horses have been a passion of mine since early childhood. some folks got the bright idea a few decades ago that it would *fun* to take morgans, famed for their versatility and terrific temperaments, and cross them with 'hot' breeds like arabs and saddlebreds. now there are more fiery, high-stepping, half-nutty morgans than there are traditional ones, and you hear the solidly-bred guys being dismissed as 'plowhorses' in the awful morgan show world. i think it's a crime. if you want a saddlebred, go breed a dang saddlebred. sucks for the folks who love the traditional breed, but can't make a buck on breeding them any more because the fad has gone mainstream.
oops. i ranted!
:X khairete
S.

Ditto Nervy Girl and the others.
She doesn't have lineage papers, on her dogs.
She is asking an arbitrary amount for her "mutts."
But, people do, buy dogs like that.
It is a profitable thing, for many.

Here in Michigan, it's a huge business. These people are known here as backyard breeders. There are many of them on Craigslist. It's also a known fact that sometimes if a breeder sells you a dog, they get your address, wait until the dog is outside and you are nowhere in sight, then steal the dog, and resell it.

It's crazy and downright sad, but profitable.

Yep, you're right. Mutts. It's a huge rip-off and people are making big bucks off of this. There are plenty of mutts available at shelters. And purebreds too. It's insane to purchase a dog -- or any animal for that matter, when there are plenty that need homes. Why are people so stupid??

The person you are talking about is an idiot who doesn't care properly for her dogs. They should be spayed and/or neutered. She is adding to the pet overpopulation with her stupidity. People like her make me sick.