Many people have false impressions of hybrid dogs or designer dogs. Before you decide if these pets are right for you, learn about designer dogs by reading this associated content article. Gain a better understanding of hybrid dogs or designer dogs.
Understanding Hybrid Dogs or Designer Dogs : Are hybrid dogs or designer dogs new breeds?
Hybrid dogs or designer dogs, are created by mixing two or more breeds. Breeding two or more breeds of dog is a process that created many of today’s dog breeds. However, without officially recognized standards for all combinations, it’s easy to misunderstand the type of dog you’re bringing home. Don’t buy puppies because of a cute name or designer label. Prior knowledge is the best defense against potential breeder or pet store rip offs. Did you know these dogs can be found in any animal shelter?
Understanding Hybrid Dogs or Designer Dogs : Aren’t hybrid dogs or designer dogs healthier than purebreds?
Purebred dogs can have health problems commonly found in the breed. Hip dysplasia in German Shepherds is one example. This can also occur in other breeds. Collapsing trachea is seen in Yorkies, Poodles, and other small dogs. Yorkie-poos can be just as likely to develop the problem as Yorkies, Poodles, or Chihuahuas. Poor breeding of dogs, purebred, designer, or of unknown backgrounds can result in additional birth defects, missing limbs, stillborn pups, or genetic problems. Don’t assume dogs are healthier just because they’re designer dogs.
Understanding Hybrid Dogs or Designer Dogs : Are poodle mixes hypoallergenic?
Don’t assume part poodle breeds will be shed free, hypoallergenic dogs. A Golden-Doodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle mix) or Cock-a-Poo (Cocker Spaniel + Poodle mix), or other Poodle mix may still grow a coat that sheds a lot and produce many allergens. Adults can produce more allergens than puppies. Allergens are produced by a dog’s skin, not fur. Read Understanding the Coat of Low Shed Dog Breeds and How it Affects Your Allergies for more information.
Understanding Hybrid Dogs or Designer Dogs : Do you really want a puppy?
Dogs vary in personality, even within the same breed, even within the same litter. Designer or any crossbred dogs have more variations in adult size, energy level, exercise needs, appearance, coat type, shedding, and levels of allergens produced, even within the same breed combination, even within the same litter. It’s hard to tell what puppies will be like as adults. While puppies are available for adoption, consider adopting an adult dog.
Understanding Hybrid Dogs or Designer Dogs : Designer Dogs vs. True Hybrids
Designer dogs are not true, biological hybrids as domestic dogs are all the same species. True hybrids, in the biological sense, are a mix of two species (donkey + horse = mule). Breeding true interspecies hybrids can have unexpected results. True hybrid breeding can result in animals with a high percentage of sterility as in mules. Other true hybrids can have health problems, including stillborn or deformed babies, or high aggression levels. Inbreeding can have the same results. True hybrids have too few genes in common, inbred animals have too many.
Understanding Hybrid Dogs or Designer Dogs : Designer Dogs vs. Mutts
The definition of mutt depends on who you ask. Mutt has been used to refer to a dog who’s parent breeds are unknown. Others use mutt an alternate for any mixed breed. Some people use the term mutt with affection, others use it as insult.
Is breeding of designer dogs new? No, the terms may have new definitions but mixing two dog breeds isn’t new. Are hybrid dogs or designer dogs healthier than purebreds? Not necessarily. Are poodle mixes hypoallergenic? Allergic reactions depend a person’s reactiveness. Are designer dogs true hybrids? No, domestic dogs are all the same species. Designer dogs are a mix of two breeds, aka mixed breeds, not a mix of species. Are designer dogs mutts? It depends who you ask, and how they use the term.
Before you decide if dogs are for you, research dog breeds and dog ownership. If they are, adopt your new pet to save a life. Misinformation and lack of understanding of hybrid dogs or designer dogs, or dogs in general, are factors that have led to, pet store rip offs as well as 1000s of Puggles, Buggs, and Chugs Available for Adoption, along with millions of other dogs. Can’t find the pet you’re looking for? Read Where to Adopt a Hybrid Dog or Designer Dog.
Sources:
College degree (Animal Behavior/Biology)
Breed linked problems mentioned in dog breed books
Wikipedia
Dogs born with missing limbs
Resources to Adopt a Hybrid Dog or Designer Dog
Where to Adopt a Hybrid Dog or Designer Dog
http://www.petfinder.com
http://www.petharbor.com
