Over the last several years, there has been a sharp increase in the phenomenon of what are called “designer dogs”.  While the phrase can mean different things, usually a designer dog refers to a dog who is not technically a purebred, but a deliberate mix of two or more purebreds.  Dog fanciers, and specifically those who show dogs, may cringe at the thought of yorkie-poos and labradoodles.  But the fact remains, with the general public designer dogs appear to be here to stay.

It is quite interesting as both a dog trainer and a person who shows dogs that many people are quite insistent when asked what kind of dog they have.  “It’s a cock-a-poo.”  “It’s a chi-noodle.”  Etc, etc.

Even more, I had a recent experience where I was going to do training at the home of a yorkie-poo and when I mentioned it, the woman sharply corrected me.  “No, this is shorkie-poo.  Shih tzu, Yorkie and Poodle.”  Well, excuse me.  And then she added, “Have you ever trained one of these before?”  I smiled and nodded, while thinking to myself, “Yes, I’ve trained plenty of mutts.”

Ok, ok, so I have to admit the designer dog thing is kind of lost on me.  But in honor of full disclosure, I do, in fact, own a semi-designer dog.  I have a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois cross.  But, when people ask I tell them he is a shepherd.  Most people seem content with this explanation.

Points for Designers Dogs

History

Every purebred started out as a mutt, with certain exceptions.  People bred traits from different breeds to create the look and the skillset they were attempting to get.  For example, look at the miniature schnauzer.  If you read on the history of the breed you would see other breeds mentioned in the creation of the dog we know today as the mini schnauzer.  Affenpinscher, German Pinscher, even Poodles are possibly responsible for the smallest Schnauzer breed of today.

The difference between a designer dog and an official purebred is in what the people do who breed the dog.  Every purebred has what is called a “standard”.  It details everything that the purebred should be.   It creates the standard to which all of that particular breed will be compared to.  Though, there are registries popping up that will take two registered purebreds of different breeds and register the litter, to keep track of pedigree data.

Genetics

There is the issue in any purebred that there is a closed gene pool.  And, further, when specific traits are repeatedly bred for, the gene pool gets smaller.  This just increases the likelihood that there will be inherited disease in the breed as a whole.  When you take two different breeds and breed them, you are enlarging the potential gene pool.  So, in theory, designer dogs may be healthier.  Of course, this depends on the dogs that were actually bred together, as is important in all dog breeding.

Considerations for Designer Dogs

Consistency and Type

Here’s the thing.  There’s a reason that there a couple of hundred types of breeds of dogs.  People like to know what to expect out of a pet, size, temperament, coat, etc.   When you mix several breeds, you can’t be quite sure.  There is a no more striking example of this than with dogs that are crossed with poodle genes in the expectation of having an “allergy-friendly” dog.  If you take a Labrador and a Standard Poodle and breed them, that doesn’t guarantee you a Poodle coat.  Just ask any reputable breeder.  There a million consequences for choosing to breed for one specific trait.  Who knows?  Maybe the hair/coat gene directly affects temperament.  This was certainly true when Dmitry Belyaev tried to breed less aggressive silver foxes in the 1960′s for the fur trade.  He succeeded.  But he also dramatically changed the coat color that he was trying to preserve in the process.  Genetics is a tricky, tricky thing.

Who is breeding designer dogs?

That’s another great question because there certainly seem to be quite a few of them around.  I have heard all types of answers from clients as to where their designer dogs came from: pet stores, adopted, breeder.  Not to mention, those who are breeding these dogs purposely are certainly not charging the same price as going to your local shelter or rescue.  I continue to be amazed that people are paying large amounts of money for these designer dogs, and sometimes not even being sure what it is that they are getting.

At the end of the day…

Designer dogs are still dogs, and I love dogs.  There is nothing inherently wrong with having a designer dog.  But all the standard advice still applies.  Know the breed(s) that you are getting.  Make sure the breeder has the best interests of the dogs at heart.  Make sure you are ready for a dog.  And if you like the idea of getting a mixed breed, consider going to your local shelter first because along with purebreds, there are plenty of “designer” mutts awaiting their forever homes!