Designer dogs and the owners that love them

tully · 03-01-2007, 09:20 AM

I think we need a positive post for those of us who choose to own a "designer" dog. I think all dogs are designer dogs but I am talking specifically about the hybirds. Of course, all are welcome on this thread! No bashing or criticizing about anyone's dog though. There are like 10 threads for that. I think a lot of people are going to feel like they can't share on posts now because they will be chastised if they own a hybrid. This is a dog forum and should be open to all dog owners. So, I say lets use this post to share our anecdotes, pics of our doodle/poodle/oddles and mutts! I will include my Lab because he was designed by the hunter many moons ago!

Captbob · 03-01-2007, 09:35 AM

I just look at designer dogs as mixed breeds or mutts.

Tess&Coco · 03-01-2007, 09:45 AM

What constitutes a designer dog? Is it one where there are enough of them for the name (cockapoo, labradoodle etc) to have become widely used? Or would you consider any mix of two known/registered breeds to be one? Coco is a mix of purebred chocolate labrador and purebred german shorthaired pointer. I don't consider her a designer breed and never refer to her by a name joining the two breeds (apart from in jest on this forum...). The breeding that led to Coco was an accident (careless owners) and they wanted rid of the pups via our vet. Luckily they were all snapped up before they ended up in the pound.

I would not have recognised what a lab/pointer cross should/would look like, but funnily enough a woman in our puppy class asked us if that's what she is, as their neighbour has just got one. Maybe lab/pointers are the next doodlepoo!

2toys · 03-01-2007, 10:02 AM

I have a 1 year old pomeranian/toy poodle cross named "cootie". She is 8 pounds of fun and joy and I love her just as much as I love my purebred shih tzu. She does not shed (although some pom/poodle crosses do) and has ears that flop down (although some poodle pom crosses have ears that stick up) Since "pomapoo is not a breed, you can have no idea of how the puppies will end up.
This is Cooties dogster page
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/218274
I don't mind if people call Cootie a mutt, I love her just the same. I know she is not purebred and it doesn't bother me one bit.

Curbside Prophet · 03-01-2007, 10:05 AM

Would Paris Hilton's chi be considered a designer dog?

peace36 · 03-01-2007, 11:07 AM

Cootie is cute. I have a Malti-Poo named Max. He is black and white. He has curly hair but looser curls than a poodle. He has a long short body. I wish I could post a picture but I do not have a scanner. Just a copy machine.

I also have a Shih-Tzu. I just love the funny smooshed faces!

britishbandit · 03-01-2007, 11:16 AM

I think you are simply misreading and not understanding what is being said here. It's the term "designer dog" and the unethical, irresponsible breeding of them that is the problem, not that the actual dogs are "worthless". All dogs are special and unique in their own way, and none more "worthy" than another. With no standard and not being able to predict their genetic health.....those are the problems. The term "designer dog" and "hybrids" are terms thrown around to try and make these dogs sound more appealing and for these "breeders" to try and exploit outrageous amounts of money from the unsuspecting buyer. Shelters and rescues are constantly overflowing, with dogs because of "designer breeders" and BYB's. It is highly unlikely a reputable breeder of a purebred dog, will ever have their pups end up in a shelter. They have contracts that do not allow it, and if for some reason the dog did end up in a shelter, they would be in breech of contract, and could be taken to court over it. This isn't a hard thing to find out either, since microchipping is done prior to the pups leaving for their new homes (and with the breeder as the contact on that chip), and the fact that reputable breeders do require the new owners stay in regular contact also as part of the agreement.

So yes, while I agree that all dogs are special, and deserve only the best, the breeders of you so called "designer dogs" and "hybrids" really do need a swift kick in the arse and need to stop being greedy and show some responsibilty. The problem is those dollar signs mean more to them than the health and care of the offspring they produce. IMO "Designer dogs" and "hybrids" should never been thrown in a sentence with the word breeder, seems kinda like an oxy moron to me.

Keno's Mom · 03-01-2007, 11:38 AM

British said it best

Not that we are against mutts, but we are against the delibrate crossing of 2 purebreds to create the designer dog that you could find in your local shelter for far less.

Nothing wrong with a mixed breed (I've owned my share) but its more of a question as to WHERE you are getting your mixed breed and why you are getting one

Weebles · 03-01-2007, 11:46 AM

So much for only positive posts...

Laurelin · 03-01-2007, 11:54 AM

It's a very... touchy subject nowadays.

What do you expect?

barneyandme · 03-01-2007, 11:57 AM

I got Barney from the pound. The people there said he was a bassett hound, but he appears to have more characteristics of a Beagle than anything else. The vet listed him as a Beagle. Someone told me he was a "designer dog", but I had no idea what that meant. I don't really care either. He's cute, fun and whatever his so-called pedigree may be is immaterial to me.

Nagem · 03-01-2007, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weebles

So much for only positive posts...

I disagree. Unless I have missed something, I think everyone has been very positive so far. There has not been any bashing directed at anyone. Stating that the dogs themself are not the problem, rather the way that people have marketed certain kinds of dogs as nothing more than a fashion item, is in no way being mean.
I don't think anyone has a problem with people who love their dogs and take proper care of them.

Weebles · 03-01-2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nagem

I disagree. Unless I have missed something, I think everyone has been very positive so far. There has not been any bashing directed at anyone. Stating that the dogs themself are not the problem, rather the way that people have marketed certain kinds of dogs as nothing more than a fashion item, is in no way being mean.
I don't think anyone has a problem with people who love their dogs and take proper care of them.

True, no one has "bashed" anyone else, but this is exactly how the last thread on designer dogs started, and that certainly did not end positively. Tully had said this was to be a thread for things like pictures and anecdotes, not telling others that they don't agree with the idea of designer dogs.

On that note, I wish I could post a picture, but I'm at work and don't have any

Laurelin · 03-01-2007, 12:12 PM

I didn't think the last designer thread got out of hand at all. Just two opposing sides discussing and no one relenting.

Snowshoe · 03-01-2007, 01:37 PM

*sigh*

I agree, BB. I think that people are mistaking what we're saying when it comes to finding a good breeder.

However, I think that every dog should be loved. Love and finding a good breeder don't always go hand in hand, as the designer dog fad illustrates.

Curbside Prophet · 03-01-2007, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curbside Prophet

Would Paris Hilton's chi be considered a designer dog?

Yes, it is a designer dog!

A Socialite's Life

I like teacups. They keep my tea nice and warm. Is it tea time yet? I'm feeling warm and fuzzy inside...like I just ate a crumpet. That's hot!

peace36 · 03-01-2007, 02:19 PM

Since this is not sopposed to be a thread on who agrees or dissagees about breeding or designer dogs Why not just ignore posts that go against what this thread is for??? Just dont respond to people who try to sway this thread in another direction. Even if they are being nice about it... who cares they should start a new thread if they dont want to stick to what the op cleary asked this thread to be about.

Snowshoe · 03-01-2007, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curbside Prophet

Yes, it is a designer dog!

A Socialite's Life

I like teacups. They keep my tea nice and warm. Is it tea time yet? I'm feeling warm and fuzzy inside...like I just ate a crumpet. That's hot!

Yeah, did you read the part where Paris paid over $10,000 for Bambi? I was like, "What???"

My car isn't worth that much, LOL!

Weebles · 03-01-2007, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curbside Prophet

Yes, it is a designer dog!

A Socialite's Life

I like teacups. They keep my tea nice and warm. Is it tea time yet? I'm feeling warm and fuzzy inside...like I just ate a crumpet. That's hot!

That's so sad. But isn't her dog a purebred, not a designer?

BTW, I think this article explains her logic:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2...440187,00.html

Laurelin · 03-01-2007, 02:37 PM

Purebred loosely as in not at all to standard.

Designer as in the fact that she obviously only got it to keep up with the latest fashion trends.

Very sad.

/off topic/