In This Chapter
- Hearing the hype about hybrids
- Identifying the pros and cons of hybrid dogs
- Looking at the most popular designer dogs
So why would someone pay upwards
of $1,500 for a mixed-breed dog when he can go to the local animal shelter and
adopt one for $30? Aren’t all mixed-breed dogs unique in their own ways? Yes — but
not all mixed-breed dogs purposely designed. Not all mixed-breed dogs have
pedigreed parents. Not all mixed-breed dogs have a well-documented lineage.
Designer dogs are carefully chosen to create a specific appearance and
temperament in the offspring. The puppies are calculated, created, and planned.
Most mixed-breed dogs are accidents — but there’s nothing accidental about a designer
dog, and many people are willing to pay more to get one.
Designer dogs are not without
controversy, though. Purebred dog fanciers (a fancy name for people who
are enthusiastic about dogs) are vehemently opposed to mixing their purebred
dogs with any other breed. In this chapter, I fill you in on the pros and cons
of designer dogs, so you can decide for yourself whether they’re right for you.
I also let you know which designer dogs are the most popular, and tell you a
bit about those hybrids and what you can expect if you get one.
The Pros and Cons of Designer Dogs
Although breeders of designer
dogs feel they’re meeting the needs of a particular niche of people, purebred
breeders and purebred dog clubs, such as the American Kennel Club, think the
entire trend is dangerous to all dogs. In the following sections, I offer up both
sides of the debate and let you make up your own mind.
The pros
One of the advantages of designer
dogs is the sheer number of varieties available. Over 200 different hybrid
combinations exist, which means there is a designer dog for every taste. Most
of these hybrids are small and designed to have good personality combined with
adorability.
Designer dogs are created to fit
every need — from pocket-size dogs for easy travel to low-shed dogs for those
with allergies. Many of these designer-dog creations are free of some of the
traits that can make life difficult for the purebred dog. For example, some
purebreds, like the Pug, have a very short snout, making breathing difficult. But
the popular Puggle — the hybrid of a Pug and a Beagle — has a longer nose while
still maintaining the Pug’s wrinkled forehead and loopy gait.
Many hybrid breeders claim their
dogs have hybrid vigor, a strength that comes from having parents of two
different breeds. The offspring of two different breeds rarely inherit genetic
defects, because the bloodlines aren’t as close as those of purebreds. Purebred
dogs often have inherited traits that can cause genetic defects. For example,
many retriever breeds tend to have cataracts or epilepsy, many large-breed dogs
have hip dysplasia, and many small-breed dogs are prone to dental problems.
Mixed-breed dogs rarely inherit these genetic defects, because their genetics
are more varied. (Incidentally, this is true of all mixed-breed dogs, not just
designer dogs or hybrids.)
The cons
The major con of designer dogs is
the price. Most designer dogs cost upwards of $700, whereas many purebred dogs
begin at $250.
Although each designer dog was
bred for specific appearance and traits, there’s a good chance that some or all
of them will not develop in the offspring. Mixing breeds is chancy, because the
outcome is not absolute. Although purebred dog offspring will always
As much as the breeders of
designer dogs claim that mixing two breeds improves the offspring’s overall
health, that fact is debatable. Although many of the puppies don’t show
symptoms of the recessive genetic dysfunctions commonly seen in purebred dogs,
many other puppies do. In fact, a hybrid puppy can have the poor luck to inherit
the worst physical and temperament traits of both parents.
Remember
There are no guarantees when you get a dog — purebred, hybrid, or mutt.
The Major “Labels” in the Designer-Dog World
In the following sections, I
introduce you to some of the most popular designer dogs.
Tip
I can’t cover all 200+ varieties of designer dogs in this chapter. But if you’re curious about the wide variety of designer dogs available, a great resource is the American Canine Hybrid Club (www.achclub.com).
Oodles of Poodles
Few hybrids are more popular than
those with a Poodle parent. In fact, it was the Poodle mixture that started the
entire fad of designer dogs, beginning with the Labradoodle and Cockapoo.
Poodles bring many great
attributes into the hybrid crossing, plus they come in four sizes: Standard, Miniature,
Toy, and Teacup (a size not currently recognized by the AKC). Plus, they’re low-to-no-shed
dogs with dirt-resistant coats. When combined with a Retriever, or other
straight soft-coated breed, they can produce a beautiful wavy or large-curl
coat that’s very attractive.
The smaller Poodle breeds also
tend to live a long time. So instead of having a dog for only 10 to 12 years,
you’ll have one who will live upwards of 15 years. That, alone, makes a Poodle
mix very attractive.
When compared to other purebred
dogs, Poodles are rated high on the intelligence scale. They learn quickly and
can work their way through problems faster than most other breeds. What’s not
to like about fast housetraining? Poodles are sensitive, highly aware, and learn
by watching others.
Unless very poorly bred, Poodles
have few genetic defects, though they aren’t totally without health concerns.
Their hips are far better than most retriever and shepherd breeds. They aren’t
prone to heart problems seen in many types of dogs. And they rarely have
epilepsy, retinal atrophy, or allergies. Overall, mixing any purebred dog with
a Poodle will create great offspring.
Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever/Poodle)
Created as the ultimate service
dog, Labradoodles (see Figure 2-1) quickly became popular around the world.
Just as the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in the United States,
the Labradoodle is also the most popular, large designer dog.
Initially, Labradoodles were bred
to aid people who needed service dogs, but were allergic to dog dander and fur.
Labradoodles are large, solid, strong, and intelligent. They’re eager to learn
and love to please their human companions. As with the purebred Labrador service
dogs, Labradoodles can work all day without tiring. And they’re very loving.
Labradoodles are ideal with children.
Warning!
Labradoodles don’t interact well with assertive people or dominant dogs. Any heavy-handed training technique, such as being yelled at or jerked around on a leash, will cause a Labradoodle to shut down and want to crawl into a corner.
Figure 2-1: Labradoodles
have three coat types, two of which do shed.
Goldendoodles (Golden Retriever/Poodle)
Goldendoodles (see Figure 2-2)
turn an already perfect family pet into a perfect family pet that sheds less.
The mixing of the Golden Retriever and Poodle changes little about the
offspring other than coat appearance. The majority of Goldendoodles have coats
with golden hue, the structure generally similar to that of the retriever. But
the coat changes from a long and smooth, sometimes wavy texture, to a
scruffier, curlier, harsher texture.
Golden Retrievers are the ideal
dog — they love to please their human companions, play ball, cuddle, play ball,
go for long walks, play ball, fetch a stick in the water, or if you’re feeling
like you want to play fetch for hours, fetch the ball in the water. They’re
easy to train and easy to care for.
They’re energetic and playful
outdoors and happy to rest at your feet or join in a quiet game indoors. Many
will bark to let you know of visitors, though they don’t believe in strangers —
after all, anyone can throw a ball.
Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle)
In Cockapoos (see Figure 2-3),
generally the Poodle is the sire (father), and the Cocker Spaniel is the
dam (mother). Adult Cockapoos mature from 10 to 30 pounds depending on
the size of the parents (mainly the size of the sire) and the gender of the puppy.
Their coat grows very long and sheds very little, if at all. Cockapoos require
grooming every two to four months depending on the desired length of hair. This
hybrid is excellent for families with allergies or asthma. They come in a
variety of colors: buff, red, chocolate, black, white, and a variety of
parti-colors.
Figure 2-2: Goldendoodles
are a great combination of two great family dogs.
Figure 2-3: Cockapoos are
great medium-sized dogs that shed very little, love to cuddle, and learn
quickly.
Cockapoos are very patient and
tolerant with children, and because they like to play and are durable, children
like them. They may bark to alert you of intruders, but they rarely go beyond making
noise — especially once the person is allowed inside.
Some Cockapoos can be very
sensitive because both parent breeds have a tendency toward having their
feelings hurt very easily. This is a great hybrid for the elderly, because
Cockapoos are gentle, cuddly, and easy to care for.
Schnoodles (Miniature Schnauzer/Poodle)
Schnoodles (see Figure 2-4) are
very loyal to their families. This hybrid is affectionate, extremely
intelligent, easily trained, clever, friendly, fun loving, and loaded with
personality! However, because they are half Schnauzer, they can also be
willful, stubborn, and prone to excessive barking. Most Schnoodles are good
with children and get along fine with other animals. They’re great watchdogs because
they let you know when someone is near, but they aren’t aggressive.
This great companion dog excels
in obedience, agility, and flyball. They make excellent therapy dogs.
Schnoodles are loyal and loving companions. They’re comfortable in any environment
— from an apartment to a farm — as long as they’re with their families.
Schnoodles are high-energy dogs
outdoors, but they’re happy to warm your feet indoors. Because neither of the
parent breeds — Poodle and Miniature Schnauzer — shed, the Schnoodle does not shed.
This hybrid is easily maintained through weekly brushing and bimonthly
clipping.
Figure 2-4: Schnoodles are
medium-sized dogs with loads of personality.
Teripoos (Terrier/Poodle)
A Terripoo (see Figure 2-5) is
any Terrier breed mixed with a Poodle. Because there are so many Terrier
breeds, there are numerous types of Teripoos.
Figure 2-5: The Teripoo
can learn to work as a therapy dog.
Although most Terripoos benefit
from having Poodle blood, they’re still part Terrier, which means they have a
stubborn streak, tend to be willful, and are prone to excessive barking and
overall controlling personalities. However, you can’t ignore their adorable
appearance and intelligence.
Peke-a-poos (Pekingese/Poodle)
Peke-a-poos (see Figure 2-6) are
small dogs, often Toy-size, weighing from 9 to 20 pounds. Their coats are
usually white or gray, but some are brown. The texture of the coat is very
soft.
Peke-a-poos are fairly low
maintenance with few of the common health problems associated with the
Pekingese. However, because they are half Pekingese, they can have breathing
difficulties common with the shortened nose. The other problem associated with
a Peke-a-poo is tearing of the eyes, which can become a serious problem if the
eyes become swollen or the tear stains are dark.
Peke-a-poos tend to inherit their
parent Pekingese’s long, soft fur. Unless you want to brush your dog daily,
keep your Peke-a-poo’s fur short, because a Peke-a-poo’s fur mats into
dreadlocks very easily.
Peke-a-poos love to cuddle and
have a medium energy level, making them ideal dogs for small homes and
apartment living. They love to play outside for a short period of time, then
sleep on your lap for a long period of time. Though very affectionate, they can
be quite willful and stubborn, making housetraining difficult.
Figure 2-6: Peke-a-poos
are lap potatoes, much like one of their parent breeds, the Pekingese.
A basket of Toys
There are more combinations of
Toy hybrids than there are recognized purebred Toy breeds. Though small,
they’re still dogs and should be treated as such — not as mere arm ornaments.
Toy
Warning!
So-called pocket dogs are usually a combination of two Toy breeds; the parents chosen more for their small size than anything else. The mixing of two Terrier-type Toys can mean a challenging personality. Also, the combining of two breeds that already have the tendency toward similar health issues, such as breathing difficulties or skin allergies, will likely result in puppies who have to contend with these same issues throughout their lives.
Bichon Frise hybrids
The Bichon Frise is a small,
white, curly-coated dog with an antiallergenic coat. They require a lot of
exercise and consistent training. Bichons are cute and cuddly, but also like to
be in charge. Any Bichon Frise hybrid may tend to inherit these qualities,
especially if one of the parents is a Terrier-type breed.
The American Canine Hybrid Club
recognizes more than 25 Bichon Frise hybrids, ranging from the Griffichon
(Bichon Frise/Brussels Griffon) to the Cock-a-Chon (Bichon Frise/Cocker
Spaniel). To get the full list, go to www.achclub.com.
Pug hybrids
Pugs are a popular breed for Toy
hybrid dogs because they’re fairly hardy, sweet, intelligent, and have a short,
easy-care coat. For large-dog enthusiasts, the Pug offers the appearance of a Mastiff
(their ancestors) without the enormous size.
Pugs do have a few physical
issues, however, because they’ve been bred to have extremely short noses, which
cause many respiratory problems, and their legs are known to have problems with
knee dislocation. Plus, this breed can be willful and stubborn.
Warning!
One of the biggest dangers of using Pugs in designer hybrid Toys is their eye configuration (they have protruding eyes) and short noses. Breeding them with other Toys with similar physical attributes can cause dangerous health issues.
Though Pugs are Toy dogs, they
have a very ingrained alarm system. For hundreds of years they have alerted
their human companions of coming danger, often saving the lives of those in
their communities. If your hybrid Toy has Pug blood, you can be sure he’ll bark
when he hears intruders!
The American Canine Hybrid Club
recognizes more than 20 Pug hybrids, ranging from the Pugland (Pug/Westie) to
the Puggle (Beagle/Pug), currently the most popular designer dog. To get the full
list, go to www.achclub.com.
Maltese hybrids
Though very small, Maltese have
large personalities. They’re bold, are quick to sound the alarm when they hear
something, and can be difficult to housetrain. Some can be snappy with children
or with human companions who are inconsistent with their leadership role.
These small white dogs have long,
silky fur and can grow to be 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing
about 9 pounds. They have large, round eyes with dark rims, black noses, and a
fine bone structure. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, as is
common with many Toy breeds.
Warning!
The Maltese may be small, but should not be overly pampered. Pampering makes them jealous of others, causing aggressive reactions. These traits are very possible in the hybrid offspring.
Maltese are prone to sunburn on
their skin, respiratory problems due to their very short noses, eye irritation
due to their somewhat bulging eyes, and tooth problems, a common Toy dog
malady.
The American Canine Hybrid Club
recognizes nearly a dozen Maltese hybrids, ranging from the Mauzer
(Maltese/Miniature Schnauzer) to the Silkese (Maltese/Silky Terrier). To get
the full list, go to www.achclub.com.
Pekingese hybrids
Pekingese have long, straight coats
with profuse feathering. They come in all colors and grow to about 9 inches
tall at the shoulder, weighing 8 to 10 pounds. One of the reasons for their
popularity among hybrid dog breeders is that many Pekingese can be found at
under 6 inches in height and weighing under 6 pounds, creating a great parent
base for a pocket-size dog.
This Toy dog tends to have a
broad head with wide-set dark eyes, a wrinkled short muzzle, and drooping
heart-shaped ears with long feathering. Their necks are short and thick. Like
the Pug, they have a rolling gait.
Pekingese are very brave,
independent, and affectionate with their own people but wary of strangers. They
can be obstinate, willful, and finicky. Due to their sensitivity to sound and
movement, they tend to be excessive barkers.
Warning!
This Toy breed tends to catch colds easily and is prone to herniated disks, dislocated kneecaps, trichaiasis (eyelashes growing inward, toward the eyeballs), and breathing problems due to their shortened snouts. Heart problems are also a common health issue in Pekingese. As with many other Toy breeds, they have a tendency to easily become overweight so should never be fed a high-calorie diet.
The American Canine Hybrid Club
recognizes numerous Pekingese hybrids, ranging from the Foxingese
(Pekingese/Toy Fox Terrier) to the Yorkinese (Pekingese/Yorkshire Terrier). To
get the full list, go to www.achclub.com.
Shih Tzu hybrids
Though Shih Tzus look like Lhasa
Apsos, their personalities are totally the opposite. Where Lhasas are dominant
and willful, Shih Tzus are gentle, easy-going, and very willing to learn.
They’re happy, hardy, and have loads of character. It’s no wonder that this is
a popular addition to many hybrid dog combinations.
They grow up to 11 inches tall at
the shoulder and weigh about 9 pounds, though they do have a tendency to become
overweight because they’re very food oriented. They have round heads, short noses,
and lots of fur around their faces. Shih Tzus have long, soft overcoats with a
woolly undercoat, making them fairly hardy in extreme temperatures for short
periods of time. Their tails curl over their backs, and they come in a huge
variety of colors.
Because of their short noses,
they wheeze and snore, along with having respiratory problems from time to
time. They can have spinal disc disease due to their long back and short legs.
However, compared to many Toy breeds, their genetic defects are few.
Warning!
Though it has been done, Shi Tzus should not be bred with other dogs who have similarly short noses and large bulging eyes. This can create some horrendous health issues with the hybrid pups.
The American Canine Hybrid Club
recognizes more than 25 Shih Tzu hybrids, ranging from the Fo-Tzu (Shih Tzu/Toy
Fox Terrier) to the Bea-Tzu (Beagle/Shih Tzu). To get the full list, go to www.achclub.com.
Pomeranian hybrids
Pomeranians resemble foxes, only
with thicker, fluffier fur. Their wedge-shaped heads; straight, triangular
ears; and pointed noses are fox-like, as are their babydoll faces. Poms have
dark, almond-shaped eyes and a double coat, which can be any solid color,
though there are some that are parti-colored, such as black and white.
Descended from Nordic breeds bred to withstand extremely cold temperatures and work all day pulling sleds, Pomeranians are some of the hardiest of the Toy breeds. Poms aren’t big enough to pull a sled (though if you put about ten of them together, they’d give it a good try), but they still believe they’re big, tough dogs. This makes them willful, bold, and often temperamental — though not stupid. If you use a positive training technique with lots of incentive, your Pom will do whatever you want.
Pomeranians are a popular parent
breed for hybrid dogs because they offer the beautiful fluffy coat, distinct
facial features, and small size. The average Pom doesn’t grow much larger than
12 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs a mere 7 pounds.
Warning!
Though Pomeranians are tough little dogs, they do have a genetic tendency toward specific health issues, including luxating patella (the kneecap slips out of its proper groove and moves against the thighbone), heart and skin problems, as well as eye infections. Also, as with most Toy breeds, they are prone to dental problems and weight gain.
Because Pomeranians have large,
bulging eyes and the tendency toward specific health problems, they should not
be bred with breeds that have similar attributes.
The American Canine Hybrid Club
recognizes more than 25 Pomeranian hybrids, ranging from the Pom-Coton
(Pomeranian/Coton de Teluar) to the Poshies (Pomeranian/Shetland Sheepdog). To
get the full list, go to www.achclub.com.
Yorkshire Terrier hybrids
Yorkies are very small toys with
a long silky coat that falls straight down on either side. Although the puppies
are usually black and tan, they mature to steel gray and gold. This breed has a
flat head, medium-length muzzle, black nose, and upright V-shaped ears. This is
another Toy dog who doesn’t have a small personality — they are Terriers, after
all. As tenacious as they come, Yorkshire Terriers have a high energy level,
are aggressive with strangers and other dogs, are demanding of attention, and
are territorial. Yorkies are often spoiled and catered to due to their small
size (a mere 7 inches tall at the shoulder, and hardly ever more than 7
pounds). This coddling creates a mini-monster. Yorkshire Terriers, as with dogs
of any size, need structure and leadership.
Warning!
Yorkies do have some genetic health problems. These include abnormal skull formations, paralysis of the hindquarters caused by herniated discs, and other spinal problems. They are also prone to dental abnormalities and excessive tooth decay. They have a poor tolerance to anesthetics and a tendency toward congenital liver disease.
The American Canine Hybrid Club
recognizes more than 15 Yorkshire Terrier hybrids, ranging from the Fourche
Terrier (West Highland White Terrier/Yorkshire Terrier) to the Snorkie (Miniature
Schnauzer/Yorkshire Terrier). To get the full list, go to www.achclub.com.
Intelligent perceptions: Border Collie hybrids
People who want to create a
hybrid based on intelligence and not coat type will often use the Border Collie
breed as one of the parents. One of the positive outcomes of using Border
Collies in a hybrid crossing is that they have few genetic health problems.
Borador (Border Collie/Labrador Retriever)
The Borador (see Figure 2-7) is
often medium to large with large feet, a long muzzle, and light brown eyes;
some have upright ears. The coat can be either medium length or short with any
combination of colors ranging from all yellow to all black or with typical Border
Collie white around the neck, on the paws, and on the nose.
Figure 2-7: Here’s a
typical Borador. You can see both breeds very clearly in this dog.
These two breeds complement each
other well. Where the Border Collie might be overly sensitive, the Labrador
Retriever is bold. Where a Lab may not be able to figure something out, the
Border Collie puts in reason. Where a Border Collie might constantly want to
chase farm animals and round them up, the Lab feels more relaxed about work,
more likely to wait for the cues from his human companions instead of striking
out to work on his own.
In all, Boradors are easy to care
for, easy to train, friendly, and often very healthy. They’re wonderful
companions.
Bordernese (Bernese Mountain Dog/Border Collie)
A Bordernese (see Figure 2-8)
appears much like a Border Collie only larger. The coloring of the coat is
similar with black and white, sometimes tan eyebrows. The coat texture is also
similar; long, smooth, and thick. Both breeds have long muzzles, dark eyes, and
long tails with a slight upward curve.
Figure 2-8: The Bordernese
looks very much like a larger Border Collie with the added tan highlights over
the eyes.
Both breeds were developed as
herding dogs. Therefore, both are very intelligent and easy to train. The
difference in temperament lies in the Border Collie being a higher-energy
worker than the Bernese Mountain Dog and also far more sensitive. Border
Collies generally don’t interact well with children, whereas the Bernese Mountain
Dog adores children.
Warning!
Mixing these two breeds together creates a larger herding dog with a medium energy level and fairly outgoing personality. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs don’t have the same longevity of a Border Collie, so the hybrid offspring may not either. Another issue with mixing these two breeds together is that both are prone to the same genetic defects such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and heart problems. Border Collies also might have horrendous allergic reactions to flea bites, as well as epilepsy. The hybrid offspring are highly likely to not have good hybrid vigor.by Miriam Fields-Babineau
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