You can dress your pup up with diamonds and pearls, but the only way to own a true designer dog is for him to be born one. While a purebred Poodle or Bichon was once the way to go, mixed dogs have become the hot new trend. Chic canine crossbreeds, which many breeders sell for the same amount as purebreds, have been spotted across the world with notable owners such as Jessica Simpson and Queen Elizabeth.
Though these adorable dogs have made many pet lovers googly-eyed, there are those who shun these high-priced mutts. “AKC has always been wary of instances were dogs become “fashionable” and viewed as a consumer item rather than a living being.” says Dennis Sprung, president of the American Kennel Club. “The breeds listed [by the AKC] have been bred with consistent characteristics for centuries, whereas litters produced by two purebred parents of different breeds have no predictability.” Designer dogs are often advertised as non-shedding or hypo-allergenic despite the fact that they cannot promise such things when crossbreeding, and many complaints have been filed regarding these false claims. Nevertheless, people are now choosing designer dogs as their newest best friends. So what makes theses pooches so special? Read on about some of the different types of famous hybrids to find out.
Pug + Beagle = Puggle
As the most popular of the bunch, this Pug/Beagle has some owners who are just as famous, including Brokeback Mountain’s Jake Gyllenhaal. Oh so cute. Puggles are usually free of breathing problems that are associated with Pugs, but their temperaments are often unpredictable. As Lorraine Pederson of the Washington Mixed Breed Dog Club said “How does a dog decide what to do when one half of it wants to stay with its human companion and the other wants to tack and chase everything that moves? You’ll often end up with a dog that’s nervous wreck!”
Labrador + Poodle = Labradoodle
A lot of designer dogs were made so that breeders could make money. However, some have unique stories behind their names, such as the Labradoodle, which was originally bred in Australia in the 1970s to serve as guide dogs to those who are allergic to most dogs. Since it is impossible to guarantee a hypo-allergenic dog, this Labrador/Poodle mix stopped being bred as an allergy-friendly pup but is still a highly desired family pet and companion.
Cocker Spaniel + Poodle = Cockapoo
The Cockapoo, whose international breeding dates back to the late 50’s, is one of the oldest recognized crossbreeds. The size and color can vary drastically depending on the type of Poodle used, but the temperament is pretty consistent. As a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle, two very congenial canines, most Cockapoos are known for being smart, easy to train, and great with children.
Schnauzer + Poodle = Schnoodle
Natalie Portman was the first star to make this cute pooch popular when she was fifteen. Years later, this dos is gaining the recognition amongst designer dogs that it deserves. Though any class of Schnauzer and Poodle can be used to make to make a Schnoodle, it is most common to cross two miniatures, which result in a canine companion of around fifteen pounds. Schnoodles tend to be incredibly active too. This pup would love a person who would take him jogging and play fetch.
Designer dogs have become quite a craze and, as you can see from their furry faces and delicious descriptions, deservedly so. But in the end, these dogs are still considered to be mutts. The difference is that the breeding of designer dogs is planned and supervised. Therefore, if you are looking for a specific type of crossbreed, perhaps a designer dog is great for you. Otherwise, you should always check your local shelter first.
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