What the Hell is a Designer Dog?

Recent molecular evidence shows that dogs are descended from the gray wolf, domesticated about 130,000 years ago. But if they all share a common ancestor, why do toy poodles and Great Danes seem to have so little in common? Years of selective breeding by humans has resulted in the artificial "evolution" of dogs into many different types. There are over 400 breeds of dog recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club.)

There are new breeds out there whose right to call themselves a breed has been challenged by the AKC, the CKC, and "purebred" breeders. They call them Designer Dogs, a term coined by the media. Designer Dog?? What the heck is a designer dog you ask?? A "designer" dog is a cross between two purebred dogs of different breed. A purebred dog is one that has been bred over many generations to breed true. Meaning each puppy that is born looks and has the same temperament and characteristics as one another. In most cases a standard is written and breeders must follow this written standard. Only dogs which make the written standard are to be bred. So what's up with these hybrid, "designer" dogs? Are they healthier? Hybrid dogs can still have genetic problems because you are still crossing two first generation dogs, however the percentage of hybrid dogs with genetic problems is much lower than purebred dogs because the gene pool is mixed.

When you breed two different types of purebred dogs together you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. If you are stuck on a hybrid dog how do you know which one to choose? Read the temperament and care for both breeds in the cross and be prepared for any combination of the two.

Whether or not you choose a purebred dog or a "designer" hybrid mix, do your homework and research, research, research. Remember, adopting a dog should be a life long commitment and not something that should be taken lightly. Before you adopt a dog ask yourself,Are you ready for a dog?