Designer dogs, why do people do it?

Question

I have seen questions about "What type of personality would their malti-poo have?" or "Does a Pom-Chi shed?" Or "What will their Bull-Shih look like when it grows up?"

Do people not understand that these are mutts? There is really no way of knowing which breed it will get the dominant genes from! I have read repeatedly that they are healthier than pure-bred dogs. How can that be true when there are no reputable breeders who would breed these mixed breed mutts? And the dogs they use for breeders aren't the best quality! Therefore, the puppies can't be expected to be the healthiest either!

Research also proves that mixed breeds and not pure bred dogs are the type of dog most often involved in inflicting bites to people.

So, my question is, Why INTENTIONALLY breed these mutts?

Answer 1

QUOTE
"I have read repeatedly that they are healthier than pure-bred dogs. How can that be true when there are no reputable breeders who would breed these mixed breed mutts?"
That is a simple question to answer, do you know of anyone that has OFA or CERF certified their "mutt-e-poo"
You hear about the Purebred dogs when they have a problem, the mutts just die at the shelters when they do.

Answer 2

I work in rescue, and I also have a hard time finding cause for the fact that people are spending 500-1500 dollars on a dog that is basically a mutt to begin with. Most people buy a certain breed of dog because they desire a quality the dog has (i.e. hunting, retrieving, good with children) or a certain personality trait of the breed.

However with a 'designer dog', you have no idea if the personality and qualities the dog will have.

Take the Goldendoodle. You could have a doodle that sheds a ton (Golden) or not at all (Poodle). You could have a dog that's prone to bloat (Poodle) or will scarf down their food and have no problem (Golden). You just don't know what you're going to get.

So, if you'd like a surprise, why don't you just get a dog at the shelter. They're cheaper, and you'd be saving a dog that otherwise might be euthanized (our rescue organization, however, is No-Kill). Plus, the shelter staff will be able to give a guess at what breeds the dog is, so you can have somewhat of an idea.

So, to answer your question, "Why intentionally breed mutts", my answer is simple: I have no idea.

Cheers,

Rosefern

PS: I must digress, there is one good thing about breeding designer dogs. Breeding out health issues, such as Hip Displaysia, Congenital Eye Defects, etc. can be beneficial to the breeds. However, this only applies to first generation crosses (purebred-purebred), and to dogs that were bred by a knowledgable breeder that health screens.

In general, mutts that have been well taken care of are healthier in purebreds, because their lines are usually not as mixed up.

Answer 3

If you really want to go into it... all pedigrees are mutts. Other breeds are being carefully selected to mate in order to produce the desired temperment, coat, etc.

Take our fav. golden dog for example - golden retrievers are said to be a result from yellow-coloured dog with a Tweed Water Spaniel female dog,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Retriever

Another is our lassie, the rough collie. After the industrial revolution, it's has been crossed with the Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound), to get a more "noble" head, which is today one of the true characteristics of the rough collie.

The reason why mutts inflict most bites, is because most are strays and experienced the cruelty of humans.

So why intentionally breed those mutts and so called pure breeds? Because there's a market.

Answer 4

Some of the best dogs I have had were mutts. Nothing wrong with them. With inbreeding you can not always get a healthy pure breed. Mixed breeds are less likely to have K-9 rage, a little thing most breeders chose to act like it dose not happen. Want to know what it is. Lokk it up do some thinking on your own.
All breeds today came from crossing breeds together in the past, so you may be looking at some future pure breed. Get your head out of your a @@

Answer 5

I have a malti poo. I'm sure in the past others have thought the same thing about breeding two different breeds but those same dogs are now considered a recognized breed.

These dogs aren't really mutts (dogs with multiple breed backgrounds not just two) but you are correct that they aren't pure breeds either. But I really don't care if a dog is pure breed. I got my dog because of his personality and looks and the fact he doesn't shed.

Answer 6

I TOTALLY DISAGREE with you. There are a few reputable breeders breeding designer dogs if you look hard enough. I found one. I have a 5 month old Bichonpoo who came from one such reputable breeder. He had her parents on site and I have copies of her registered AKC parents papers. My dog is very happy, healthy and well-adjusted. Her parents are also healthy, I have their health records. For personal reasons I chose a designer dog over a pure bred and shelters did not have pure or mix breed small breed puppies my landlord said I could only have a small breed puppy. I researched this breeder thoroughly, read recommendations from other buyers of designer and pure bred dogs from this breeder and was satisfied with my decision. It angers me when people who know so little about designer dogs think they have the right to be disrespectful of those who own them. Get ALL the facts before you speak. Not all designer dogs are from puppy mills and backyard breeders. Some people buy designer dogs as an inexpensive alternative to the overpriced pure breeds. They are not looking for a dog for show but a small, hypoallergenic family pet. I do not regret my decision for a single minute and so long as people come on Answers and dis designer dogs I will go on Answers and defend the legitimate breeders and owners of designer dogs. I own a great dog and I am proud of her.

Answer 7

Because there are foolish people who will spend thousands for a mixed breed dog when they can get one a shelter for less and $100. There's a sucker born every minute.

Answer 8

Money, greed, $elfi$hne$$. People ruin the years of breeding show professionals have done with purebreds, and simultaneously add to the populations of mixed breeds when there are millions of mixed breeds that need homes already.

Why do they breed them? Because there are tons of ignorant, uneducated people willing to buy them.

Answer 9

because ignorant people are willing to pay stuiped amounts of money for them but they fail to relize that the same type of dog is sitting in a animal shelter..

Answer 10

Because there's a sucker born every minute. As long as people buy them, others will breed them.