Are hybrid clubs and cross-breeding ethical?

Question

A friend of mine gave me an American Bull Dog-Rottweiler hybrid (in other words, a huge mutt, lol). Although I just wanted the pup because I wanted a large dog in my new house for a guardian, and I wanted a walking buddy, I now have a few people pressuring me to "create a new breed". I'm not really interested in this, and plan on getting the dog neutered when he turns six months old (he's 9 weeks old right now). My partner thinks we should try breeding him (he's been listening to the other people)since we're experienced in handling large dogs, but I disagree. I say there's enough so called "hybrids" that don't get adopted as it is. I'm suspicious of the motives of hybrid clubs, and have a feeling that the clubs are only there to create "designer dogs" and help breeders make a lot of money off of mutts. Has anybody tried breeding hybrids, and if so, how did it go? I seriously doubt I'll do it, I just wanted a big dog, & now I'm having people suggest I try cross-breeding.

Answer 1

I would say that if you're seeing a need in the market for a particular thing and that this dog fills that roll and you are committed to creating a real breed (and not the cross breds that are sold now like labradoodles) then it's appropriate. For instance, the Alaskan Klekai is a new breed created by crossing several existing ones to give people a husky in a much smaller package. That person was determined to not just cross dogs for profit but to create a new breed that filled a niche that was not filled for many people's needs. Keep in mind that many breeds are hybrids from other breeds and only in the last few years have they become registered and a type set for the dog (the australian shepherd is a good example).
I think the biggest thing in the ethics of the issue are your motivation for creating the breed and your willingness to provide for puppies/dogs you create if you cannot find homes for them. Remember that when creating a new breed, not all dogs will meet the goals (because the two breeds coming together will result in dogs varying more widely than two dogs from the same breed) so the breeder must be willing to support those pups regardless of whether they find a buyer for them or not.

Answer 2

I think it's crap. It's a gimmick that unfortunately many uneducated (read gullible) people will buy into. They'll spend a couple hundred dollars on their "designer breed" dog. Backyard breeders will continue to fill our shelters with excess animals, all in the pursuit of the all powerful dollar. It makes me sick, and I think the jackasses that came up with it should be horsewhipped. Add: Sad thing is, even Animal Planet is getting in on it. They have a show about dog breeds, can't remember the name. The spotlight a breed, and tell all the pros and cons. Sounds good right? Well, about a week or so ago they spotlighted "labradoodles". Great, so now even more idiots will be convinced that a labradoodle is a real breed, instead of the mutt that it really is. Nothing wrong with mutts, I own 3 of them, but I didn't go out searching for them. I wonder if they list my lab that's mixed with shar pei? Guess the fact that I got a "hybrid" for free was a good deal, huh? Ugh...and this is why I dislike most people.

Answer 3

In my opinion, these clubs, and cross-breeding like this is NOT ethical. The majority of the time it IS to create a 'designer' dog, and try to make money with no thought of the consequences to the dogs or future owners. ANY breeding that occurs anywhere should be with a PURPOSE and to improve the dog world in every way possible. There are SO many dogs out there in shelters. Nearly 25% of them are purebreds. Many of these breeders have not done their homework, and breed dogs that end up having unusual health issues, for example. It's difficult enough to find breeders of ONE particular breed who really know what they're doing. Don't 'experiment' with this to make a quick buck, or just to be different. The dogs may end up paying for the consequences, and they're completely innocent.

Answer 4

Unless all of those people that say you should breed them, will also take a puppy when they arrive, than maybe do so. You might end up be helping with vet visits, puppies, extra food, extra shots, dealing with people and other dogs.

It would be ethical, because hybrids are not pure breds. You would just get a bunch of mutts. They are not certified. Mutt is not a bad word. I think they are the best dogs. We have always had mutts, and they were the best.

Otherwise, get him fixed when he is old enough, and enjoy him as a regular dog. Because dogs that are not fixed can be more aggressive, and antsy. You already will have a big dog on your hands, make it easy on yourself, and get him fixed. Just remember it's your dog, no one else's.

Answer 5

No they are not ethical in any way. Why? Because binding two seperate breeds together can and will give you a whole slew of problems. It could potentially harm the future puppies.

Responsible and Reputable breeders, breed to "Better The Breed" not create new. It's about better an existing breed. People who breed designer dogs - breed for $$. To make any money when breeding that means cutting corners. Whichs means doing it wrong and possibly breeding unhealthy puppies

Answer 6

Good for you to want to get your dog fixed. No one should breed just because teh dog they have is interesting or cute. I have been tols the same thing, having a Australian Shepard/chow mix (rescued and fixed) and everyone who has seen him wants one like him.
What most people do not realise is that a LARGE amount of the "registered" breeds we have today have come from cross breeding. There are so many types and sizes of groups such as the Sporting or Hound groups. I do not believe it is "unethical" to cross breed, However, it should be done by "serious" breeders who are experienced and know what they are doing.
Best of luck and many happy days ahead as a dog owner.

Answer 7

I am really of two minds about this. I mean, aren't all pure breds dogs that were bred to have certain traits that we like? Isn't it just a LITTLE elitist of the AKA and it's henchman to say that only THEY know how to go about doing this?

On the other hand.... take a walk in a SPCA, and look at all the wonderful dogs that are on death row, and then see if you can sleep at night after breeding a designer puppy.

I have 2 adopted SPCA dogs, and they are TERRIFIC. One is a Pom/Terrier, and one is a Pom/Valpino. These are much healthier and happier than any of the field spanials or shelthies I was raised with.

Answer 8

Don't breed him. If you purchased a dog w/ the intent of becoming a breeder then do so. You stated you just want a big dog for safety, if that is your original intention then keep to your word. The world has enough breeders (good or bad) if some one else whats a mix breed that you have tell them to check the SPCA or Internet to find their dog. Because your not a breeder.

Answer 9

I'm glad to hear you are reluctant in doing this. And you are correct, if people wanted mixed breed dogs, there are plenty of loving homeless dogs crammed in shelters all over the country.

So called "hybrids" and "designer" dogs are just a sales pitch to sell mixed breed dogs. A typical ploy of Back Yard Breeders and Puppymills to line their filthy pockets.

Answer 10

my aunt is a dog breeder and someone told her that it would be a good idea to mix breed some of her pure breds. they all have funny name like a eadoole which was a beagal and a poddle. she did it and realize that they are harder to sell then the pure breds. you can't get papers for them and it is very difficult to make a new bred and get recognize. i think that u are right, i think u should stick to your plan.