What do you think about the new trend of desginer pets?

Question

First it was designer mutts, then hypoallergetic cats, cloned cats, NOW it's the toyger(toy tiger), a desginer cat breed to look like a tiger.
what do you think of all this?

Answer 1

Designer PETS? well some people have more money than they need I saw a news report on that TOYGER, and they want $800.00 -$4000.00 for them, the cloned animals run in excess of $10,000.00. It is crazy. And as mentioned playing GOD is never a good idea.

Answer 2

I work in the industry as a veterinary technician so I see first hand all of the problems associated with 'designer' pets. The popular Labradoodle is a combination of the Labrador and the Poodle...well, that was a brilliant idea. Lets breed together 2 breeds that are pre-dispisposed to ear infections, hip and joint problems, and cancer.

Then there was the "invention" of the puppykat, who is supposed to be a cat but have all the traits of a dog...fetching, leash walking, etc...HUH? Why not get a dog?

I think that this is a dangerous road to go down most of the time. I think it is stupid as well.

Why do we need designer pets when the existing ones in this country are being neglected and abused at alarming rates?

Answer 3

When I hear the word designer, I think of something unique, something you can't find anywhere else. Something that will not be repeated. To me, a designer dog/cat, is a dog found in a shelter that does not meet criteria for a pure bred. It is a one of a kind dog/cat.

Breeding 2 different types of pure bred with the goal of obtaining a new type of dog/cat, should in my opinion, be called hybrid, not designer. You can reproduce hybrid types.
You can reproduce pretty much any mix of 2 pure bred animals so it is not unique anymore. I think we already have enough sick cats/dogs that roam hungry and abused.

Human beings get bored easily and are always looking to disrupt mother nature, which I think, is wrong. I wonder, if one day, we will learn to behave and respect what was given to us as a gift.

Answer 4

Seems like the toyger is much less of a threat than the afore mentioned-- clones and what not.
It's just another example of selective breeding, which is, how ALL dog and cat breeds are made--- also, ALL fruits and vegetables (nowadays) are specially selected and bred to be what they are now, and have specific traits (sweetness, color)
Natural breeding is less bothersome to me than cloning, so I dont mind that one bit.

Answer 5

I do not agree with cloning. I think its ridiculous, however, I don't think there is anything wrong with breeding as long as it is done responsibly. I also think people should be informed and do research on the pets they wish to purchase.

Bottom line is...if there is a good home for the animals, what does it matter.

Answer 6

I think it sucks.
I went in the petstore this week to get dog food and they had more designer breeds in there than pure breeds.
(no, I do not believe in buying puppies from a petstore of any kind) Back yard breeders must be making a killing right now.
Sad. VERY Sad.

Answer 7

I think it's a waste of money. Get a pet from a shelter. My Lucy C. Tabby cost me $35.00 and she loves me as much as any designer animal could.
And I couldn't love her more if she cost $35,000.00

Answer 8

It's interfering with nature and it is wrong. A lot of these animals have health problems brought on by this and they are suffering.

Answer 9

if someone wants to spend money on a mini tiger thats fine, ill just stick with my normal siberian husky pooch.

Answer 10

Whatever attempt to play God can not be good.