What's your problem with mutts?

Question

Why is it that people have a problem with cockapoos, bichonpoos, goldendoodles etc and insisting they shouldn't be worth anything while believing that so called 'purebreds' are superior? Yes, there are mutts in shelters but there are 'purebreds' in shelters too. In fact, when I go to shelters I see many more purebreds than mutts. So what's the problem? You're being incredibly hypocritical and act as though purebreds are some naturally occuring phenomenon. Hate to break it to you but technically, all so called 'purebreds' are mutts too. Take the Blue Heeler, it was achieved by mixing collie, dalmation, bull terrior and even dingo - yet it's a 'purebred'. How about the German Shepherd? That breed was achieved by mixing various types of Shepherd dogs from different areas. I could go on for days but they're all pretty much mutts! If mix breeding was something that was always frowned upon, the selection of breeds we have today would be VERY limited.

Anyone able to get their minds beyond "because the AKC says so"?

Again - there are thousands of dogs waiting for homes in shelters both pure mutts and purebred mutts. Adopt.

I don't have a problem with purebred dogs (German Shepherds are my favourite). I have a problem with people who support breeders of purebreds and look down on those who breed mixed-breeds. Why is it that irresponsibility is linked only to breeders of mixed breeds? Anyone is capable of being an irresponsible breeder no matter what they breed. If people who intentionally mix breeds are automatically irresponsible, than the people who developed all of those breeds recognized by the AKC are irresponsible.

anne b - I think Scoutin explains the purpose of some 'mixing' of dogs quite well. And umm... sorry - what was the purpose of a shih tzu again? a breed recognized by the AKC? Oh yea - now I remember - NOTHING.

FYI - I don't support any breeders, I support shelters. I'm just tired of hypocrites acting like people who breed purebreds can do no wrong.

Sorry - I keep forgetting that some people actually still use the breeds for their original use. I don't have a problem with going to a breeder when something very specific like that is needed in a dog. Then again - labradoodles and goldendoodles were both bred for a very specific purpose as well.

Answer 1

Designer Dogs, a theory

The labradoodle was started back in the 70s. It was not started because it was "cute" or "had a good personality". It was started because they needed to produce a lab-like dog that was low to no shedding. They succeeded. Obviously golden/poodle crosses were started shortly after.
As we all know "designer" dogs have become a HUGE thing in America and we now have every possible breed cross out there. If you go to some of the breed-cross club website they state right on the home page "Tell us your cross, give it a name and send in a picture and we will register it!!" as if telling you to go forth and invent your own breed.
In all honesty, we still need the therapy dog that doesn't shed and isn't too far from the labrador or golden retriever's personality. We still need the guide dog for the person that happens to be blind AND allergic (mildly or not so mildly) or, just doesn't want to deal with dog hair and would normally have a nonshedding dog if they had their pick.
Claiming that a labradoodle or a goldendoodle is nothing more than a mutt is no different than going up to me right before I bring my standard poodle into an AKC confirmation show and saying "that dog is a mutt" It most certainly is. It is part Irish Water Spaniel, and part Pirtiguese Water Dog, not to mention other breeds thrown in there for kicks. Your AKC German Shepherd is a mutt. So is your Shitsu. So is your Austrailian Shepherd and your rottweiler and your chihuahua and you labrador and your akita and your italian greyhound. They didn't just sprout out of the ground or selectively breed themselves, they wer all created for a specific purpose by specific people who had a specific goal, be the goal working dog, or lap dog, or hunting dog, or therapy/service dog.
The point has been made regarding hte lack of predictability as far as the personality and hereditary problems of these cross breeds. I agree to an extent. In any given first generation litter of labradoodles, there is bound to be a few that take on lab qualities, and a few that take on poodle qualities. I will point out also that the further down the generations are from the first lab and the first poodle, (and through selective breeding) the more predictable these features become. Any typical F5 (five generation) labradoodle is going to look, act, and inheret the same problems as any other F5 labradoodle.
That being said I am well aware of the "Designer Dog Fad" that has swept America in recent years. Back yard breeders saw dollar signs when they became aware of it as well. Designer puppies going from $2000 upwords to $10,000. The overbreeding of these dogs will surely result in poorly bred mixes that sit in the Humane Society waiting for one of two things, a new home or death.
This has happened to any popular breed since the beginning of backyard breeders.
Eventually, when America's poodle cross fad has gone down, there will be a dying out of the crosses that existed for no reason other than sales. But mark my words, there will be rescue groups formed, regional clubs estabolished, and strong progress made to further the breeds that were created with a goal in mind because despite the back yard and fad breeders, there is still a group of breeders out there interested in only one thing: Furthering the breed they created.

Answer 2

You are exactly right. Cockapoos, labradoodles, goldidors and the like are mutts. Mutts that people pay hundreds of dollars to awful, irresponsible breeders.

And yes, there are lots of pure breed dogs at shelters, too. The week after Thanksgiving, I pulled two labs from a local kill-shelter. I also notified respective breeders that pulled two chihuahuas, a brittany spaniel, and a german shepherd. That's six purebreeds pulled from one shelter (that can only house 26 dogs at any one time) in less than three days. And every shelter is just that. That's why I'd never go to a breeder to get a golden retriever or a labrador or any other purebreed. There are plenty of them in shelters or conveniently centralized by purebreed rescues. My purebred labbie (a 9 month old beautiful, well-mannered chocolate girl) was a shelter doggie that was to be euthanized the very day, a rescue volunteer picked her up - and they were not waiting until we could get there!

And although all purebreeds were selections of traits from other breeds, the definition of purebreed is recognition by the AKC or UKC. The clubs then recognize reputable breeders!

Reputable breeders is where the problem lies. Designer dogs (like the cockapoos, labradoodles, etc) are not bred by reputable breeders. No reputable breeder will mix breeds, so cavoodles and labradoodles and goldadors are all bred by backyard breeders or in puppy mills. Meaning your expensive mixed breed dog has a very high chance of coming with a mirage of health problems due to inbreeding, lack of quality vet care, improper socialization, and substandard living conditions. Puppy mills and backyard breeders are havens for various kinds of intestinal worms, infectious diseases, parvo, distemper, kennel cough, and many more. You are taking a very big risk by buying such a dog - even at a pet store which gets its puppies from puppy mills, anyway.

You are likely to be investing a veterinarian's and trainer's gold mine - looking at lifelong health and emotional problems. If you want a mixed breed, go to the pound and pick out a cutie that you evaluate for temperament and any signs of aggression. Or if go through a rescue that picks up unwanted animals, has them spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treat behavioral and emotional problems, as well as often housing the animals in homes instead of kennels and shelter facilities - offering you a wealth of information on behavior and other perks such as housetraining, crate training, being around kids, dogs, and cats, etc.

Backyard breeders and puppy millers are in the business for one thing - the all might dollar. If done properly, breeding is not a money making business. The amount of time, care, and knowledge required makes reputable breeders barely break even - they do't make their money in the breeding business, they make it in the training or showing or some other business.

Added:
I really think you need to do some research on bad breeders. People are trying to give you information and you have just begun to rant. I am against buying purebreeds, because there are thousands of dogs in shelters that need homes. But just because someone does something I don't support does not make them bad. However, puppy millers and backyard breeders (whether breeding pure breeds or designer dogs) are BAD!

Answer 3

You have left out one very important point in your argument, possibly on purpose? The AKC and UKC recognized breeds were all mutts to begin with, some many centuries ago. They were, however, all bred for a specific purpose. Even the Blue Heeler, which is technically an Australian Cattle Dog (heeler is just a nickname), although a most recently recognized breed, was bred for a specific purpose. All the breeds chosen to create the ACD were chosen to give the new breed a particular trait that would make the ACD the very best cattle dog in the world. That is what creating a new breed is all about.
What are all these crap "designer" mutts bred to do, besides make money for their breeders and create big vet bills for their owners? And as it was pointed out by someone else, this fad will wear off and this kind of breeding will stop.

So I also have no problem with mutts-it happens. I own mutts.
I have a big problem with the people who create the "designer" crap with no purpose other than to line their pockets, which does NOTHING for the poor mutts who are dying in shelters every day.
Perhaps we should be giving more attention to THAT particular issue than defending some idiot who can make money by mixing this with that.

Edit: Sorry-still not convincing. The Shih Tzu is an established breed that is a great companion dog. Temperament is paid close attention to when breeding this dog. Can you explain any of the purposes of the "designer" dogs? Besides the (?) hypoallergeic kind? Can you explain how they guarantee temperament and traits of these dogs? Do you really think the people who breed these mixes care about creating a breed?
Apples and oranges here, apples and oranges. I don't think one of the people who assisted in creating some of the great breeds on this earth would defend what is happening today.

I am at a complete loss to understand why people continue to defend the greedy breeders in this world when there are so many dogs dying every day. Where are our hearts?
Are there not enough established breeds in the world to enable anyone to find the breed they are looking for?
Why is it necessary to shove two dogs together and make a mixed breed, call it a breed, and charge an outrageous price for it? There is nothing here but the making of money off the flesh of poor helpless animals. Not a cause I would be defending.


Man, the more I read, the more confused you seem. Of course not all purebred breeders are great. Why would you even think that? I have never read anything on this site that would lead anyone to think this. There are tons of disreputable breeders out there. And they are all breeding substandard purebred dogs. And they are no better than the ones who are breeding the mutts. The purpose is the same-to make money.
There are on the other hand, some great breeders out there who have a great respect for their chosen breed, and wouldn't even think of breeding a poor quality dog. They don't make money-they don't do it for money. They do it to preseve and improve an established breed that is a wonder to behold, such as the Border Collie and the ACD.

And in case you didn't know this, I don't know any good breeders who are not actively involved in rescuing their breed.
And in case you didn't notice, I am actively involved in rescuing a breed. All my dogs for the last 9 years have been rescues and shelter dogs, and some were mutts.

So tell us, what do you do to support shelters and adoption?

Answer 4

I don't have a problem with mutts at all! 2 of my 3 dogs are 100% MUTTS! Some of the greatest dogs I've ever known are mutts!

I have a problem with irresponsible backyard breeders who slap a high price on a dog that you could find at the shelter and save their life. The BYB's give the dogs crazy names "shihpooyorkiedoodle", pretend that they are a rare, new, hypoallergenic, genius breed, and then sell them for a ton of money. Only BYB's will breed these mixes, and often don't do any sort of health clearances at all.

I don't have a problem with mixed breeds, I have the problem with people who refuse to understand that a "bichonpoocockapuggle" is not a breed. I have a problem with people who try to sell these dogs as a fancy new breed, when they are, in fact, a mutt....a mutt that you could probably find at your local shelter!


It takes hundreds of years to get a new breed altogether. These "designer" dogs have been around for a lot less than that. They are still mutts, especially since most of them aren't being bred for a purpose, other than for the breeder to make money.

Answer 5

I agree with you that most purebreds today are mixed breeds in the past. I have nothing against mutts. I do against intentionally breeding of two different breeds and sell them for profits. That is the part people hate. I do agree with you that people should adopt instead of breeding more mutts. You look at the dog section. Everyday, there are lots of breeding questions, some even breeding mutts. They have no knowledge about breeding and just go ahead to breed their poor dogs. They are the ones who contribute to pet overpopulation problems.
Instead of adopting dogs from shelters, people spend thousands of dollars to buy those so called "designer dogs". Does it make sense? That's why people here tell the others don't breed their mutts and don't buy "designer dogs".

Answer 6

My problem is not with the "mutts" but the people who breed them purposely to achieve financial gain is another story.

There were already more than enough shelter dogs out there waiting for homes a fact that greatly disturbs me since it shows a great lack of responsibility on the part of the general population of America.Now add to that the people who have come up with the idea that they can get rich without having to work by cross breeding dogs without thought or care for temperament and genetic diseases let alone exercise requirements and it speaks volumes as to how lazy,inconsiderate and greedy people are.It's all well and good that they have a buttload of cash once all the pups are sold but they have no care about them once they are gone.People do not understand that the cute cuddly pup they spent alot of money on won't stay cute and cuddly it's whole life.It has needs that get more demanding as it grows and if those needs are not met it's going to act out. Dogs don't just sit in a corner waiting for us to notice them. And dogs should not be considered disposable either.Most people dump the dog at the shelter because they have to move and can't take it with. They should have thought about that before they got the dog. No one says to their kids "we're moving so you have to go to the orphanage cos we can't afford to keep you or can't find a place that will allow you in it." They keep looking till a place comes available that is suitable for the kids but hand over the dog gladly. One less responsibility to deal with.

Answer 7

Being the owner of both a purebred lab and a lab mix, I can tell you I don't have a problem with 'mutts'. I love my labs equally.

What I have a problem with is people giving mutts these ridiculous name combinations and then trying to sell them for thousands of dollars and pretending they are a whole new breed. I'm sorry but a golden retriever mixed with a poodle is not a purebred people!

The whole name thing is turning this into a huge fad around the country - and you know what happens to fads right? They die out, soon, no one wants them anymore. So this is going to leave us with just MORE poor doggies in our shelters without homes. And you call this a positive thing??? hmmmm...

Answer 8

I do not have a problem with mutts. What I have a problem with is people who deliberately breed them for profit and "just because they can". If people want a mixed breed, they should go and rescue them, not actually buy them from unethical breeders banking on them not doing their research and actually believing the lies they tell, such as "mutts are healthier".

And those purebreds you see in shelters? Yeah, they come from breeders who are just as unethical as the "designer" breeders. No genetic testing, never proving their dogs are worthy of breeding by training the dog to do what it was originally bred to do. I will never obtain a Border Collie from a breeder who does not have proven herding dogs, period. Anything less than breeding for that work ability is a disgrace to the breed... and yes, even some big show breeders don't bother with it.

Backyard breeders, whether it be purebreds or this designer stuff, are responsible for 60% of the dogs found in shelters. NOT the reputable breeder who has mandatory take back policy if for any reason, someone cannot keep a puppy they got from the breeder. The rest of that percentage can be pointed towards puppy mills/pet shops purchased dogs. A VERY low percentage of well bred purebreds ever end up in shelters.

No problem with mutts/mixes... just have issues with the unethical backyard breeders who breed them.

ADDED: While I appreciate your desire to save animals in shelters by encouraging adoption, you must realize that this is not the best choice for everyone. Something you can get with a well bred purebred that you can't always get from a mutt is predictability.

In my case, I want a dog that can herd and for me, the breed of choice is the Border Collie. Now I'm sure there are a few in rescue who could do well when trained to herd, not all are going to do so well. I could adopt several dogs before finding that one that truly can do the job and do it well. So for me, getting a Border Collie from a breeder with proven stockdogs in the pedigree is the best chance of finding that perfect herding dog.

I always encourage rescue when it appropriate, but it isn't fair to try to put your opinions on others and insist that all people should rescue. It simply does not suit all people and then what happens when someone ends up with a dog that isn't right for them because they "settled"?

ADDEDx2: Because people who intentionally breed mixed breeds have NO purpose to breeding. WHY are they breeding that mix? WHAT can that mix do? WHERE are the health tests and genetic tests on their breeding stock? They are breeding for profit and "because they can" and then spouting off lies like "non-shedding" and more.

They breed for PROFIT and as long as they are breeding for no proper purpose, I will never support deliberately breeding mixes.

Answer 9

Purebreds wouldn't be in the shelters if all the breeders were responsible ones...the ones that take the animal back for any reason rather than allowing someone to dump it at a shelter when it is no longer cute or chews the furniture.

Mutts are fantastic...I have one. People that breed mutts are not fantastic. More than likely none of them ran tests to check for potential health problems, they don't take a dog back if the owners no longer want it, they charge ridiculous prices for the same thing found in shelters, and they make up names and traits (i.e. no shedding,) to help sell them.

The problem does not lie with the dogs. All types of dogs can make great companions. The problem is with people that breed irresponsibly. THEY are the ones contributing to the pet overpopulation. That is why we tell people not to support them by buying ****-a-poos.

*I adopted both my purebred lab and my mutt from the pound.

Answer 10

Ah, ok, you support dogs in shelters. So, what does that mean? You support the irresponsible pet owners who did not spay neuter their pets AND let them roam.
I've volunteered in 4 different shelters over the last few years and I'd say 80 - 90% of the dogs are mixed breeds. And, I would be willing to bet the purebred dogs are not from responsible hobby breeders but from puppy mills (pet shops) and backyard breeders.
I also notice the reasons these dogs are given up and put in the shelter. Moving is the biggest reason. So, I'm supposed to adopt a dog that the owner does not think enough of to have it move with them?
I think the problem is irresponsible owners, not breeders of purebred dogs.
I put in a lot of time and money to every dog I own. I don't want someone's reject. I have never put any of my dogs in a shelter. I'm not the problem. Maybe instead of blaming responsible breeders, and those of us who choose to buy dogs from them, you need to look at the irresponsible folks who are contributing to the dogs in the shelters.

Answer 11

My problem is there is no way to classify these hybrids as a breed! I have not seen any two "schnoodles" that have ever looked the same....or even really similar at all! Even in the same litter! What would you say for the breed standard: "Kinda grey, maybe, could have curlyish hair, in the weight range of 2-50 pounds"??? If you look at a golden retriever, you know that it is a golden. Besides, I have never met a hybrid breeder that does any genetic testing at all, meaning that all of these irresponsible BYB's are just breeding in genetic defects.