| Although the concept is by no means new; many | | | | surprised to find that your new puppy has the |
| people are discovering that some of the latest | | | | temperament of a hostile dictator; or worse is |
| breeds of super dogs are not as great as their | | | | very aggressive. These are serious faults; |
| breeders would have you believe. | | | | especially if you intend to introduce your cute |
| Of the "designer dog club" the 'Labradoodle' is | | | | new 'Schnoodle' (a mixture of a Schnauzer and a |
| probably the most well known. The 'Labradoodle' | | | | poodle) to your kids you never know what might |
| was originally bred for sight impaired individuals | | | | happen. |
| who had severe reactions to dog's fur. This new | | | | Is that really a chance you want to take? |
| hybrid aimed to combine the intelligence of the | | | | Also, these new breeds are by no means |
| Labrador with a non-shedding poodle. However | | | | considered cheap. You could get an equivalent mix |
| you may or may not have a puppy that will be | | | | at a shelter for free. But some breeders are |
| non-shedding. Labradoodles have been around for | | | | charging thousands of dollars for dogs they |
| over 20 years and are gaining recognition. | | | | cannot personally guarantee. |
| But the term 'designer mutts' can be used to | | | | They claim these dogs take the best of both |
| describe any number of endless combinations of | | | | breeds. But there is an equal risk that the dog can |
| dogs who have been bred for particular valued | | | | end up with the worst from breeds. This seems |
| qualities. Ever thought about owning a Dorgi? | | | | like a staggering chance to take. |
| That's a cross between a Corgi and a Dachshund. | | | | In an attempt to create super dog these |
| How about a Puggle? That's a cross between a | | | | breeders are using breeding techniques that seem |
| Beagle and a Puggle. There are many variations | | | | strangely unnatural. Certain Bulldog combinations |
| on breeds with poodles now too. This often | | | | always require artificial insemination for successful |
| results in comical names - the Corgi Poo; or the | | | | mating to occur. And you can't count on Caesar |
| Shih Poo, the variations are endless. | | | | section. |
| Hypoallergenic, intelligent and some say healthier | | | | Many of the crossbreeds are bred for profit. |
| than average - these dogs are becoming popular | | | | Unscrupulous practices which lead to fashion item |
| throughout the world. | | | | dogs will create a host of problems for future |
| Yet the American Kennel Club refuses to accept | | | | generations. |
| these new breeds. The American Kennel Club | | | | If you have your heart set on a designer dog |
| (AKC) recognizes 153 breeds at present; and | | | | bear in mind you might end up paying more in vet |
| says that these dogs don't meet their criteria. | | | | bills. Your puppy will need a vast array of tests. |
| The American Hybrid Club seems to be the | | | | There are many well-established variations. |
| answer for the breeders who are rallying to have | | | | Purebred dogs have a proven track record. You |
| their new combinations recognized. They argue | | | | can say with greater certainty what your |
| that in fact all dog breeds exist as a result of | | | | Labrador will look like. You will also have a greater |
| some kind of experimentation with mixing breeds. | | | | idea of what kinds of health problems to expect |
| There are many inherent dangers associated with | | | | in your Dachshund. |
| mixing breeds that would never have bred | | | | You can also find adult crossbreeds in a number |
| naturally. The main problem is that you never | | | | of places. Adult dogs are often a good choice for |
| really know exactly what you will be getting. Most | | | | families who have children or who need to be |
| often you can learn a great deal about a dog by | | | | sure of the dog's temperament. And of course |
| the look and temperament of their parents - but | | | | giving a loving home to a homeless dog is always |
| with these dogs there is no way to tell if you will | | | | a good thing. |
| end up with a mouse sized dog - or a dog the | | | | If you have your heart set on one of the new |
| size of a small donkey. | | | | crossbreeds; try to learn what you can before |
| And it's not just looks. You might be unpleasantly | | | | deciding on the particular dog or cross. |