What Do You Know About "Designer Dogs"? Quiz

Answer: False

The definition of a "breed" is a population of animals which, when you breed two of that population together, will produce animals that look like the parents. If you breed two beagles together, for example, you'll always get more beagles- not poodles or Labradors. See Q. 2 for more info on why "designer dogs" are not breeds.
A "mixed-breed" is any dog that is a mix of breeds. That is what designer dogs are...a less genteel term for their genetic status is "mutts."

Answer: Because since they are not true breeds, the offspring of two "designer dogs" will be extremely variable

This is why "designer dogs" are not breeds. A Labradoodle bred to a Labradoodle will produce some puppies that look just like Labs, some that look like Poodles, and some in-between. They do not "breed true."

Answer: False

Although Guide Dogs Victoria, in Kew, Australia, did attempt to breed a Labrador-Poodle cross in the 1970s due to a request for an allergen-free guide dog, the program was soon abandoned because the offspring did not make predictable, consistent guide dogs.

The present website for Guide Dogs Victoria does not indicate that they currently breed any dogs except Labrador and Golden Retrievers. The present Labradoodle craze was instead started by several Australian puppy farms who bred the dogs for profit, not guide-dog work.

Answer: False

A survey of "doodle" owners conducted by a website designed to promote the breed admitted that 65% of Labradoodles and 51% of Goldendoodles did shed. Most Labradoodles and Goldendoodles that I have seen have very cottony, soft, open coats that mat and tangle with a vengeance and require extensive and expensive professional grooming.

Answer: Profit

Let's face it. Designer dogs are bred for money. They are not breeds; there are no conformation shows for them. They are susceptible to MORE genetic disorders, not fewer, as they combine the genetic problems of two breeds. And they are not bred for working ability, but those cute fluffy puppies may sell for over a thousand dollars each...

Answer: False

As veterinarian Dr Zammit said in reference to "designer dogs," "There is a concept called 'hybrid vigour' where you cross two different breeds and you get an animal that is stronger and sounder but to do that you have to start with the right genetic material to begin with - and that's not happening." Most reputable breeders of healthy, quality purebreds will not sell dogs to breeders who intend to produce "designer dogs." So the breeding stock for most "designer dogs" programs are animals that have had no health testing, have never been shown, have never earned any working titles, and are very unlikely to be healthy, quality animals.

In addition, "hybrid vigor" has never been proven in the dog.

Answer: All of these

A recent search for "labradoodle" on Craigslist in the United States Pets sections found 23 up for adoption. Some of the reasons: "my husband is EXTREMELY allergic to him," "does not get along with my Irish wolfhounds," "needs a lot of exercise," "needs someone to play with him," "Needs lots of play and exercise time," "won't come when called." Overall, though, the most common excuse for rehoming was "don't have enough time."

Answer: None of these is necessarily true

Despite all the hype about "designer dogs," they are not healthier or more mentally sound than a similar-appearing mixed-breed dog saved from a pound.

Answer: People adopting more dogs from shelters because they look just like designer dogs

The "designer dog" craze has led many people to acquire a dog just because the mix has a cute name or because some vapid starlet showed one off on TV. Unfortunately, this type of impulse buying is often done at pet stores, thus supporting the horrifically cruel puppymill industry. Despite their high price tag, designer dogs look just like dogs that are languishing in pounds and shelters all over the USA. http://www.grumpybumpers.com/dogs/ has a *wonderful* little quiz on telling "designer dogs" from shelter pooches- check it out!

Answer: Adopt a purebred known for those characteristics from a rescue or responsible breeder

Dog breeds have been bred for hundreds of years to have uniform characteristics- it's what makes them *breeds.* Responsible breeders who do all required health testing and evaluations of their dogs, or rescues who work with and know their dogs well are your best source for a dog that must have certain characteristics. Don't get caught in the very expensive and tragic trap of thinking that a "designer dog" will be the magic solution to any canine problem.