The Controversy Over Designer Dogs

The number of people that own dogs has been steadily increasing for decades. The drastic increase in dog ownership has, of course, resulted in an increase in dog breeders in order to keep up with the market demand. Humans have always been experimental, and we can see this trend in dog breeding as the number of designer dogs that exist steadily increases. Designer dogs began to become especially popular in the 1990s-2000s with the introduction of famous dog breeds such as the "Labradoodle," which had the unique characteristic of being hypoallergenic. Clearly, there was a lot of money to be made by finding the right mix, but at what cost? This article will explore some of the concerns many people have with the increase of designer dog breeds.

What is a Designer Dog Breed?

Designer dog breeds, also known as hybrid dogs, are created by crossing two purebred dog breeds together. The goal of creating a designer dog breed is to combine the desirable traits of both parent breeds to produce a unique and potentially more desirable dog than their purebred parents.

Potential Health Issues

One of the main concerns with designer dog breeds is the potential health risks that the resulting mixed dogs can experience. While many mixed dog breeds are perfectly healthy and have no irregularities, we have no idea how often a breeder attempted a particular combination until they "got it right." Mixing two breeds together can create a unique and desirable appearance; however, it can also lead to health problems not found in either parent breed. As breeders continue searching for the next best designer breed that will be more popular than the Golden Retriever, many litters must be abandoned completely due to miscalculated results. Whether you are looking to bring home a purebred dog or a mixed breed, it is always essential to research the breeder. Speak to former clients, and look into how long they have been doing this. Often, serious health issues can arise later in a dog's life, which is difficult for many dog owners. 

Furthermore, there is no established standard for breeding practices or health testing because designer dog breeds are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or other reputable breed registries. This lack of regulation means that breeders may not follow ethical breeding practices, such as genetic testing, that can help prevent certain health issues.

High Cost

The fact that designer breeds can be very pricey is not much of an issue in itself. However, purebred dogs can be very expensive too. Since the AKC or other breed registries do not recognize them, breeders can charge higher prices for these dogs. In addition, because they are often marketed as hypoallergenic or low-shedding, demand for designer dog breeds can be high, further driving up prices. This high cost can also lead to the unethical breeding practices mentioned previously, with breeders prioritizing profit over the health and welfare of the dogs.

Misleading Marketing 

Many breeders and pet stores market designer dog breeds as hypoallergenic or low-shedding. While it is true that some designer breeds may be less likely to trigger allergies than other breeds, this is not always the case. In fact, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed, as all dogs produce allergens to some extent. Unfortunately, this misleading marketing can lead pet owners to believe that they are getting an allergy-friendly dog, only to find out later that they still experience allergy symptoms around their new pet. 

As a result of designer breeding, we are seeing more dogs being abandoned and in shelters than ever before. If you want to purchase a designer dog breed, it can be very worth checking your local shelter! You will not only save a bunch of money, but you may also find the dog you were looking for and give this dog a second chance!