Re: Designer Dogs

The one I have now is a Crossed Breed, his dad is a Long Haired Golden Retriever and mum is a big Standard Poodle. They call them Golden Doodles HAH, Dageus is black. Anyway I always say he's a Cross Breed when people ask about him. As far as I'm concerned that's what he is. If the Kennel Club say it's not a Breed then it's not a Breed. As long as silly fools are willing to pay through the nose for them then the trend will continue. Though I did read in the News the other day that the law is changing and people will not be able to just breed their dogs at will anymore, something to do with licences and proper kennels and inspections ect ect.

Re: Designer Dogs

There's one of those round here, a black Golden Doodle, he is magnificent, his name is Max.

I love all dogs no matter what breed, as in humans no one dog is better than any other dog.

It's just these people who pay an absolute fortune for what is basically a mongrel then get arsey when you tell them they're being pretentious

One problem though is some of these breeds already have health issues, like Pugs with their breathing difficulties and Cavs with their brains being too big for their skulls. And these breeds are being cross bred with other dogs with other physical/health issues. Dangerous that is.

Re: Designer Dogs

Which is exactly what I meant in my earlier post Nicol. I agree with you.

Responsible breeders health test their dogs for hereditary health issues appropriate for that breed nowadays. All mine are health tested even though I don't breed any more, just for my own peace of mind, but I don't know how that could ever be done with those multiple crosses. How would they know which breed to test for?
And another thing, why charge even more than a pedigree?

I am not against some crosses, some are smashing dogs.
I like some Labradoodles, and Whippet/Beddie crosses for example.

Re: Designer Dogs

I think it's all got out of hand myself, what started as a possible solution for would be dog owners with allergy issues has turned into a money spinner for unscrupulous breeders who take advantage of people with more money than sense.

Mups, you used to have Shepherds? You might like this cross breed dog then.....



This is Mack. He is a cross between a Shepherd and a Malamute When I first saw him I did a double take and had to ask the owners if he was a wolf hybrid. But no, just a cross. He's massive, long legs like a wolf and a very long coat. He's the softest, friendliest most lolloppy dog I've ever met. But he was a rescue as the original owners didn't realise how big he'd get.

Re: Designer Dogs

I totally agree. You have to be prepared to put in the investment in time and patience and you get it back ten times over.

Our rescue, a collie, goes everywhere with us and, like you, we get comments about just how well behaved he is. Obedient, walks off the lead almost everywhere.

Yesterday there was a lady with two miniature poodle like things on leads as taut as banjo strings and screaming at them. One was very aggressive and barked in Max's face. He gave it a curious look, disdain might describe it, and we just strolled on.
I just said "Max, let's go" He would have anyway but it was for the other owner's benefit.

Re: Designer Dogs

The problem with getting a rescue dog is the ridiculous criteria you have to meet.

When I got Bailie I was discounted for a rescue dog because I worked and the dog would have to be left for longer than 4 hours. The only way to get one was to lie.

Since then though a lot of foreign rescues have appeared locally and I think their rules aren't as strict.

Re: Designer Dogs

Dogs don't end up in rescue centres because they were treated responsibly and well. Wouldn't you expect the rescue centres to vet prospective owners to ensure it doesn't happen again?

Re: Designer Dogs

Yes, but the rule about not leaving the dog for longer than 4 hours disqualifies most single people who work, leaving us with no option but to get a puppy.

Re: Designer Dogs

Nicol its not just working people .
We are retired but active and at home all day have a rural home etc etc but were given the bums rush by several dog places .
We are also experienced with dogs having always has rescue dogs and have no young children at home and were prepared to take a less than easy dog
I spoke to various neurotic people who were simply gatekeepers or crackpots !
Foster parents seem want the pleaseure of a puppy.
They didn't really want to give the dogs away .
That is why the dogs homes are stuffed with dogs .
I pointed out that I didn't need to take a dog I could quite easily go out and buy one without going through a gestapo type interrogation moreover one that had no baggage attached as rescue dogs so often have .
It put me off for a while but its against my principles to buy a dog when so many need homes ( rescue dogs are not free you do pay a donation which is quite high -rightly so IMO as it shows commitment )
We now have a lovely dog now .
He is a border collie and from a private but well known collie rescue .
The Collie Spot in Binfield Berkshire
http://www.thebordercolliespot.com
The owner is a lovely person and has been rescuing collies for decades .

Re: Designer Dogs

Hi

There is an undoubted prejudice against oldies and rescue dogs.

In terms of designer dogs, I just think that it is stupid that crossbreeds are being advertised at £500 more than pedigrees.