Figures from Dogs NZ show that the number of registered breeders have risen, and the demand for pet dogs, specifically those that are cross bred, have been on the rise as well. With more people finding time to add a new pup to their family, popular crossbred combinations include labradoodles, puggles, and goldendoodles, to name just a few. To find out why they’re so popular and learn about the potential health risks involved, here’s what you need to know if you wish to attain your very own designer dog.
What is a designer dog?
Designer dogs are nothing new, and are defined as a mix between two different breeds, whereas a purebred dog is the result of breeding two dogs of the same breed. While designer dogs are a great way to get a unique looking pup, they’re often created to fulfil certain looks or characteristics. For example, the labradoodle originally came about in order to create a more allergy-friendly guide dog. However, many may seek a designer dog simply for the unique looks and combinations. For example, a dachshund mix dog, which is the result of breeding a purebred dachshund with any other purebred dog, can bring a number of different results. One notable example is the “papshund”, or a dachshund/papillon mix, and this type of crossbreeding results in a cute dog that’s known for having a happy and friendly demeanor, thus making it popular for families or the elderly.
Health risks and other concerns
While breeding designer dogs can result in a unique looking companion, it’s important to realize that there’s much more to the practice, particularly where health matters are concerned. For instance, while crossbred dogs are less likely to experience genetic health issues due to the parents being less genetically similar, it’s necessary to consider that breeding dogs that are known to have certain health concerns could pass down those health issues to their offspring.
Another issue often involved in the designer dog industry is that of unethical breeders, namely those who are cross breeding dogs for the money. Because designer dogs can go for such a high price and certain crossbreeds are in high demand (like those that claim to be hypoallergenic), designer breeds may be mass-produced on puppy farms, where they’re often poorly treated, lack socialization, and can be weaned from their mothers too early. Consequently, this can result in health issues down the line, not to mention the overall concern of animal abuse.
Making the right choice
If you’re looking for a designer dog of your own, it’s important to do your research well beforehand in order to ensure you’re getting a quality pup, and avoid any of the common issues that can arise in such dogs. One smart way to do this is to get educated on the known health problems that your desired crossbreed might have, and to be cautious regarding the breeders themselves. For example, when meeting the breeder, it’s important to ensure that you’re able to see the living conditions of the puppies and their mother in order to see that they’ve been well taken care of. Buying from an accredited breeder of Dogs NZ is a great way to go, as they’re subject to a code of ethics. This requires breeders to take proper care of the dogs, see to it that they are adequately fed, watered, and exercised, and make sure that they aren’t overbreeding. Consult the New Zealand Veterinary Association’s “Ethical guide to buying a puppy or dog” for further information.
Designer dogs are the result of breeding two different dog breeds, and can often result in unique dogs that make fantastic companions. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks of getting such pets, which can potentially include health problems or encountering unethical breeders. Do you research to ensure that you're getting a happy and healthy pup from a reputable and ethical breeder, and seek a veterinarian's advice on the best ways to care for your crossbred dog.
This article was contributed by guest-author Jennifer Dawson