| Designer Doodles and Such "Aren't they just half a poodle?" |
So, what’s the deal with “doodles”? Crossing breeds (mostly done with the poodle), giving it a fancy name and charging an outrageous price are trendy nowadays. But at what costs to the dogs? Many of these “designer dogs” are landing in shelters because the buyers do not get what they bargained for. The rationale is to create dogs that don't shed. A Yorkipoo, Cockapoo, and Schnoodle are all part poodle and part Yorkshire Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, and Schnauzer, respectively. But, all dogs shed…Poodles are great because they only lose dead hair, that can be brushed out and discarded, and don't do the seasonal mass shedding that most dogs do! For this reason, some say that Poodles are hypoallergenic. Some designer dog breeders are claiming that their hybrid dogs are healthier than the AKC recognized purebred dogs. Based on past years when breeders were less educated this might be true. Many top winning dogs were being inbred closely with siblings, parents and such to keep the desired traits and looks to produce more top winning dogs for the show ring. The result of inbreeding can be a tiny gene pool that is saturated with bad traits. But there are a lot of responsible breeders that are studying their lines and pedigrees before deciding to produce more litters. They also are having genetic tests and screenings done and professionally followed before breeding. However, no dog, or living thing, for that matter, regardless of breed or cross will ever be completely safe from inherited health issues. Good breeders will test their dogs (different tests for different health problems specific to their breeds) to assure they are doing their part in striving for the healthiest dogs possible. A big myth that many less than ethical breeders of both purebreds and designer dogs will use, is that their dogs are genetically free of all health issues. This is impossible. Be aware that many breeders offer a health guarantee, but this doesn’t mean that their dogs won’t ever have health issues. It just means that they have produced the best dogs possible by following AKC and professional recommendations to have their dogs tested for health issues and will back that up. So, go for the real thing. I love all dogs, and have had several mixed breeds myself. But there is something special about a well bred, purebred poodle. Just remember, if it is not a purebred, it is a mutt! But don’t take my word for it, read the articles below and decide for yourself. Poodle Club of Canada Regarding Health Issues in Designer Dogs Poo Dogs Designer Mutts |
| Ain't nothin' like the real thing baby ... |
| No mutt here! |
| Is it time for my treat yet? |
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| CHEEEEESE! |
