Quote Originally Posted by CA_in_NC View Post
On soapbox---

I completely respect people who breed for the betterment of the breed. I get that, and I have a very well bred golden retriever. And 2 mutt cats. But WHY IN THE WORLD would you intentionally cross breed dogs, creating mutts with unknown temperaments and then sell them. And WHY would people BUY them?? I just don't get it?? How are they different from the shelter mutts??*shakes head*
Climbing on to my own particular soapbox.....

Hybrid "Designer Dog" sales are now outstripping those of purebreds. I think this is largely because ALL the scientific research shows mutts live longer and healthier lives than purebreds.

Most people just want a happy, healthy family pet. Say “Boxer” and vets think heart disease; say “Bernese Mountain Dog” and they think cancer. The incidence and severity of inherited diseases in purebred dogs increases every year, and yet traditional breeders continue with outdated practices (like inbreeding and line breeding) that continuously limit genetic diversity.

In addition, changing fashions and fads in the show ring have caused some purebred breeders to exaggerate physical characteristics that make dogs more susceptible to health problems problems (bulging eyes in Pekingese, elongated backs in Dachshunds etc).

However, hybrid "Designer Dogs", provide the best of both worlds, purebreds and mutts: the ability to carefully select the parent dogs for health and temperament, and test for inherited diseases (like purebreds); and the increased health and longevity provided by genetic diversity (like mutts).

Certainly you need to be careful. There are puppy mills that have jumped on to the “Designer Dog” band wagon purely to make a profit.

However, there are also many dedicated hybrid breeders whose main aim is to produce healthy dogs, without the genetic problems that plague many purebreds. They carefully select the breeds they use, and test the parent dogs for any possible inherited problems. They aren't trying to produce a particular "look", or compete with purebreds - these breeders simply want to provide healthy, happy family pets.

There's a good article on the subject (written by a purebred breeder) at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/ma...tcrufts107.xml

I hope I haven't offended anyone, and I'll climb down now

Gem