A designer dog probably sounds
like an animal you?d come across on the streets of Beverly Hills,
but in reality these concocted canines can be found just about
everywhere today, from small town backyards to the arms of
celebrities.
But just what is a designer dog? How did they come to be? And how
much do they cost? Let?s take a look!
What Is a Designer Dog?
Put simply, a designer dog is a cross between two purebred dogs. This is different than a mutt,
which is a blend of two or more breeds, and the breeds are often
unknown.
The idea with designer dogs is to bring together the best character
traits of two breeds, for example the
Pug and
Beagle to create the Puggle. In most cases, you will end up
with a dog who is healthier and has a longer lifespan than a
purebred, mostly because the genetic diversity results in a more
robust pup. However, it can sometimes be more difficult to
anticipate the personality of a designer dog. Your best bet is to
find a breeder who will allow you to visit with the pup?s parents
and get a sense of their disposition.
How Did Designer Dogs Come to Be?
The first designer dog was a stroke of genius. In the late
1970s, an Australian breeder was trying to find a seeing-eye dog
for a woman whose husband was allergic to most dogs. He decided to
combine the soft, non-shedding coat of the
Poodle with the seeing-eye abilities of the
Labrador Retriever, and thus the Labradoodle was born.
Today, there are over 3,500 Labradoodles registered with the
International Labradoodle Association.
How Much Do Designer Dogs Cost?
Designer dogs often come with designer price tags. These coveted canines cost an average of 25-50% more than a regular purebred. For example, the average price of a purebred puppy is $500-$1,000. A Labradoodle puppy costs around $1,500.
What Are Some Types of Designer Dogs?
Did you know that the American Kennel
Club recognizes three times as many designer dog breeds as
purebreds? It?s true! The AKC recognizes over 160 pure breeds, but
over 500 designer dog breeds.
Some popular examples include:
- Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle)
- Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle)
- Puggle (Pug + Beagle)
- Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Bichon Frise)
- Maltipoo (Maltese + Poodle)
- Chiweenie (Chihuahua + Dachshund)
- Chorkie (Chihuahua + Yorkshire Terrier)
- Shihpoo (Shih Tzu + Toy Poodle)
Plenty of celebrities are lining up to get their paws on a
designer dog. Jennifer Aniston and Tiger Woods both own
Labradoodles, Miley Cyrus and Ellen Degeneres love their Maltipoos,
and Jake Gyllenhaal and Uma Thurman both fell in love with the
Puggle.
What about you? Which designer dog would you like to bring home?
Leave a comment below and let us know!
Designer Dog Breeds Infographic
Are you looking for a new puppy this holiday season? You'll have lots of options!Did you know that dogs are one of the most diverse species on the planet? Thanks to a few thousand years of human influence, man's best friend has been bred for all sorts of traits, from fearless hunters to irresistible lapdogs. Take a look at our infographic on designer dog breeds!Want more information on dog breeds? Find out what the
are, and
how to know if a male or female dog might be best for your family
.If you're looking for a new pal this holiday season, don't forget to check your local adoption center. Designer breeds may be exactly your style, but mixed breeds and mutts looking for a second chance may be perfect for you, too!
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