The Truth About “Designer Dogs”
Below is a story from today’s Chicago Tribune about the hidden ailments and issues behind designer dogs. Puppy Mills are pumping out these very expensive and in demand dogs at the expense of humane treatment, genetics and health. And you don’t need to spend a fortune by buying from and supporting these people - there’s plenty of them in the shelters when people expect the perfect dog (or something that doesn’t need any time or attention) and don’t get it. Read on…
Not all cute and cuddly in land of ‘designer dogs,’ humane society says
‘Designer’ offspring of purebreds are at risk of being exploited as are their owners, Humane Society says
By Melissa Patterson, Chicago Tribune reporter
The puggles, maltepoos and labradoodles scampering along Chicago streets are bred to be cute and customizable, pet industry experts say.
Labradoodles (Labrador/Poodle Mix)
But these high-priced “designer dogs” are also increasingly exploited by abusive breeders at puppy mills and unscrupulous sellers, leading to more sick puppies and unhappy owners, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
Made fashionable by celebrities like Jake Gyllenhaal and Jessica Simpson, hybrid puppies—the offspring of two purebreds—often go for more money than purebreds, which can range from $200 to $2,000 per dog.
Maltepoo/Maltipoo (Maltese/Poodle mix)
Hybrid puppy breeding operations are cropping up in rural areas from Pennsylvania to Kansas, animal advocates say. But a hot spot for hybrid owners, said pet industry insider Laura Bennett, is much closer to home.
“Urban areas—the Chicagos and the New Yorks and the L.A.s and the San Franciscos”—are where wealthier clientele prefer custom-made puppies, which are often bred for non-shedding coats, compact size and friendly disposition, said Bennett, pet blogger and CEO of Embrace Pet Insurance.
But owning a designer dog can come at a price beyond the original cost.
Tracy Mattes of Woodridge fell in love with her cockapoo Jake through a cage at a Downers Grove pet shop in 2005. But by 2006, Mattes discovered her puppy had a myriad of serious and costly health problems, including severe allergies, a juvenile cataract, a digit on his paw that needed to be removed and a kneecap that popped out of place.
“His veterinarian bills are through the roof,” she said.
Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle mix)
On top of Jake’s almost $700 price tag, Mattes estimates she’s spent more than $6,000 in surgeries and other vet care. Three-year-old Jake takes two medications per day and requires at least once-a-month vet checkups.
Puppies bought from pet stores or Internet breeders are much more likely to have been born in a puppy mill and therefore develop health problems, said Kathleen Summers, deputy director of the society’s Stop Puppy Mills campaign.
The Humane Society estimates there are about 10,000 puppy mills nationwide.
Puggle (Pug/Beagle mix)
But Erika Burklow, manager at Happiness is Pets in Orland Park, disputed the assertion that pet-store puppies have been abused. Her store’s owners hand-pick their puppies from private owners, keep records of genealogy and licensing, and offer warranties against certain health issues, she said.
“In general, you’ll hear the vet . . . say go the pound and get yourself a mutt ’cause you’re probably going to be better off with it,” veterinarian Derrick Landini said.
Local animal shelters
One Response to “The Truth About “Designer Dogs””
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It’s a fact that “Designer dog” sales are now outstripping those of purebreds. I think this is largely because all the scientific research show mutts live longer and healthier lives than purebreds.
Most people just want a happy, healthy family pet. Say “Boxer” and they think heart disease; say “Golden Retriever” and they think hip dysplasia. The incidence and severity of inherited diseases increases every year, and yet breeders continue as they’ve always done, with outdated practices that continuously limit genetic diversity.
Certainly their are puppy mills that have jumped on to the “Designer Dog” band wagon purely to make a profit. But this has happened with popular purebreds in the past (Dalmatians and Miniature Schnauzers are a couple that spring to mind). Puppy mills will breed whatever makes them the most money: purebred, hybrid, small white fluffy; they don’t care. They breed what sells.
However, there are also many dedicated hybrid breeders whose main aim is to produce healthy dogs, without the genetic problems that have plagued many purebreds. They aren’t wanting to compete with purebreds; these aren’t show dogs, or new “breeds”. Many families have known the heartbreak of losing a beloved dog because of genetic problems, and these breeders simply want to provide healthy, happy family pets.
If purebred breeders are really interested in doing something about “designer dogs”, they need to first take action to improve the health of their own chosen breeds.