2008.07.29
Dogs by design
In today's Roanoke Times' Extra section is a story about designer dogs: hybrids of two purebred breeds crossed to make litters of puppies with desired characteristics, size and appearance.
Many of these popular pooches are mixes with poodles: Labradoodles, like the one in this picture, cockapoos, Yorkiepoos, etc., hoping that the thick, curly coat of the poodle, which is less likely to shed, will pass along to the puppies. This is an attractive option for people with allergies who yearn to have a dog.
All dogs shed. While it is true that poodles and other breeds with curly, wiry hair shed less and thus leave less dander, it can’t be completely eliminated because the dog is alive and hair and skin naturally sloughs off.
And dogs drool, folks (I am thinking about the dog in the movie "Turner and Hooch"). Some less than others, but they will drool as long as they have saliva.
Another by-product of the doggy-by-design business is the exploitation of the dogs in commercial puppy mills, where the dogs are confined, not socialized, and do not receive proper veterinary care.
The owners of many of these expensive dogs end up with even more expensive vet bills when health problems surface and are unhappy with the pups when behavior issues arise.
Nothing new here. You don't want a dog from a puppy mill. Period. The only way to shut down puppy mills is for people to stop financially supporting them when they buy puppies born there, whether they are sold in pet stores or the Internet.
If you really want a purebred or a designer hybrid dog, find a reputable breeder that will allow you to see the parents of the puppy and where the puppy has been raised. Or contact a breed rescue group and give a dog a second chance at a good home.
Or just go to one of the many shelters and find yourself a good, old-fashioned mutt.
There are no guarantees in life. When you buy or adopt a dog, realize there is a certain amount of risk that the dog will have problems and assess how well equipped emotionally and financially you are to handle those problems.
