Just because your Affenpoo, Foxy Russell, Labradinger, or Pomeagle has a fancy-sounding name doesn’t mean it’s a purebred dog. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. A designer dog is not a purebred, and charging $1,000 or more for a mutt with a catchy name borders on fraud, damaging the world of purebred dog breeding.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a purebred dog as:
“Of or belonging to a recognized strain established by breeding individuals of unmixed lineage over many generations.”
These dogs come from a line of breeding stock registered with a recognized kennel club and conform to the breed’s ‘ideal.’ The breed ideal is a detailed list of specific characteristics, including physical appearance and temperament.
Wikipedia defines crossbred dogs as:
“Crossbred dogs (first-generation crosses of two purebred dogs, also called dog hybrids) are not breeds and are not considered purebred, although crossbreds from the same two breeds of purebreds can have ‘identical qualities,’ similar to what would be expected from breeding two purebreds, but with more genetic variation.”
“However, crossbreds do not breed true (meaning that progeny will show consistent, replicable, and predictable characteristics) and can only be reproduced by returning to the two purebred breeds.”
For a new breed to be considered for registration by a reputable kennel club, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), the progeny must breed true for at least five generations, often more.
Understanding Designer Dogs
Designer dogs are crosses between two purebred dogs. They are unregistered with a kennel club and rarely come with a health or temperament guarantee from the breeder. Little effort is made to balance hereditary markers or temperament issues when selecting specific breeds, and health screening of the dog or bitch is minimal.
Reputable breeders of registered purebred dogs breed for the love and betterment of a breed. They often have a background in conformation shows or dog sports, and their dogs uphold breed characteristics while being excellent examples of their specific breed. The breeding stock is health-screened, and careful thought is given to pedigrees and whether ‘line breeding’ or ‘out breeding’ is best for the progeny.
Breeders and the media have fueled the ‘designer dog’ phenomenon. The double-barreled, cutesy names attract the purse-dog crowd, exacerbating the pet overpopulation problem. In truth, these breeders are selling what would have been called a mutt less than a decade ago, often without considering the consequences of their actions.
Designer Dog Owners Beware!
Disreputable purebred registries may register designer breeds and provide what appears to be a pedigree for a litter, often at a higher price per pup as a buyer ‘option.’ However, breeders are not permitted to charge extra for a registered puppy compared to an unregistered one. Organizations like the AKC or CKC will fine breeders for this practice.
Due to the lack of a governing body, there’s uncertainty about what you’re actually bringing home. The Foxy Russell puppy you purchased could be a Fox Terrier bred with a Pointer. What should be an apartment-sized dog under 15 pounds might grow into a tall, lanky sporting dog. Without a contract or guarantee, there’s no compensation for your heartache if you must rehome your pet or move.
The bottom line? Your designer dog is not a purebred. A purebred dog is registered with a reputable kennel club, comes with proof of parentage, and typically includes a contract and guarantee. Anything less contributes to the pet overpopulation crisis and supports puppy mills.
Instead of buying an overpriced mutt, visit your local shelter and adopt a dog in need. Don’t contribute to the problem—make a difference.
