DESIGNER DOGS

By Bailey McIndoe

WHAT IS A DESIGNER DOG?

Hybrid dogs: Controlled cross-breeding

between two purebreds for desirable traits.

The Name ‘Designer Dog’ come from media

terminology due to the amount of interest from

celebrities for theses hybrid dogs

Labradoodle

Labrador Retriever crossed with a Standard or miniature poodle to create the desirable traits of low sheading coat (Poodle) and the trainability of the Labrador.

Labrador retriever Poodle

THE PURPOSE OF DESIGNER DOG’S

Knowing the two purebred’s genes, we can determine

traits either for that will be present in the ‘Designer

Dogs’, the offspring . These traits are desirable for many

reason

e.g Labradoodle: Low Sheading hypoallergenic coat of

the poodle but with the loyalty and training abilities of a

Labrador. Ideal for a family with Certain Health problems

i.e.: Hay fever

HOW IT ALL WORKS

Not all designer dogs are bred 50%

purebred of each parent.

To gain particular traits it may be

necessary to do multi-generation

crosses. This is a common practise.

To sum things up:

Purebred-A x Purebred-B = F1 Hybrid Dog

F1 x Purebred-A = F1b Hybrid Dog

F1 x F1 = F2 Hybrid Dog

F1 x F1b = F2b Hybrid Dog

F2 x F2 = F3 Hybrid Dog

PROS FOR DESIGNER DOGS:

Variety

Allergy friendly

Hybrid Vigour (less chance of genetic

defects)

Behaviour specific to suit peoples lifestyle

CONS FOR DESIGNER DOGS:

Expensive

Chance of offspring not developing the

desirable traits

Health Issues

ETHICAL ISSUES:

Puppy Mills

Health Issues

Buy a dog just for a trend

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urVHT0afjlI

REFERENCES:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/01/

0115_040115_tvdesignerdogs.html

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/designerdogs.htm

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/exploring

-the-pros-and-cons-of-designer-dogs.html

QUESTIONS