PUREBRED vs. "DESIGNER DOG"
There has been a lot of talk recently about the new "Designer Dogs." You've probably heard of the latest ones: Pugles (Pug X Beagle), Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire Terrier X Poodle), Labradoodle (Labrador X Poodle). Some are now also mixing Havanese with other breeds and think that they are creating a "cute, new and exotic breed." And in many cases, these "Designer Dogs" are selling for unbelievable prices...much more than the purebreds they came from. Sadly, some unscrupulous back yard breeders claim to be breeding "Teacup Havanese" or "Mini Havanese."
There are even claims that these dogs are somehow healthier that their purebred parents, and some that even claim that these new "breeds" will be soon accepted by the AKC.
MYTH AND FOLKLORE
The truth is that all dogs, and for that matter even the mixed breeds, all have health problems. The good news is that veterinary science will continue to identify diseases that occur in the closed gene pools of the purebred breeds. This means that breeders of purebred dogs can continue to work to screen out carriers and those known to be affected with disease. Those who continue to breed mixed breeds , (Labradoodle, etc) have a much different problem. Their pups will carry all of the genetic diseases occurring in each of their ancestral breeds, which on the average will exceed those occurring in purebreds. This makes them a “genetic soup” when it comes to their health and more importantly – temperament, appearance and behavior.
Breeders are expected to know what health problems haunt their breed and particularly those that will cripple, result in death, or cause blindness.
Breeders who deliberately cross breed have a responsibility to the buyers of their pups. With no research to help them reduce disease, temperament and behavior problems they will leave their unsuspecting buyers with large vet bills.
REALITY
In reality, you can find most of these same dogs at your local pound or shelter. They are not "new and exotic breeds" they are cross breeds, and will never be accepted by AKC or UKC, the ONLY two official registries in the United States. It's not a new breed - it's a terrible scam being run by people only interested in making a quick buck.
Please visit this site for great information on this despicable practice: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/poodogs.html