"Designer" Breeds and Poor Information

While I am usually an avid Sunrise (Channel 7's Breakfast TV Program) viewer I was absolutely disgusted to read the absolute trollup published by 'Sunrise Vet Rachele Lowe' on the Sunrise programs web page (http://seven.com.au/sunrise/fact_061127_dogs). I quote:

Spoodles

The spoodle has dishevelled blonde locks, big dark eyes and puppy-like enthusiasm. The spoodle is one of the new types of designer dogs. These are crosses between purebred dogs aimed at producing better pets. Purebred dogs are bred for show competition and increasingly they have developed body and temperament problems due to emphasis on breeding show attributes at the expense of basic pet qualities. Designer dogs represent a vast improvement for the pet owner. They are cheaper to own and much more fun for the family. They are also safer with the kids. Spoodles have parent-breeds who love humans and attention, and they have a double dose. This dog needs to be included with family activities and have regular exercise. Training is important and may be challenging for individual dogs.

Firstly 'aimed at producing better pets' is rubbish. Designer dogs are generally produced by poor, unregulated breeding practices aimed to make a quick buck rather than 'improve' or create better pets. While I will admit there are a few designer breeders trying to achieve a breed standard and have the breed officially recognised by Canine associations this is still a while off.

'breeding show attributes at the expense of basic pet qualities' is utter rubbish. For a respected registered breeder of purbreed dogs temperament is at the very least equal in desirability to confirmation.

'Designer dogs represent a vast improvement for the pet owner' I cannot see evidence in this artical or anywhere else to support this claim.

'They are cheaper to own and much more fun for the family' usually not at all cheaper. I often see designer breeds offered in pet shops for upwards of $1500. No papers, no pedigree and no vet checks.

'They are also safer with the kids.' There is absolutely no evidence to support this claim. In actual fact choosing a purebreed dog is more likely to achieve this aim, as you can establish, to a certain degree the temperament of a dog by its parentage. A designer breed is a lucky dip. This of course may change in the future if any of these breeds ever acheive recognition by Canine councils, although that looks unlikely for most of the designer dogs as they are still a long way for any sort of 'breed standard'.

I am not saying don't buy a designer dog. If that what you are after, and you will provide a solid family for the dog then I am all in favour of it. But please:

• Don't buy from a pet shop as this encourages undesirable practises from backyard breeders.
• Don't believe you are getting anything special and certainly don't pay extra for it. You are, after all getting a Poodle X.
• Do some research on the breeder, question them on why they chose their breeding stock.
• Always view the parents,
• Join a local dog club, so you can train the dog and both your lives will be much happier.

Lastly, please keep the above points in mind if you are looking at getting a new dog, and don't believe the utter rubbish some TV presenters would have you believe. Do your own research, go to some dog shows - not just confirmation, but agility, fly ball and the like, and speak with breeders. Most of them would be more than happy to have a chat about their breeding practises and most importantly why they breed dogs.