Designer dogs have become the new trend both in and outside of Hollywood. Since their arrival on shows like Good Morning America and The Today Show, these pets have become the hottest thing around, with many A-list celebrities standing in line to pick theirs out. These new breeds of dogs have become little more than little furry status symbols, with everyone fighting to be the first to own one.
Designer dogs are created by the mating of two purebred dogs of different breeds. These new breeds of dogs often lack the flaws of the individual breeds, while keeping all the cuteness and desirable qualities. For instance, a puggle is a mix between a beagle and a pug, lacking the bulging eyes and stubbornness of its parents, while staying just as adorable. Some of these designer dogs also boast even temperaments and allergen-free fur, which is a big plus for people who have children or allergies. Puggles and other breeds – such as labradoodles, a mix of a poodle and a Labrador retriever, and schnoodles, a miniature schnauzer and poodle mix – are the newest status symbols among celebrities, and the waiting lists for the top breeders can be full for up to a year or more.
Just like designer jeans and jewelry, which are also marketed to the rich and famous, these designer pups do not come at a small price. Prices for these mixed breeds start around $900, and can often go up to $2,000 for dogs from the best breeders. Celebrities are not the only ones love-struck by these pooches; many middle class families have taken to purchasing their own designer pups, a new way of keeping up with the Joneses, as it were. Although these dogs will never be pedigreed animals, they can currently be registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).
What is the difference between a designer dog and a mutt? With mutts, the bloodlines of the animal can’t be traced, whereas with designer dogs, both parents are known, and the dog may even come from champion bloodlines. There has been some controversy surrounding these mixed breeds lately. Some believe that people are buying the dogs just to say they own a designer dog, and then dumping them when the dogs turn out to be less than they expected. Others believe that it is wrong to be breeding more mixed breed animals when there are many of the same mixes in the shelters.
Even with the high price tags and lack of pedigree, breeders have found a hot market in designer dogs. Status symbol or not, there is no denying the cuteness of these pups, and their ability to win the hearts of their owners.