Designer dog breeds...

Oh yes, Shepadoodles, that caused a bit of furore on a breed forum a few years ago.

Doesn't someone on here have a GSD/OES? Oopsie litter, nice looking chap, no silly names, and I really liked the look of the dam from the picture posted. I did think that was the ultimate in 'entente cordiale' crossbreeding!!! (That's not an endorsement BTW :p)
 
Really interesting thread. When we were looking for a dog we wanted a 'mutt', heinz 57 etc etc. It appears that you have to be in the inner circle to find a 'mutt'/ heinz 57 these days. Or I guess they are just all given crazy names now to make people want them more? We ended up with a Staffie and 7yrs later I would never have anything else!!
 
I don't object to any breed or breeding, but I do think it is important for people who are breeding to health test parents, both when breeding pedigree or crossbreed. Some of the best terriers I have had have been cross breeds and they have proved themselves to be fantastic dogs.

I don't go in for poos, I think they are a horrific cross and labrodoodles in particular are absolutely vile to look at, whoever would pay decent money for such a crossbreed needs their head testing IMO.

We have working dogs for shooting, and I am confident that in all the years breeders have been breeding pedigree working dogs there is no crossbreed on offer who can do the job better. A poodle in its own right is an excellent working dog, as is a Labrador and I just cannot understand how anyone could think by crossing them they can have a better working example of either.

I suppose I am more opposed to breeding for the sake of a ridiculous name and an equally stupid price tag. It insults breeders who have a thorough understanding of genetics and offer a pedigree for a lower price.
 
I think, and please enlighten me if i am incorrect but the Labradoodle was originally brought about by the Guide dogs for the blind association. They wanted a dog that had the trainability of the labrador but also non shedding for people who were blind and had an allergy to pet hair. I can vaguely remember the news about it, quite a long time ago. However, they are experts in breeding good, healthy dogs. The general public jumped on the band wagon (so to speak) and started crossing all sorts of dogs. Why they can command such high prices is a mystery to me though.
 
california dreaming said:
I think, and please enlighten me if i am incorrect but the Labradoodle was originally brought about by the Guide dogs for the blind association. They wanted a dog that had the trainability of the labrador but also non shedding for people who were blind and had an allergy to pet hair. I can vaguely remember the news about it, quite a long time ago. However, they are experts in breeding good, healthy dogs. The general public jumped on the band wagon (so to speak) and started crossing all sorts of dogs. Why they can command such high prices is a mystery to me though.
Click to expand...

It was an Australian experiment that failed but puppy farmers cottoned on the the marketing gimmick. If you google Wally Conran you will find out he regrets the roller coaster he set in motion. Out of twelve puppies only one worked out & only three had thehypoallergenic coat they were seeking. In most parts of teh world hypoallergenic breeds exist that can do the job of a guide dog. I know of curly coats & std poodles that work. Their were no suitably large poodles available in that part of Australia hence the cross with a pet male poodle - no selection just a poodle that was handy.
 
One of the beauties of mongrels is that they are (well used to be) free! I have a lovely mutt, a JRT x cocker. She was free to a good home. Can I now describe her as a valuable Cocker Russell?
 
Our own dear Queen is a designer dog breeder: crossing Corgis with Dachshunds, to create a Dorgi. Not sure about that temperament mix, though. I used to own a Corgi, who was the sweetest girl. But they are famous for being snappy. And the only dog that's ever bitten me was a Dachshund.
 
We have an "accidental" schnoodle (schnauzer x poodle) and she's a brilliant dog. So well behaved but full of character. We had her given to us. I guess our other dog a jrtx form rescue kennels could be described as a jack spaniels! The maddest dog ever.
 
MiniMilton said:
One of the beauties of mongrels is that they are (well used to be) free! I have a lovely mutt, a JRT x cocker. She was free to a good home. Can I now describe her as a valuable Cocker Russell?
Click to expand...

Crikey, no! That's nowhere near funny enough. She'd have to be a JackCock or a CockRuss, no one would buy a Cocker Russell as it sounds too sane :D

My problem with most of these designer breeds is this. They aren't usually bred for breed characteristics, they're usually bred for the funniest name possible, so that the gullible will hand over hundreds.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top