by Angie Pollock

Created on: March 23, 2009

Whether they are called hybrid dogs, designer dogs, or experimental breeds, these dogs are creating controversy to not only purebred dog breeders but those who advocate adopting homeless animals. A hybrid breed has been compared to nothing more than a "mutt" however; a true hybrid or "designer" dog is created from pedigree parents.

Some of these hybrids have been popular for quite some time like the Cockapoo, Puggle, and Labradoodle. With such adorable names, who can resist purchasing one of these experimental breeds? With the popularity of these hybrids growing, numerous breeders are jumping on the designer-dog bandwagon leaving many wondering when will the experimentation end.

Pure-bred dog breeders state that these hybrid breeders are creating mutts from dogs that have been cherished for decades. While this case holds some merit, breeders of pedigree dogs must remember that their breeds began from cross-breeding also. Beagles originate from the Harrier and other English hounds while the Poodle is believed to be a descendent of the Barbet. And some of these pedigree dogs have histories and origins that are not fully known.

Another concern arising around these designer dogs is the creation of hybrids that have health issues. This argument holds value but again there are many pedigree lines that also have health concerns. From the tiny Dachshund that is prone to spinal problems, heart disease, urinary tract infections, and diabetes to the large Great Dane that is known for hip dysplasia, bloat, and a short lifespan, these pure breeds are not always perfect.

Hybrid breeders believe that by continuing with these new breeds, some of these health conditions can be bred out of the pure breeds. Although, there is no doubt that several of these designer dog breeds are being created for monetary gain as some of these hybrids can cost as much if not more than an AKC registered breed.

Those who support adopting dogs from shelters are dumbfounded as to why anyone would spend hundreds of dollars on a cross breed. But even before the controversy of hybrids was an issue, these supporters also advocated the adoption of homeless dogs rather than buying pedigree dogs. Now their job is made much more difficult with this new type of fashionable pet. Both hybrids and purebred dogs are a concern for pet rescues and the thousands of volunteers who spend countless hours trying to find new placements for homeless pets.

From the perspective of those who have purchased hybrids, it is

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