by Kimberlee King

Created on: April 20, 2009   Last Updated: April 21, 2009

Labradoodles, schnoodles, puggles, poochons, yorkie-poos; with names like these who can resist them? In person most of them are even cuter then their names.There is a misconception that people are just trying to make a buck off of accidental mix breed pairings, while certainly that may be true in some cases designer dogs are actually much more than that. The term designer dogs makes you think that these dogs are being bred just because they sound like a cute fashion accessory but actually designer dogs are being bred in an attempt to bring together the best traits of certain dogs and blend them with the desired traits of another purebred dog. Designer dogs are also rumored to have less health problems than their purebred parents. Interested in owning one of these designer dogs? Read on for some questions you should ask first.

The most important step when considering buying a designer dog is DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Figure out which traits you would like your dog to have and also which purebred dogs have them. Maltepoos are feisty and outgoing, Labradoodles are devoted and playful but also have an independent side. Puggles are known to have fewer breathing problems than their parent pug but also lack their beagle parents typical howl making them a terrific choice in a designer dog. Taking your time to do enough research before adding a designer dog to your family is well worth your efforts.

Locate a breeder either locally or online. Check references to make sure they are a reputable breeder. Designers should be a cross only between two purebred lines so you want to make sure this is the case. A yorkie-poo bred to another yorkie-poo is no longer a designer dog it is now just a mixed breed mutt. Ask the prospective breeder for proof that the parent dogs have been screened for health problems since this the absence of these is one of the main reasons designer dogs are being bred. Also visit with the parents to make sure they are not overly aggressive or timid.

Consider the expense. You would think designer dogs would be less expensive than purebred dogs but that is not the case, they are actually more costly mainly because they're said to be less common and have more desirable qualities than their purebred parents. An example is a purebred standard poodle that sells for around $900 but its designer dog descendant the goldendoodle can fetch prices up to $1500 because of it's non-shedding reputation. So be prepared to lay out a little more cash in your quest for the designer super dog.

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