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Dogs by design is not a new concept. In fact every pup today can lay claim to the designer doggie hall of fame.

Selective breeding has been going on as early as 7,000 BC with the domestication and refining of a desert wolf (C.I. arabis) to create the Saluki, a fast and hearty hunting dog.

Today, our most popular breeds such as Labradors and Poodles have lineages that go back for centuries.

It's about time to shake things up a bit.

Other than creating adorable, fun loving, and trendy pooches there are practical reasons for designing new dog breeds.

1)There is hope that the dog will carry all the good traits and none of the bad.

Puggles, a mix between Pugs and Beagles allows the breed to breathe easier than its smooched nosed cousin, and you get a beagle look with a laid back attitude.

However, find a reputable breeder because these mixes are still in the experimental stage you could end up with all the bad traits.

2)There is an effort to create a low shed dog.

I love Poodles. They don't shed, and they're highly trainable.

My husband doesn't like them no matter how I've tried to disguise them. But...a Poodle in a Black Lab's body catered to his muchismo.

Low shed dogs like Labradoddles make a fine pet for any home, but low shed doesn't always mean they won't cause an allergy flare up, so do some research on both allergies and dogs before you commit.

3)There is a desire to eliminate both health and shedding issues.

How's this for the perfect dog. Introducing, the Shepradoddle!

It will be a fine day when the words hip dysplasia and blow outs are eradicated from the large breed dictionary, especially when it come to the German Shepherd.

A responsible breeder will have done genetic screening on the puppy's parents for breed specific health problems. It's your rite to ask for proof.

Designer dogs can make a difference in the lives of dogs, because people who want dogs for family pets will get dogs bred for that purpose, people who want a working dog will stick to purebred stocks designed for their work type, and hopefully breeders will produce high quality in both arenas.

When choosing a Designer Dog Breed look at the characteristics of the parent breed because good or bad traits can follow you home.

However, it's your efforts in training and health care maintenance that will ultimately determine your pup's behavior and well being so find a vet and invest in a good training manual and read it before you buy.

So, are you thinking of getting in the mix?

Try these Designer Dogs on for size, temperament and shedability.

Shorkie ( Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier),

Schnorkie ( Miniature Schnauzer and Yorkie),

Malt-A-Poo ( Maltese and Poodle)
Poochon (Bichon Frise and Poodle),
Wapoo (Chihuahua and Poodle)
Golden Doodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle)

Works:

http://members.tr ipod.com/~SalukiHO/earlyman.ht ml

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/s tory?section=special_coverage& id=3873987

http://www.dog-breed -facts.com/articles/The-New-De signer-Dogs.html

A Simple Guide to Puppies/ Stacy Kennedy/ 2000T.F.H. Publications, Inc.

Learn more about this author, Sangay Glass.
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