Golden Retriever + Poodle = Goldendoodle A low shedding, family oriented hybrid	Chihuahua+Poodle=Chipoo A unique, loveable companion
Make a Page for Your Mixed Breed (It only takes a few minutes!)	Make a page for your designer dog (It only takes a few minutes!)

About Mixed Breeds (a.k.a "Lovable Mutts")

Our dogs come to all of us from around the world, and we accept them, whether they are purebred, mixed breed or hybrid. In fact, many mixed breed dogs are difficult to know exactly what their background is, but we love them all the same. A dog is considered to be a mixed breed dog if it has multiple breeds within its genetic structure. It is even possible for a litter of pups to be sired by two different fathers with some puppies sharing one father's DNA and the remainder sharing the second father's DNA.
In general, mixed breed dogs offer significantly less predictability in terms of size, temperament, behavior and activity level, particularly where the breed type is unknown. When getting a mixed breed pup, many of these factors are uncertain if the origins are unknown, so be ready to learn as you go with your new pup. Some believe that mixed breed dogs are prone to less health problems, as there is a broader, more diverse gene pool. To date, there is no scientific evidence to support this opinion shared by many.

About Designer Dogs

"Designer" is simply a term coined by some breeders to represent intentional cross breeding of purebred dogs of two different breeds to create a hybrid . The hybrid can genetically pick up the characteristics of both parental breeds and their ancestry. Hybrids are recognized by many reputable kennel clubs around the world but is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. AKC is strictly for the registry of purebred dogs. While there is alot of controversy over the internet about the intentional breeding of two purebred dogs of two different breeds, by fanatic purebred dog fanciers, the controversy occurs for lack of clear distinction and understanding of the reasoning for creating hybrids. Many purebred dogs have numerous health issues due to what is termed a "genetic bottleneck". A "genetic bottleneck" occurs when a breeder does not look to outside genes when creating a litter and instead created a litter from dogs who are too closely related to each other. Hybrids are less prone to genetic health issues if they are not inbred, backbred or coming from two parents who are closely related. The hybrid dog has exploded in popularity mainly because of the shedding and health issues that come with so many purebred dogs. Many people today suffer from allergies, which is why they seek a canine that they can comfortably live with. While some purebred dog fanciers' argument is that breeders are causing shelters to overflow with unwanted animals, that is quite the contrary. Hybrid dogs have exploded in popularity and are intentionally sought after by those who are seeking a low shedding dog or from those who have mild allergy issues and can't handle dog hair all over their home. There are more purebred dogs in animal shelters today, than hybrid dogs.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

While some breeders boast they create "non-shedding" or "hypoallergenic" dogs because they have created a hybrid dog, there is no such thing as a non-shedding canine or one that is hypoallergenic. Breeders of hybrid dogs CAN NOT guarantee the buyer a non shedding, hypoallergenic dog. Breeders can not guarantee successful hybrid ownership either. Many hybrid breeders are also back-breeding, in-breeding and line-breeding their hybrid dogs claiming the offspring is "non shedding", "hypoallergenic" and healthier than the first generation hybrid. It is important to know that regardless of how much a canine is inbred, backbred or linebred, all dogs shed to one degree or another. All living things shed. Offspring with a limited gene pool (which is what happens to multi-generation hybrids) also causes them to be at a higher risk for genetic flaws or health issues, to include the possibility of having undesireable personality traits. When a breeder does not use breeding dogs who are not too closely related, they create what is called a genetic bottle neck with the offspring. The breeder's lack of desire to use dogs with different genetic backgrounds is what causes the offspring to have a limited gene pool and further increasing the genetic risks. Such terms as "F1B" etc means the hybrid has been created by backbreeding to another related dog.

If a mixed breed or hybrid dog is not your cup of tea, there are purebred dogs that are considered to be low shedding. Breeds such as the Bichon, Lhasa Apso, Miniaure Schnauzer, Wheaten Terrier and Poodle are all considered to be low shedding and low dander dogs.

While there are many purebred canine with short coats, all dogs shed to some degree regardless of coat type. Some more than others. All canine mixed with a purebred Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer and Lhasa Apso are considered to be low shedding and low allergen dogs if you are seeking a hybrid. Its difficult to know how much or how little a mixed breed dog will shed because there is a variety of various breeds within its genetic DNA structure.

The appearance of mixed breed or hybrid dogs will vary depending upon the actual genetic makeup of the dog in question. Sizes will vary in any given litter with hybrid as well as mixed breed dogs. Hybrids are not actually defined in size categories because as with mixed breed canine, offspring can range in various sizes in any given litter regardless of the size of the parents. Their entire lineage plays a one hundred percent role in defining their size. Regardless of what sort of dog you are seeking as your constant companion, dogs whether mixed, hybrid or purebred enjoy human companionship and love to be loved. Many shelter dogs would make a terrific family pet, if given the chance and all should be considered for adoption if the shelter has concluded they are adoptable. Unfortunately many shelter dogs come from owners who have abused, neglected or abandoned them and trust may be an issue with dogs who come from shelters, which is completely understandable. Given time, love, patience and the ability to trust their human friends again, shelter dogs can make a big contribution to any family home.

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