Designer dog Breeds.
By Candice Botha

Generaly people used to call them "mongrels'', ''mutts'', "bracks" or any other word used in your part of the world. These dog breeds used to be the result of mostly accidental crossbreeding, but nowadays they are called "Designer Dogs" and are generally cross bred on purpose, in order to achieve certain characteristics or features.  

There are already over 800 different dog breeds listed by Kennel Clubs around the world. Most of the worlds people have at one stage or the other owned a dog of dubious breeding. Now there is the deliberate crossbreeding taking place which is creating a whole new generation of dog breeds. 

These new breeding practices have produced with some highly valued traits and temperaments and many of today's top celebrities such as Britney spears and Paris Hilton, are seldom seen without their little dogs, which are more of a fashion accessory than a pet. 

But what's so great about these dogs?

These are "designed" specifically to portray certain characteristics, wether they be physical or temperamental.  People who own of mixed parentage say their have better personalities.

Purebreds are all a result of some form of selective breeding; however these designer breeds are not. All come from some intertwining however purebred is a more trusted source. People have been domesticating and adding small changes to them for many  thousands of years by mixing a bit of this and that. 

Purebred is a term used with regard to that have met certain criteria through an established track record. There are a minimum number of generations that must pass through a series of checks for a new variety to become a recognized breed. This is fairly well controlled.

Not everyone  is thrilled about these new designer dogs. There are many kinds of genetic weaknesses that could be introduced into the gene pool. This is quite a scary thought in terms of man's best friend. Imagine if 50 years from now there are no discernible traces of any of the breeds we once knew.

The designer hand bag sized dog that has been made fashionable by Paris Hilton is a turn of the cycle in the fashion world where such were previously the top fashion accessory in the early 1900's. are now often the size of larger rodents. Many celebrities can be seen fussing over their tiny which serve to popularize the idea that these are the latest 'in' thing. What happens when the Fashion swings?

Paris Hilton Got shod of her little doggy. These little are very cute but soon the fashion changes and they become just ordinary little high maintenance pets.

Miniature can develop all kinds of nasty health complications. If their lives are not cut short by their stature they can look forward to a wide range of health problems. Many of which are expensive and painful. 

It is common knowledge amongst experts that the newer mini varieties are irresponsible. You can be almost guaranteed of a sickly dog. Epileptic seizures, birthing problems, dental problems and back problems are just some of the conditions that these tiny are more likely to face.

No decent self respecting breeder would breed down to that size, due to all the health problems and unnecessary suffering it would cause for the poor dog. Usually such breeding practices are a result of selfish material gains that the breeder may receive in the sales of such animals.

What is  wrong with purebred dogs? Aren't there enough variations to choose from already? What is wrong with getting a Maltese if you want Maltese characteristics or a St Bernard if you want full out fun and loveability.
If you are truly a dog and animal lover then surely it would be better to stick to the tried and tested thoroughbreds and to stay away from these poor little fashion that are being bred into misery.