Is a Hybrid Dog For You?

If you are thinking about getting a puppy, you may be considering a hybrid, also known as a designer dog. In the last several years, hybrids have become very popular. A hybrid by definition is a combination breeding of 2 different pure breed dogs. The fact that the 2 dogs being crossed are pure is why they are not considered mixed breeds or mutts. The idea is to get a dog with the best characteristics of the two separate breeds.

Labradoodle

There is some controversy surrounding hybrid breeding. It has been determined that the first generation breeding of 2 different breeds can produce puppies with superior health and vigor. Vigor in this sense means that the offspring of two pure breed dogs will likely be healthier than the parents. The problem is, if you breed 2 hybrid dogs in order to create a new breed there is a greater chance of genetic health problems. A lot depends on the dominant genes in each of the 2 pure breed dogs. While combining 2 breeds to develop a dog with the best virtues of the parents can be a good thing, it is also possible to end up with a dog with undesired characteristics. For example, if you want a dog that doesn't shed, there is no guarantee that a particular trait will be passed on to the puppy. Also, it is possible that puppies from a single litter will have different combinations of the parents' traits.

Bichonpoo

Designer or hybrid dogs are popular for their looks and desirable traits. They are well suited for companions but the cross-breeding gives no consideration to the original purpose of the breed, such as hunting or working. It may be difficult to find an experienced, reputable breeder of hybrids. Designer dogs are often more expensive than their pure breed parents so you need to be certain about the motives of the breeder.

Puggle

Although not recognized by the American Kennel Club, hybrid owners and breeders have established their own registry. There are currently over 300 cross breed dogs registered and there seems to be no limit to the combinations possible. I understand the appeal of a Labradoodle or a Puggle, but I'm not sure about seemingly random crosses of any and all pure breed dogs.

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Cross Breeding - Mating Dogs of Different Breeds

I am sure you are aware of all the crossbreeds that are available today including probably the most famous being the labradoodle and the Goldendoodle. At first glance the question is why? In most cases, it is to create a breed with some favorable characteristic with others who know why. Let's talk about a few of these mixed breed dogs and why they came about.

I want to start with what is probably the best known highbred the Labradoodle. I am sure that you already know it is a mix of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Because of the poodle influence they can be large or small depending on what size poodle was used for the breeding. They are also in several different colors from yellow, black, brown and even party colored.

The breed was actually first developed by Australian dog breeder Wally Conron in an effort to help a client that had dog allergies. Allergies and people who are allergic to dogs is one of the top reasons people select a labradoodle. From what I understand to be hypoallergenic the dog must be a 3rd generation labradoodle.

The introduction of the Goldendoodle was inspired by the successes of the labradoodle. Breeders started breeding mini size golden doodles by using the smaller poodle and this appealed to many people that wanted a smaller dog. Breeders are determined to produce a non-shedding hypoallergenic dog that can be enjoyed by more people either as a small or larger dog.

The list of the cross bred designer dogs can go on and on but here are a few:

Puggle - Pugg and Beagle

Chiweenie - Chihuahua and Daschund

Maltipoo - Maltese and Poodle

Chorkie - Chihuahua and Yorkshire terrier

Bugg - Pug and Boston Terrier

Wally Conron the Australian breeder who started the designer dog craze back in the late 1980's regrets the fact that he created what he calls a monster. Because of his efforts in breeding the first labradoodles he feels like breeders have gone crazy in their efforts to create more and more cross bred dogs.

Some designer dog breeders feel that they are doing a good job by breeding out bad characteristics from the breeds however other breeders feel that this type of breeding has actually caused more problems.

If you need a particular cross bred dog for a certain characteristic then go ahead and give one of these designer dogs a chance it may just be the perfect dog for you.

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Children Friendly Dogs

I get calls quite often from people wanting to know what would be a great dog to get for the family since they have children. They're looking for a dog that is kid friendly and will make a good addition to the family. Of course, there isn't one particular breed that's the best for everybody but I do have four of them that I usually recommend. Let me tell you about them now.

Let's start off with the Labrador Retriever. To put it simply I love labs. Labs are great dogs and they usually love everybody. The fact that they have a short coat means they are easy for grooming purposes, however keep in mind that they do shed quite a bit.

If you have an active family a lab is a great dog. Labs love going for hikes, long walks and even enjoy all types of water sports. To put it simply when it comes to water labs love to swim.

If you're going to get a Labrador however keep in mind that they are very much puppy like until they reach maturity at approximately 2 ½ to 3 years of age.

Second on my list of favorite dogs is the Golden Retriever. Goldens are a little bit calmer I believe than the average Labrador. However both the Labrador and the Golden make excellent obedience dogs and are easy to train. Because of their longer coat Goldens do require more grooming but it's definitely not that difficult.

If you have somebody in the family who's allergic to dogs then the best choice for you may be a Goldendoodle or a Labradoodle.  

Just like their  name implies they are a combination of either a Golden and a Poodle or Labrador and a Poodle. They come in various sizes and colors depending on the size and color of the Poodle.

If you're getting a Doodle because of the hypoallergenic benefits make sure you get a dog that is at least a third generation in order to reap those benefits.

So far everything we've talked about has been a large dog so I want to give you one dog that is smaller if that's what you and your family are looking for. I think the dog that's perfect for kids and will really make them laugh is the Pug. 

Yes Pugs come in two colors black and fawn, their small and are meant to be lapdogs. They're very loving and are easily trained. So if a small dog for the kids is what you're looking for I think the pug would be an excellent choice.

The four breeds that I've mentioned here are certainly not the only breeds that are good for kids however they are dogs that I've had experience with. When it's time to get that new dog for the kids do some research on Google and find the one that you think would fit with your family the best.

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Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds For Allergic People

There are a number of hypoallergenic dog breeds for allergic people that will be perfect for you and your family. Some people are allergic to the dander (flakes of dead skin), as well as the saliva and urine.

Here are some dog breeds that can be in your home if you are allergic. I am sure you will be find a companion for you.

Afghan Hound

The Afghan is the aristocrat of the dog breeds. He has an aloofness about him. This is a dog that needs attention and cannot be left unsupervised for long periods of time.

He is social with other dogs if he has been socialized as a puppy. He is a hunter and can hunt smaller pets. He needs a lot space so an apartments life is not for him. He needs to be exercised daily. These dogs need a gentle leader that will always take the lead.

Bichon Frise

This is an amazing family pet. He has such a cute teddy bear face and is great with children. He loves to play and is very sociable, they are always happy and are very gentle.

The only draw back is that they do suffer from separation anxiety and cannot go for long periods of time on their own. So if you are going to be away for long periods at time, this dog is not for you.

The Bichon is a very active dog and they do need a lot of exercise as they are normally high energy dogs. They will love walks and playing with you.

Labradoodle

This beautiful crossbreed is intelligent, friendly, and affectionate towards people and other dogs. This breed does not shed but does require grooming about every 6 weeks. At eight weeks old, your puppy is ready to do some training,

Start your training at this age and not older as they then become more headstrong, start taking him to puppy kindergarten class between 10 to 12 weeks if you can.

When it comes to grooming these are high maintenance dogs and needs to be brushed at least every second day with a slicker brush. Keep their ears dry and clean as they are prone to ear infections.

Xoloitzcuintli

You do pronounce it as "show-low-eats-queent-lee." This dog has also been called the Mexican Hairless. They grow to 1 foot, 6 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the shoulder.

If you are a first time dog owner I would not suggest that you get this breed of dog as they do need a lot attention and hate being alone. They love being with the family but are somewhat intolerant towards other dogs.

They are easy to train as they are intelligent, but are barkers and if left to do their own thing they could wander off.

There are a lot of families missing out on knowing what it is to have a dog love you and you loving it right back. However there are dog breeds out there for those who love dogs but are allergic to dander. Come and see a few breeds that could share your home.

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