Why I chose to buy a designer dog

Roobear · 09-14-2006, 07:46 PM

I have decided to post my experience in buying and owning a "designer dog". Before I start I have a little disclaimer-please understand I am against puppy mills and I do believe in adoptions and shelters. This story is not meant to cause a fight or debate (which is why I'm posting here instead of the debate area)-I'm not trying to advertise or be an advocate for designer dogs, I just want to tell my story. Oh and it's going to be really long (sorry).

About four years ago I adopted a 9mo old beagle mix named Ronny.
At the time of the adoption the shelter told me he had been temperament tested (which was not true) and was a great dog.

A week after having him I discovered his horrible dog aggression with the first dog he saw outside of the shelter. The problem continued to get worse and I started taking him to a trainer.

She said he was one of the worst she had seen and at the time didn't know if he could be helped. You see he gets so wild that he will actually turn on me when he sees another dog he doesn't know (even from blocks away) and stays upset for up to 20 min after the dog is gone. He'll fight any dog no matter the size and won't back down.

She mentioned putting him down-I said no way, I'll do the work and hopefully it will help. It has but if I don't work with him everyday he reverts back into his problems. Even working with him, I can never trust him around a strange dog ever. It's not his fault; he was probably attacked by dogs while he was a stray.

Feeling bad that he doesn't get allot of socialization I decided to get a second dog that would be smaller than him and someone he could interact with and trust.

I had very specific needs in finding my new dog because of Ronny’s issues. I wanted a 20lb, short hair, easy going temperament dog. I knew it would have to be a puppy so he would accept it better.

None of the shelters in my area have puppies and if they do it's usually a larger mixed breed. One shelter had a small puppy but there was no way to tell how big the puppy would get because they didn't know what the dogs breed make up was.

So I started looking into purebreds-I read books on short haired terriers like the Boston, the Patterdale and a few other short haired small dogs and most would refer to "being territorial" or "getting bored and starting fights with other dogs" or "being better as a one family dog" except when I came to the pug.

So I had picked out my dog-the purebred pug. I found a breeder locally that only bred a couple times a year and had purebred pugs that had AKC papers and had been checked out medically for breeding.

I had to sign papers before I purchased a puppy that said I would give the dog back to her and never a shelter if there were any problems medically or behavior wise. She was concerned about any of her puppies ending up in a kill shelter.

At the time she had a litter of puggles as well as pugs. I picked a puggle because her puggles were 300.00 (half the price of her pugs). I knew about beagles because I own one and I had read about pugs, thinking I was going to get one. I knew about the health issues for both breeds and the temperament of both breeds. I also knew because she was part pug she would not end up as big as my beagle mix.

I didn't care if she was a fad or not or how many celebs own a puggle. My intention was to get the right companion dog for my Ronny. I didn't believe all the hype about designer dogs either-she's a dog of course she's going to shed, hypo allergenic hair?? (once again she's a dog)-I had rough idea of what she would look like (something between a pug and a beagle). Less health problems?? Well as far as I know any dog can have health problems designer dogs included. Even the obvious I knew from the start, she's not a purebred or a new breed-she is a mixed breed that I paid money for. I usually don't refer to her as a puggle or a designer dog when people ask.

Since I have had her (a little over a year) she has been a great dog. She has the best temperament I have ever seen in a dog and she and Ronny get along great. She has her traits like any other dog she's extremely vocal in play, but that's a beagle and I knew that when I got her.

I haven't had a single problem with her but then I did my homework, knew what I was getting, and planned on training and working with her anyways.

Since I have purchased her, my mother decided she wanted a second dog as well-she decided on a puggle and the experience has been good for her also. The trainer she goes to was surprised at how smart her puggle is and has accepted her into the therapy dog training classes. With a little luck she will pass the hard therapy dog qualification test and become a therapy dog.

My experience is only one and I can't account for anyone else's. If I had been looking for my first dog instead of my second I would have adopted. I think that owning both a shelter dog and a designer dog has really opened my eyes to both sides and have made me more aware of the problems that exist with both sides. I don't care what people call her "designer dog", mutt, mixed breed-all I know is that when I see Lola play with Ronny and how happy he seems I don't regret my decision for second.

Crossfire Bulldogs · 09-15-2006, 01:11 AM

While I'm not a fan of breeders purposely mixing breeds ( and never will be ) I am a huge fan of dogs in general and love them all whether they be mix or pure bred.

It sounds to me like you found the perfect friend for Ronny and a dog that has worked well within your family, you went into it without believing all the hype and smoke currently being blown around and kept all the right things in mind when looking for your pet.....a companion, a healthy pup and one of good temperament. In reality isn't that what everyone should be looking for regardless of breed or mix?

Kudos to you for adopting Ronny and for sticking by his side when things got tough.

Best wishes to you and both of your fur kids.

briarlow · 09-15-2006, 08:26 AM

She can't think much of her Pugs though really if she is crossing them. Sorry I don't think a good breeder is someone who mixes two breeds together. If she's worried about health issues then she should ensure that she only uses health tested Pugs.

Got nothing againt accidental crosses but detest oodles, pug crosses etc. Though of course I don't detest the dogs as I love all kinds of dogs.

Glad that the dog was good for you. There's one in the UK that has severe health problems, deaf, blind etc that was looking for a home recently. So much for them being healthier.

mulroony · 09-15-2006, 09:24 AM

Glad you have a couple of great dogs, and two that fit so well together.

Just have a couple comments...

I think you have the wrong idea about temperment testing. I have not seen a temperment test that includes dog agression. In my experience they usually determine that later and a shelter is not the best place to determine a dog's temperment in general.

Second I do not think that lady was an "ethical" breeder (besides the fact she breed mix-breeds) typically you will not find an ethically breed dog for less then $1200 (even pet quality dogs), becausethat is about how much it costs for all the health testing vet visits, etc. Do not fall into the AKC registered trap. This is where the AKC causes more harm then good. People register their dogs with the AKC like it means something and in many cases it does not, it is nothing more then a sales gimic... (I saw 20/20 or dateline or one of those news shows register a dead dog, a cat, and even a child in the AKC so it is not a guarantee of anything)

Sorry fopr preaching, I am really glad you found some great dogs, and that you care about your dogs so much to go through so much trouble for them. I would only ask that if anyone asks you what breed your puggle is you say she is a mutt and we are not sure, because then she will become an ambassador for mix breeds everywhere and not just for "designer" breeds

(I usually ramble off at least 5 breeds that I think Shelby is before people go oh she is a mutt??

)

Camz · 09-15-2006, 10:42 AM

First off, congrats to you on sticking with Ronnie through his issues. Plus, I'm VERY glad you found him such an excellent companion.

With that being said, (Mulrooney, I do agree with you) make sure when a breeder says they do "health tests" you delve a bit deeper into what that exactly means.

To some breeders, a health check is getting their bitch and stud to the vet for a general wellness check before breeding.

Others go quite a bit deeper, and make sure their dogs are CERF and OFA or PENNHIP registered, on top of a blood pannel that tests for things stuch as canine STDs (yes, dogs get 'em too).

Good breeders will follow the latter strategy when breeding. Also, most good breeders won't breed for crosses, because they care too much about their particular breed of dog to want to dilute it.

Of course, you can't show designer dogs, so there is really no way to prove "breedworthiness."

Those would be my concerns.

Once again, however, I am happy that things worked out well for you. How exciting it must be for you to have your canine family life more settled!

calgal · 09-15-2006, 10:49 AM

I bought what I thought was an AKC Pekingese many years ago only to find out about a month later from the Vet. that I had a mix. I went to the breeder and she said yes her Scotty had got to her Pek. but she didn't know it till the people who bought the pups came back to her about it. I know two of the girls went on to breed their females to Peks and actually register them. You just never know what your "really" getting unless it's from a reputable breeder who shows their breeds.
I'm happy your Pug mix turned out to be such a great little dog, but I do know there are many, many dogs out there with great little souls too.

elegy · 09-15-2006, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulroony

Second I do not think that lady was an "ethical" breeder (besides the fact she breed mix-breeds) typically you will not find an ethically breed dog for less then $1200 (even pet quality dogs), becausethat is about how much it costs for all the health testing vet visits, etc.

i don't think that's necessarily true. i think it's probably very breed-dependent. the most responsible amstaff breeder i know sells her pet quality pups for $500. her dogs are all bench and performance titled, OFA hip/elbow/cardiac/patella/thyroid and CERF, and she's got the scariest contract i've ever seen

mulroony · 09-15-2006, 06:07 PM

Elegy - Thanks for that I have not shopped many ethical breeders (not looking for a purebreed) so the few I have that I consider to be ethical have had higher prices. (Although we haven't looked at many breeds, mostly yorkies, and they tend to be a little more expensive breed...)

Maltmom · 09-15-2006, 09:42 PM

Congratulations on rescuing Ronny and doing everything possible to help him be well adjusted.

elegy · 09-16-2006, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mulroony

Elegy - Thanks for that I have not shopped many ethical breeders (not looking for a purebreed) so the few I have that I consider to be ethical have had higher prices. (Although we haven't looked at many breeds, mostly yorkies, and they tend to be a little more expensive breed...)

i nearly went into sticker shock looking at prices for well-bred standard poodles but even they weren't as expensive as i've seen crap-bred labradoodles go for.

i agree that you're not going to get a well-bred dog for $100 out of the paper, but there are horrible breeders who get away with astronomical prices, at least in the pit bull world.

i'm a shelter-dog kind of girl myself, i'll admit. mostly because the idea of puppyhood makes me shudder.

IceyBlueSibes · 09-16-2006, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elegy

i'm a shelter-dog kind of girl myself, i'll admit. mostly because the idea of puppyhood makes me shudder.

LOL

Well I have to admit that I am a shelter-dog kind of girl also. But, I don't mind if it's puppy or adult. I just feel better adopting from a shelter, because you know you have given a dog the best gift they could ask for... a forever home.

I'm glad that you found a great companion for roobear. The pug/beagle mixes have always looked different from each other. I've seen some that look more pug, and others that look more beagle, and the coloring varies from dark red, to light tan, to cream/off white.

dogma · 09-26-2006, 05:59 PM

I applaud you for your efforts to correct your rescue. I also applaud your care and attention to choosing a companion for your family. I also see the value in rescue, and in breeding. A lot of animals need to be rescued. It would be a shame if all dogs became mixes and no true breeds existed anymore. My first Chihuahua was a rescue, one I wasn't looking for, but, I was the only shot out of a horror house she had. I tried to rescue after her passing, but couldn't find Chihuahua's to rescue, and my heart was set on the breed. I truly understand your choice to seek breeders when you couldn't find the size you wanted in shelters. If you spay it shouldn't matter what configuration of dog you got. Thank you for telling us your story.

09-14-2006, 07:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
Roobear Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 42 Rep Power: 45	Why I chose to buy a designer dog I have decided to post my experience in buying and owning a "designer dog". Before I start I have a little disclaimer-please understand I am against puppy mills and I do believe in adoptions and shelters. This story is not meant to cause a fight or debate (which is why I'm posting here instead of the debate area)-I'm not trying to advertise or be an advocate for designer dogs, I just want to tell my story. Oh and it's going to be really long (sorry). About four years ago I adopted a 9mo old beagle mix named Ronny. At the time of the adoption the shelter told me he had been temperament tested (which was not true) and was a great dog. A week after having him I discovered his horrible dog aggression with the first dog he saw outside of the shelter. The problem continued to get worse and I started taking him to a trainer. She said he was one of the worst she had seen and at the time didn't know if he could be helped. You see he gets so wild that he will actually turn on me when he sees another dog he doesn't know (even from blocks away) and stays upset for up to 20 min after the dog is gone. He'll fight any dog no matter the size and won't back down. She mentioned putting him down-I said no way, I'll do the work and hopefully it will help. It has but if I don't work with him everyday he reverts back into his problems. Even working with him, I can never trust him around a strange dog ever. It's not his fault; he was probably attacked by dogs while he was a stray. Feeling bad that he doesn't get allot of socialization I decided to get a second dog that would be smaller than him and someone he could interact with and trust. I had very specific needs in finding my new dog because of Ronny’s issues. I wanted a 20lb, short hair, easy going temperament dog. I knew it would have to be a puppy so he would accept it better. None of the shelters in my area have puppies and if they do it's usually a larger mixed breed. One shelter had a small puppy but there was no way to tell how big the puppy would get because they didn't know what the dogs breed make up was. So I started looking into purebreds-I read books on short haired terriers like the Boston, the Patterdale and a few other short haired small dogs and most would refer to "being territorial" or "getting bored and starting fights with other dogs" or "being better as a one family dog" except when I came to the pug. So I had picked out my dog-the purebred pug. I found a breeder locally that only bred a couple times a year and had purebred pugs that had AKC papers and had been checked out medically for breeding. I had to sign papers before I purchased a puppy that said I would give the dog back to her and never a shelter if there were any problems medically or behavior wise. She was concerned about any of her puppies ending up in a kill shelter. At the time she had a litter of puggles as well as pugs. I picked a puggle because her puggles were 300.00 (half the price of her pugs). I knew about beagles because I own one and I had read about pugs, thinking I was going to get one. I knew about the health issues for both breeds and the temperament of both breeds. I also knew because she was part pug she would not end up as big as my beagle mix. I didn't care if she was a fad or not or how many celebs own a puggle. My intention was to get the right companion dog for my Ronny. I didn't believe all the hype about designer dogs either-she's a dog of course she's going to shed, hypo allergenic hair?? (once again she's a dog)-I had rough idea of what she would look like (something between a pug and a beagle). Less health problems?? Well as far as I know any dog can have health problems designer dogs included. Even the obvious I knew from the start, she's not a purebred or a new breed-she is a mixed breed that I paid money for. I usually don't refer to her as a puggle or a designer dog when people ask. Since I have had her (a little over a year) she has been a great dog. She has the best temperament I have ever seen in a dog and she and Ronny get along great. She has her traits like any other dog she's extremely vocal in play, but that's a beagle and I knew that when I got her. I haven't had a single problem with her but then I did my homework, knew what I was getting, and planned on training and working with her anyways. Since I have purchased her, my mother decided she wanted a second dog as well-she decided on a puggle and the experience has been good for her also. The trainer she goes to was surprised at how smart her puggle is and has accepted her into the therapy dog training classes. With a little luck she will pass the hard therapy dog qualification test and become a therapy dog. My experience is only one and I can't account for anyone else's. If I had been looking for my first dog instead of my second I would have adopted. I think that owning both a shelter dog and a designer dog has really opened my eyes to both sides and have made me more aware of the problems that exist with both sides. I don't care what people call her "designer dog", mutt, mixed breed-all I know is that when I see Lola play with Ronny and how happy he seems I don't regret my decision for second.
Roobear Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 42 Rep Power: 45

09-15-2006, 01:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
Crossfire Bulldogs Sourmug Mom Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Snuggled Between The Snorts & Snores. Posts: 7,844 Blog Entries: 3 Rep Power: 284	While I'm not a fan of breeders purposely mixing breeds ( and never will be ) I am a huge fan of dogs in general and love them all whether they be mix or pure bred. It sounds to me like you found the perfect friend for Ronny and a dog that has worked well within your family, you went into it without believing all the hype and smoke currently being blown around and kept all the right things in mind when looking for your pet.....a companion, a healthy pup and one of good temperament. In reality isn't that what everyone should be looking for regardless of breed or mix? Kudos to you for adopting Ronny and for sticking by his side when things got tough. Best wishes to you and both of your fur kids.
	__________________ Get more out of Global Paw. Check out these great features. Global Paw Book Club -- Art Classes -- Woof Review I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief. ~ Gerry Spence As a member of Global paw staff my opinions are not necessarily those of the website or the owner.

09-15-2006, 08:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
briarlow Join Date: May 2006 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 521 Rep Power: 64	She can't think much of her Pugs though really if she is crossing them. Sorry I don't think a good breeder is someone who mixes two breeds together. If she's worried about health issues then she should ensure that she only uses health tested Pugs. Got nothing againt accidental crosses but detest oodles, pug crosses etc. Though of course I don't detest the dogs as I love all kinds of dogs. Glad that the dog was good for you. There's one in the UK that has severe health problems, deaf, blind etc that was looking for a home recently. So much for them being healthier.
	__________________ My dogs aren't my whole life but they make my life http://www.freewebs.com/briarlowsspanishwaterdogs

09-15-2006, 09:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
mulroony Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 2,100 Rep Power: 119	Glad you have a couple of great dogs, and two that fit so well together. Just have a couple comments... I think you have the wrong idea about temperment testing. I have not seen a temperment test that includes dog agression. In my experience they usually determine that later and a shelter is not the best place to determine a dog's temperment in general. Second I do not think that lady was an "ethical" breeder (besides the fact she breed mix-breeds) typically you will not find an ethically breed dog for less then $1200 (even pet quality dogs), becausethat is about how much it costs for all the health testing vet visits, etc. Do not fall into the AKC registered trap. This is where the AKC causes more harm then good. People register their dogs with the AKC like it means something and in many cases it does not, it is nothing more then a sales gimic... (I saw 20/20 or dateline or one of those news shows register a dead dog, a cat, and even a child in the AKC so it is not a guarantee of anything) Sorry fopr preaching, I am really glad you found some great dogs, and that you care about your dogs so much to go through so much trouble for them. I would only ask that if anyone asks you what breed your puggle is you say she is a mutt and we are not sure, because then she will become an ambassador for mix breeds everywhere and not just for "designer" breeds (I usually ramble off at least 5 breeds that I think Shelby is before people go oh she is a mutt?? )
	__________________ Shelby (CGC), Jackson, Max, & Mackenzie (CGC) - My pups :) Pit Bull "Problem" Movie (Graphic)

09-15-2006, 10:42 AM	#5 (permalink)
Camz Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 180 Rep Power: 47	First off, congrats to you on sticking with Ronnie through his issues. Plus, I'm VERY glad you found him such an excellent companion. With that being said, (Mulrooney, I do agree with you) make sure when a breeder says they do "health tests" you delve a bit deeper into what that exactly means. To some breeders, a health check is getting their bitch and stud to the vet for a general wellness check before breeding. Others go quite a bit deeper, and make sure their dogs are CERF and OFA or PENNHIP registered, on top of a blood pannel that tests for things stuch as canine STDs (yes, dogs get 'em too). Good breeders will follow the latter strategy when breeding. Also, most good breeders won't breed for crosses, because they care too much about their particular breed of dog to want to dilute it. Of course, you can't show designer dogs, so there is really no way to prove "breedworthiness." Those would be my concerns. Once again, however, I am happy that things worked out well for you. How exciting it must be for you to have your canine family life more settled!
Camz Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 180 Rep Power: 47

09-15-2006, 10:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
calgal My Yorkster kids! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: central ca. coast Posts: 6,783 Rep Power: 229	I bought what I thought was an AKC Pekingese many years ago only to find out about a month later from the Vet. that I had a mix. I went to the breeder and she said yes her Scotty had got to her Pek. but she didn't know it till the people who bought the pups came back to her about it. I know two of the girls went on to breed their females to Peks and actually register them. You just never know what your "really" getting unless it's from a reputable breeder who shows their breeds. I'm happy your Pug mix turned out to be such a great little dog, but I do know there are many, many dogs out there with great little souls too.

09-15-2006, 06:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
mulroony Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 2,100 Rep Power: 119	Elegy - Thanks for that I have not shopped many ethical breeders (not looking for a purebreed) so the few I have that I consider to be ethical have had higher prices. (Although we haven't looked at many breeds, mostly yorkies, and they tend to be a little more expensive breed...)
	__________________ Shelby (CGC), Jackson, Max, & Mackenzie (CGC) - My pups :) Pit Bull "Problem" Movie (Graphic)

09-15-2006, 09:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
Maltmom Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 74 Rep Power: 0	Congratulations on rescuing Ronny and doing everything possible to help him be well adjusted.
	__________________

09-26-2006, 05:59 PM	#12 (permalink)
dogma Join Date: May 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 122 Rep Power: 48	I applaud you for your efforts to correct your rescue. I also applaud your care and attention to choosing a companion for your family. I also see the value in rescue, and in breeding. A lot of animals need to be rescued. It would be a shame if all dogs became mixes and no true breeds existed anymore. My first Chihuahua was a rescue, one I wasn't looking for, but, I was the only shot out of a horror house she had. I tried to rescue after her passing, but couldn't find Chihuahua's to rescue, and my heart was set on the breed. I truly understand your choice to seek breeders when you couldn't find the size you wanted in shelters. If you spay it shouldn't matter what configuration of dog you got. Thank you for telling us your story.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Letting the Designer Dogs Out	bigdoglover	Dog News and Dogs in Popular Media	0	05-19-2006 05:32 PM
Designer Cross-Breeds	Rebecca	Related Offers Websites and Requests	3	08-19-2005 07:51 PM
Designer Dogs & The Media	paramount	Dog News and Dogs in Popular Media	12	06-14-2005 12:13 PM
designer dogs	stardust	The Global Paw	20	09-09-2004 05:12 PM