This is just my opinion but breeds like the Catahoula and the Feist that were created by mixing compatible breeds together to get the best traits from them make some of the best dogs we have now that are called “breeds”. The genetic mixing, when done properly, draws the best traits while eliminating the worst traits. That was done a lot in the past.
The designer dogs of today aren’t always well planned and result in a new “breed” that has physical and other issues.
IMO, you can’t beat a good old hound or Feist type dog like a Jack Russell or a Rat Terrier. I have had a Bloodhound, a Bluetick, two Black Mouth Cur/ferals, a Jack Russell, two Catahoulas, and a Redbone. Can’t beat a good hunting dog.
I grew up with coon hounds.
Walkers, Blue Ticks and Black & Tans.
Will always have a place in my heart for them.
“Designer dogs of today” are insane mixes of incompatible breeds solely for the purpose of looking “cute”.
No attention is paid to shared genetic/physical issues that can exponentially multiply in the resultant “mutt”.
[cardio, cancer and hip issues are really rampant]
The one exception *might* be a Labradoodle because both breeds are water dogs and don’t really have any overlapping genetic problems.
[many don’t know that Poodles were once great hunting dogs]
Other crosses, like Dachshund/whatever, might look “cute” but then you afflict the dogs with the Doxie achondroplasia and all its attendant issues.
Same with Bassett and Corgi mixes.
Why do that?
Don’t even get me started on the brachy breeds.
Last year I was on my way into Hobby Lobby and a couple came out with a dog so naturally I squealed and ran up to them.
I said “OMG I love your Plott mix!” and they looked shocked.
The wife said “You’ve heard of Plotts??”
[duh]
We spent a good half hour talking dogs and I got to pet the Plott, which is the only one [so far] I’ve ever gotten my paws on.
Some day.
Still, I have to admit, I love every dog I meet and I’m sad when I have to part ways with them.
:)