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.
:)
Exactly! Mixing compatible breeds make good dogs. The others make me sad. You need to get a Feist someday. Big dog in a little dog body. They are not a frou-frou dog.
Exactly! Mixing compatible breeds make good dogs. The others make me sad. You need to get a Feist someday. Big dog in a little dog body. They are not a frou-frou dog.