CBC News is reporting that the recent rise in the number of designer cross-breeds is leaving some folks with veterinary bills they can’t afford.
For example, the Bugg (a cross between a Boston Terrier and a Pug) ends up having double the breathing problems than either of the parent breeds. The short snout seems to be compounded in the Bugg.
The Labradoodle, a cross between a Lab and a Poodle, is prone to hip problems, according to Fisher Glen Animal Hospital veterinarian Jane Gates.
Pocket-sized dogs have such small mouths they cannot keep all of their 42 teeth, resulting in expensive dental surgery.
Vets are suggesting that you do your research before getting a designer dog, and plan for the vet bills which will likely be higher than for other dogs. If you have one of these dogs, you might want to consider getting vet insurance.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
This articles is poorly representing the truth- at best. I’ve worked in the veterinary field for 10 years now. It’s a proven fact that mixed breed dogs (GENERALLY SPEAKING) have way less health problems than purebreds. The concentrated gene pool is part of the problem in purebreds. It’s quite a brazen statement to simply claim “The Bugg ends up having double the breathing problems than either of the parent breeds.” This is such bologna! Breeding designer dogs should be approached with the same caution and care as breeding purebreds. If both parents are genetically sound, you are substantially less likely to produce problems in their young. Naturally, if both parents had stenotic nares, you’d be likely to produce a puppy with this condition as well. This is the same with regard to hip dysplasia. The vet bills will not be any higher than any other dog! It’s all a gamble even when the most extreme measures are taken to produce healthy young. People need to get their heads out of the sand and look at the big picture here. Designer breeds, mixes, mutts, crossbreeds, hybrids or whatever you’d like to call them are statistically much healthier than purebreds.
Looks like the old adage “look before you leap” also applies to dog cross-breeding – that is, “think before you cross-breed”. Why do those who profess to
be dog lovers have to want to create a new breed, the consequences of it causing terrible (and cruel) problems for dogs, as mentioned in the article.
The SPCA kennels are bursting with unwanted dogs (and other animals) needing homes and caring owners, so one would think that would come to people’s minds. If I would like a fashion accessory to go with my apparel, I’d rather get a bag, or shoes to match, and not a living creature which has to suffer for vanity’s sake.