Buyer Beware.

I was looking through the pet classifieds in the HD, and came across one that said, "New Designer Breed." This stopped me cold. It was for Newfidore puppies. This is a cross between the Newfoundland and the Labrador Retriever. I called the number. The man told me this was not a planned breeding, but decided to let the puppies be born. I asked him if the parents had been OFA certified, and he said no.

These two breeds are notorious for bad hips and knees. The Newfoundland is one of the giant breeds and has a lot of problems if not bred correctly. The Labrador Retriever is a medium breed, or some consider them a large breed. It depends on who you talk to . This man said that his dogs didn't have hip problems, and their parents didn't. But, that does not mean that it won't show up down the line.

People that are breeding these "designer" dogs don't know what they are doing. That is a personal opinion, by the way. I have seen too many problems with these dogs when I was grooming. Mostly with the small guys, your peekapoos, puggles, oh, I could go on and on, were skin and knees. With the Labradoodles, I saw hips and eyes. Just because you think a dog is cute, does not mean it is sound.

I am what is called a "purist." I do not believe in mixing breeds. You get the worst of both breeds. People that are doing this are just in it to make a buck. They don't care about the puppies. That will be the new owners responsibility. That is the mind set. Oh sure, they have a health guarantee, but examine it closely. It has loop-holes. Just like the pet stores guarantees.

Do not buy designer dogs. They are just like puppy mill puppies. Most are sick and will have serious health problems down the road.