WHY I DON’T SUPPORT “DESIGNER” DOG BREEDS

In recent years, “designer” dog breeds - intentional mixes like Cavapoo, Schnoodle, Labradoodle and others - have gained immense popularity. While their charming names and cute appearances attract many, I personally remain skeptical and cautious about this growing trend.

THE ISSUES WITH "DESIGNER" BREEDS

My main concern lies in the lack of regulation. Unlike purebred dogs, "designer" breeds are not officially recognized by national or international kennel clubs. This means there are no breed standards or oversight of breeding practices. Without these critical guidelines, it’s difficult to ensure that these dogs are bred responsibly, ethically and with long-term health and temperament in mind.

Another significant issue is the absence of pedigree. Pedigree documents provide not only a traceable lineage but also insight into genetic health history and breeding intent. With designer breeds, this information is missing. We can’t truly know whether the litter was the result of a well-planned pairing or simply an accidental mating between different breeds.

UNPREDICTABILITY AND LACK OF GUARANTEES

Without official standards, mixed-breed puppies can vary greatly in appearance, size, coat type, and temperament, even within the same litter. This unpredictability can lead to mismatched expectations for new dog owners. Furthermore, because there’s no regulatory body ensuring quality and consistency, breeders of designer dogs are not held accountable to the same standards as those breeding recognised purebreds. As a result, potential buyers must accept lack of any guarantees regarding the dog’s future health, size or even behavior.

WHY I PREFER PEDIGREED DOGS

If you are not yet convinced about choosing a purebred puppy supported by a credible pedigree, here is my main reason why I prefer litters that are registered with the Italian National Kennel Club (ENCI). ENCI not only ensures that parent dogs meet the breed standard and ethical breeding guidelines are in place, but also provides traceable pedigrees, giving transparency into a puppy’s background and improving confidence in the breeder’s practices. These pedigrees can be easily verified online through ENCI.it, offering reassurance about the dog’s lineage, health and purpose of breeding.

That said, I understand that people may still be interested in mixes like Maltipoo or Cockapoo. If I do come across any designer litter that has been bred responsibly, I’m happy to share the information. But as a general rule, I believe in supporting breeders and practices that prioritise health, transparency, and long-term breed integrity.

- Written by Natalia Dolidze, founder and former owner of Pets Habitat LLC, now assisting UAE residents in ethically sourcing their ideal canine companion from responsible breeders in Italy.