According to those who own them they are allergy free, they don’t shed and they have a lovely disposition. Not everyone thinks the new trend is a good idea.

And there are plenty of widely acknowledged downsides. When it comes to tinkering with nature these breeders are taking some genetic chances that might turn nasty in a few generations.

The American Kennel Club is the recognized authority when it comes to matters of breeding. None of these so called designer mutts are officially recognized. Even though many of the 153 recognized are crossbreeds, these breeds might be recognized in years to come; the most popular of these designer mutts is the Labradoodle.

If you are thinking about buying one of these dogs you will need to know a bit about some of the risks involved.

Whilst it is often true that you will get a dog with some of the best traits of each breed; you might also land up with the combined weaknesses.

With so many breeders jumping on the profitable bandwagon here are many suspect and less careful breeding practices. Many who are trying to make a profit skip crucial genetic tests and expose the new breed.

The best puppies come from good homes with breeders who provide a loving home and comprehensive health care. If you have your heart set on a designer dog you will need to avoid pet stores or any kind of puppy which looks like it might have come from some kind of puppy mill.

It might be safer to buy an adult dog because at least then you know what you are getting (and of course providing a loving home to a homeless dog can’t hurt either).

These sought after crossbreeds have advantages. Many breeders claim these dogs don’t shed. This could be a god send for allergy sufferers. If you are looking a variety of hypoallergenic dog you might want to research all the available options.

Allergists believe that there is no truly hypoallergenic dog. Even dogs that shed significantly less still have the dander. The essential parts of the dog which shed will still cause allergy sufferers discomfort.

Mixed breeds are easy to find. Many animal shelters have an abundance of these dogs that have pleasant disposition and temperament. If your looking for a breed that has been tested and proven over time a purebred is the only way to go.