You might know of them as 'mongrels', 'mutts' or have heard some more colorful descriptions like “designer breeds. Whatever you call them they are the result of either deliberate or accidental crossbreeding.

There are over 800 different breeds of dogs already recognized by Kennel Clubs around the world. Many people around the world have owned dogs considered to be mixed breeds for years but now crossbreeding is taking a more sinister turn.

Unscrupulous breeding practices have led to a new generation of dog that has highly valued traits and temperament. Many of today’s most popular celebrities are flaunting their tiny dogs proudly. Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and many of the world’s most elite socialites are rarely seen without their petite dogs.

But what's so great about these dogs?

People who own dogs of mixed parentage say their dogs have better personalities. In theory a widening of the gene pool could in fact improve the temperament of some mixes. Fans of the designer dogs say you cannot be too sure of purebred dogs either.

Purebreds are all a result of some form of selective breeding; however these designers’ breeds are not. All dogs come from some intertwining however purebred is a more trusted source. People have been domesticating dogs for many of thousands of years by mixing a bit of this and that.

The term purebred is used with regard to dogs that have met certain criteria through an established track record. There are a minimum number of generations that must pass through a series of checks for a new variety to become a recognized breed.

Not everybody is as enthusiastic about these new hybrid dogs. The kinds of genetic weaknesses that could be introduced into the gene pool are infinite. This is quite a scary thought in terms of the future of our hairy companions. Imagine if 50 years from now there are no discernible traces of any of the breeds we once knew.

And it's about much more than preservation of purity. If some of the newer mixes are proof of some kind of assisted evolution of dogs what are we really saying by breeding dogs the size of handbags?

In some kind of cyclical process fashion-statement-handbag-dogs are becoming as popular as they were in the late 19th Century. It was considered standard for any respectable woman to have a pint-sized pooch in her bag.

Now you can have a dog the size of a large mouse. Many celebrities can be seen fussing over their tiny dogs which serve to popularize the idea that these dogs are the latest 'it' thing. What happens when the neon lights fade away?

Paris Hilton gave her little pooch away. They're awfully cute but as all with all dogs they're a long term commitment. It doesn't do the dog any favors to grow up spoilt and then be abandoned or given away.

Miniature dogs can develop all kinds of nasty health complications. If their lives are not cut short by their stature they can look forward to a wide range of health problems. Many of which are expensive and painful.

It's widely acknowledged amongst experts that the newer Teacup varieties are irresponsible. You can be almost guaranteed of a sickly dog. Epileptic seizures, birthing problems, dental problems and back problems are just some of the conditions that these diminutive dogs are more likely to face.

There's a good reason why no reputable breeder would breed their dogs down to a particular size that would be unhealthy; these breeding practices involved are widely considered to be dangerous.

But what's wrong with purebred dogs?

Aren't there enough variations to choose from already? What’s wrong with getting a Maltese if you want Maltese characteristics? What’s wrong with getting a Yorkshire Terrier if you want on that is full of energy? If you are highly allergic to dogs, chances are you will suffer no matter how carefully your dog was bred.

It is true that there is considerable variation in the predictability of purebred dogs, as with any kind of selective breeding. The biggest and foremost advantage is that purebred dogs have a better chance of becoming well adjusted, healthy dogs later in life because they have a proven track record.

Steve Allison is a third generation of professional dog breeders along with his brother Gary. It all started with his grandparents in 1970 with the Boston Terriers and has expanded to Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzu’s and Pomeranians. He is also actively involved with dog rescue and has a website that showcases the puppies they occasionally has for sale at All My Puppies Online

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