Difference Between Purebreds & Designer Dogs

If you are a dog lover, you have probably noticed that some canines are referred to as designer dogs, and wondered what this impressive-sounding term means. Designer dogs, or hybrids, are the offspring of two different purebred dogs. While adorable and charming, designer dogs are not the same as purebreds. Purebred canines are the result of generations of breeding within one specific breed group. There are several important differences between designer and purebred dogs.

  1. Pure vs. Designer Bloodlines

    • Purebred dogs are bred to maintain the integrity of the breed. This includes breeding for specific looks, characteristics and behavior traits. For example, German shepherds are known for their erect ears, strong bodies and loyal temperaments. A reputable breeder will not breed a German shepherd that does not measure up to these characteristics because it will not produce offspring that will maintain the breed standard. Because designer dogs are basically mixed breed dogs, their bloodlines are not pure. For example, yorkipoos are combinations of the Yorkshire terrier and poodle. Mixing two different breeds can result in health issues and behavioral problems among offspring. Though designer dogs often make great pets and have attractive appearances, their mixed bloodlines can result in uncertainties within the breed combinations.

    Health Differences

    • When purebred dogs are bred by reputable breeders with goals of keeping their breed pure, they do not allow dogs with health problems to reproduce. For example, if a Maltese has heart disease, that particular dog will not be allowed to reproduce. By keeping him from reproducing, the breeder will prevent the heart ailment from perpetuating in new generations of pups. Designer dogs are often bred from mixed breeds with questionable bloodlines. This is because they are more commonly bred for their looks and not to maintain breed integrity. Therefore, designer dogs may have health issues that are common to both parents' breed types, which may make them susceptible to more illnesses than purebred dogs.

    Genetic Issues

    • Though designer dogs are often more prone to certain illnesses than purebreds, they may sometimes have fewer genetic issues because their gene pools are more diverse. Some breeders of purebred dogs are not particular about breeding practices, and sometimes allow inbreeding. This practice has weakened the bloodlines of some breeds, resulting in reoccurring problems such as hyperactivity or fear issues. Though designer dogs often suffer from genetic issues, those with the most diversity in their bloodlines generally tend to have fewer genetic problems.

    Loveable Looks

    • Looks are the most noticeable differences between purebreds and designer breed dogs. Purebred dogs have specific traits that are easily noticed. For example, almost everyone can recognize an English bulldog or a Labrador retriever. In contrast, it may be hard to determine the type of breeds that a mixed breed designer dog has in her bloodline. For example, a puggle is a pug mixed with a beagle, though it may be hard to tell simply by looking at one. Though designer dogs may have indistinguishable appearances, most dog lovers agree that they are still adorable members of the canine family.