Ordinarily we would call them mutts. It used to be that these mixed breed dogs were an accident. However, with the current trend moving toward “custom built” dogs, now they are called “designer dogs” and they bring with them a higher price tag. The offspring of two different breeds is a hybrid. The designation as “designer dog” is simply a more popular name for them.

The American Kennel Club has a registry for “mixed breed” dogs but does not recognize the American Canine Hybrid Club as a legitimate breed registry. Established in 1969 in Harvey, AR, the organization issues registration papers only to dogs proved by DNA testing to have been bred from purebred parents, such as a purebred Poodle to a purebred Yorkshire Terrier to produce a “Yorkiepoo.” Breeding a Yorkiepoo to another Yorkiepoo does not produce a registerable offspring.

Tracing a dog’s genetic history is a trip back into time. Early scientists originally thought that dogs originated from a cross between the jackal and the wolf. Most sophisticated techniques now indicate that the dog first originated in Eurasia 12,000-14,000 years ago from a small southern strain of a Gray Wolf called Canis Lupus Pallipes (CLP). The scientific community theorizes through fossil remains that all 400 different types of dog breeds that we know today began its evolution at from five distinct basic dog types: mastiff, wolf-like dogs, greyhounds, pointer-type, and sheepdogs.

The small, miniature or “toy” dogs are a modern-day invention, contrived by the fashion industry and promoted by popular demand. First, it is important to understand that “miniature”, “toy”, and “teacup” are not breeds. A female dog can have multiple encounters during her estrus over a period of several days, and fetuses are implanted in the order of conception. When the fetus conceived first is matured, it begins the birthing process for all of the fetuses subsequently conceived whether or not they are matured to the birthing stage. Those last fetuses to be born are generally smaller because they are pre-mature. The very last one born is commonly called “the runt of the litter.” When the “runt” of one litter is bred to the “runt” of another litter, a smaller version of the breed is propagated. Popular vernacular has them called “miniature,” “toy,” or “teacup.”

The mixing of breeds by design does not come with assurance of getting the best features of each breed, not in good health, disposition, or longevity, with the greatest risk for those of the 3rd or 4th generation. Breeding a small female to a larger male can be a fatal mistake for the female. In addition, both the male and female parent brings specific genetics to their off-spring, and if not carefully chosen, can produce an off-spring that is deformed and deficient. Only the most highly qualified, reputable breeders of purebred dogs should be used for mixing breeds, with the parents DNA tested for purity of their breed.