Fashionable Breeds

With celebrity endorsements and designer breeds in the public eye, many people today are choosing a new pet based on fashion. Often these fashionable pets are the result of crossbreeding to get the desirable cosmetic traits of two breeds, which are then registered with hybrid breeder clubs with stylised names. Today we’re discussing what these fashionable breeds mean for the breeding world, and whether fashionable breeds are ethical.

Fashionable Breeding and related ethics

Mating between two different breeds is what results in crossbred mongrels or moggies, which are well known for being healthier and living longer. Crossbreeding for fashionable purposes, however, is in question in terms of ethics, as the animals are being bred for the purpose of following a trend in the market and making money rather than to attain the best attributes of an animal, with the animal in mind rather than buyers.

‘Toy’ breeds that are miniaturised have become fashionable thanks to celebrity icons carrying round their pets rather than walking them traditionally. Whilst this is not necessarily the best reason to create a cross, responsible breeders will often keep the young animals for longer to ensure they are growing properly and will not suffer any complications.

There are many crossbreeds that have been created for the sole reason of being ‘fashionable’, but these breeds have now become well established, such as the ‘Labradoodle’, the ‘Cockapoo’ and the ‘Puggle’. These breeds have proven that crossing for fashionable purposes can create a healthy cross that is well suited for normal ownership. Always ensure your breeder is caring for the animals rather than the money involved, as this will ensure your pet is healthy and well cared for.

Remember at Animal Friends Pet Insurance we endorse healthy and ethical Dog breeding practices. To keep your pet as healthy as possible, remember that pet insurance can help protect you against the rising costs of vet bills. Phone us on 0845 55 70 300 and ask how we can help your animal friend today.