Ever thought about buying a dog that's not only a companion; it's fashionable too? Unless you have been living under a rock you will most likely have heard about the new 'designer dog' rage.

You might have wondered what the big deal was with such new mixes. What is it about their cute little names and button noses that are driving hordes of people to the nearest designer dog breeder?

Many people are opposed to the deliberate crossbreeding of dogs. Mainly because it seems to have become a big money making scam.

The Schnoodle, Labradoodle and Maltipoo are just some of the cute new hybrids that are massively popular with those looking for a special kind of puppy, one that's been intentionally bred to suit your lifestyle, and of course your handbag. These fashionable mixes have been around for a while. Even Queen Elizabeth's famous Corgi's mated with her sister's Dachshund resulting in Dorgi's.

Most crossbreeding occurs accidentally and these mixed breed dogs must not be confused with deliberately bred hybrid. To call itself a 'designer dog' the parents of the dog must both be purebred and of different breeds.

Within the various mixed dog populations there is a relatively large gene pool. These dogs take qualities from generations and generations of other crossbreeds before them. This is said to be good for the dog.

One of the problems with purebred dogs is that the gene pool is relatively small. While various sought after attributes is enhanced, so are some health problems. At least with purebred dogs there is a long and well documented list of things to expect. For every aspect of your dogs health, temperament and personality there are many people who have owned these dogs. Many families have been breeding throughout their own generations and know a great deal about the breeds they specialize in.

It's a very complicated science. At it's best breeders want to improve the species. And it can be argued that making the species better suited to modern human life (by fitting conveniently in a handbag) is what's best for the future of the species. By creating a kind of scientific selection breeders are making stronger dogs more full of vitality than any of the known breeds.

Only time will tell if these new breeds will become officially recognized. New breeds must pass through many hoops before they become officially recognized.

Even though many of these dogs have large followings already there is much resistance from the purebred dog camp. Poo-dogs and designer mutts might be fashionable now but they won't seem so wonderful when their eyes are popping out of their sockets!

It takes a long time to create a breed of dog that is similar throughout different generations. The expertise, time and investment required by designer dog breeders is what those who are good at it call their life's work.

Beware of backyard breeders and scrutinize the person who you buy your designer dog from. You're safest choice will always be a purebred. Breeders have spent many years perfecting both the art and the science of the dog.

And of course a good dog is a reflection of the love and care it was given from birth. Rather spend some time selecting loving and dedicated breeders than buying from a newspaper or Internet site.

Often these designer doggies come from people whose main goal is profit. The harsh reality is that breeding quality, reliable offspring requires far more investment than it yields profit. Very few breeders (who have a proven track record and good reputation) make a large profit from what they do.

If you are ordering a designer doggie that is costing thousands you might want to think about what you will be getting for your money