Maltipom (Maltese & Pomeranian) – $600-$1,500
Both Maltese and Pomeranian are small breeds, so the Maltipom is the perfect miniature companion. Usually, the Maltipoms result from crossing a purebred Maltese and a purebred Pomeranian instead of having an established designer dog generation. The average estimated price for the Maltipom is between $600 and $1,500. Precilia via Pinterest
These affectionate and fluffy pups are usually playful and have high levels of energy. What’s more, Maltipoms are extraordinarily loyal and love to please their family owners. However, they also tend to be vocal and require regular brushing because of their long silky hair. So, they might not be perfect for apartment living.
Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever & Poodle) – $2,500-$3,000
Golden Retrievers have always been recognized as family dogs, even in movies, TV shows, or part of the American pop culture. So, when a breeder decided to mix ‘the good boy’ with a poodle, the result is a trained guide, therapy and assistance dog, or an overall great companion known as a Goldendoodle. Goldendoodle via Wikimedia.org
Goldendoodles have a lifetime of approximately ten to fifteen years and an estimated price of around $2,500 to $3,000. Usually, they are friendly, intelligent, and energetic. So, you can easily interact with them or even train them. However, keep in mind that this bone-lover also likes his/her personal space.
Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel & Poodle) – $1,500
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix is mostly recognized for their outgoing, playful, and curious temperament. Also known as Cavadoodle and Cavoodle, the Cavapoo has inherited some of the best features from its parents. Usually, it can be found on the market priced at approximately $1,500. Instagram via cavapoopeachy
The Cavapoo can make a fantastic family pet, as it loves attention and loyalty. This crossbreed also loves snuggles and romping around, as well as barking for attention, due to loneliness or stress. And even though it can work in smaller settings, the Cavapoo definitely thrives in a “pack” setting.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy A Designer Dog
Goldendoodle. Puggle. Cockapoo. Pomsky. These are all words that, in recent years, weâve come to accept as part of modern dog-breed vernacular. At one time, these combined sounds would have just been gibberish to the common dog parent.
These days, it seems as if the list of these âdesigner dogsâ grows every year. These dogs seemingly combine the best features of two different breeds â for example, a Puggle (a cross between a Pug and Beagle) provides the fun energy of a Beagle and the cuddliness of a Pug.
In 2019, the creator of the Labradoodle said he regrets creating the breed (he said he âopened a Pandoraâs box and released a Frankensteinâs monsterâ). This begs the questions: Are designer dogs a bad idea? Are designer dog breeders more concerned with making money than creating a healthy pup?
To help break the issue down for us, we talked to Dr. Bruce Smith, VMD, PhD, a scientist and professor of pathobiology at Auburn Universityâs College of Veterinary Medicine. Here, he explains what exactly a designer dog is and whether itâs a good idea to get one.Related article
People use the term âdesigner dogsâ to refer to new mixes of breeds, but I think that is a misnomer. Technically, all domestic dogs are âdesigner dogs.â The domestic dog may be the first genetically modified organism (GMO) created by humans. Ever since a few wolves with gene variants that made them more curious or less fearful of humans started hanging around the campfires of our ancestors, we have been manipulating the genetics of dogs.
Over the past 20,000 or so years, we humans have intentionally bred dogs by selecting parents with desirable traits, then deciding which of their offspring best matched our needs (hunting, herding, hauling, etc.). Interestingly, most modern dog breeds have been derived within the past 300 to 400 years. Many of those were created by cross-breeding two or more early breeds to give some new, desirable combination of characteristics.
The Labradoodle, the dog that started the current âdesigner dogâ phenomenon, is no different. Wally Coonron, originator of the breed, was looking for the personality of a Labrador Retriever combined with the hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle. He had a specific need, and just like everyone who preceded him, he selected parents based on the traits he wanted to see in the offspring.
Many other individuals, seeing a market for interesting combinations and a potential for profit, started making all kinds of crosses, many with no real focused need. That focused need is important, because it drives selection of only those dogs that actually have the desired trait. In reality, thatâs not as simple as just breeding a Labrador Retriever to a Poodle and training their puppies to guide the blind. In fact, the genetics of these crosses even raise some very serious questions about the suitability of these dogs for their intended purposes.Related article