Designer breeds are a HUGE issue with me. I can not and do not tolerate any breeder of DESIGNER breeds (I have no qualms with breeders who purposely develop a breed to perform a job or fulfill a niche in the dog world such as the Silken Windhound - I'll talk about that some more).

What is the big deal, you ask? The big deal is that dogs are among one of the most diverse species in the world, which nearly eliminates the need to create more breeds. There are literally hundreds of breeds developed to fulfill a certain job or task. It is not necessary to create more. Yes, in the beginning, there were mixed breeds but people mixed and matched contrasting breeds to create dogs who would excell at their job. Over time, these mixed breeds were carefully inbred/linebred and refined to create a distinctive breed type. They began to breed "true" to type and uniformity within the breed began to emerge. However, the creation of a breed takes purpose and passion. Most, not all, but most, designer mix breeders crossbreed their dogs as nothing more than a selling gimmick. I have not yet seen a Toy crossbreed that has more of a purpose than to provide companionship. While it is true that humans today mainly acquire a dog for companionship, it does NOT make it okay nor ethical to purposely create mixed breeds to fulfill public demand.

I devote myself to purebred Pekingeses and, as such, I find it simply APPALLING that "Greeders" have decided to take advantage of the general public's oblivion and create designer breeds out of my breed. Those greeders do not understand half the passion, tears, and labor that went into the creation and sustainment of my breed. It infuriates me to know that greeders are manipulating my breed simply to line their pockets with money. If we allow greeders to pollute our purebreeds, we lose the breed itself. Can you imagine yourself without your trusty Labrador Retriever by your side? Or what about your loyal German Shepherd Dog guarding you throughout its life? Or even that cute little Chihuahua whose temperament has been shaped over hundreds of years to produce the perfect companion? People who purposely mix breeds are shaving away hundreds and thousands of years of selective breeding. In my opinion, this is a big deal.

Now, it was mentioned that there are indeed mixed breeds which are created for a purpose. I dont know anything about JRT/Border Collie mixes (which, in my opinion, should only be available to very experienced owners...), but I do know a little something about Silken Windhounds. In the sighthound world, the only furred breeds are very *large* dogs. As such, people who like furred breeds are forced to either get a very large dog or settle for a thin-skinned, thin-coated smaller dog. That's not an option for many people as the presence of fur protects the dog from harsh weather and cuts/bruises (a very big deal in the sighthound world). Thus, the Silken Windhound emerged out of very careful breeding of Whippets and Borzois. What's most interesting about Silken Windhounds is that their creation, from the first mix to the most recent litter, has been meticulously documented. In fact, Silken breeders and owners are pushing for AKC recognition. And I am very relieved that these people chose the name "Silken Windhound" rather than "Borpit" or "Whipzoi"