Designer dogs

The Maltipoo, the chi-weenie, the Pekipoo, the cheeks or Pekinese Chihuahua, the ever-popular golden doodle, and my personal favorite the Malshi. In the world of so-called designer dogs, the list goes on and on

At American Kennels on the Upper East Side, store owner Nicole Rosenthal estimates about a quarter of the dogs she sells are designer breeds. She says many of the mixes are part poodle which eliminates shedding.

While mixing two breeds could mean a larger gene pool less prone to genetic defects, that is not always the case, says Dr. Boaz Levitan, a neurologist at Bluepearl Veterinary Partners.

Some organizations, like the Kennel Club of the UK, voice concern that unscrupulous breeders may be breeding designer dogs for financial profit rather than with the health and welfare of dogs in mind. Others worry that picking out a designer dog based on a trend ignores the countless animals languishing in shelters.

If you are looking for a designer dog or mixed breed you don't have to go to a pet store, plenty are at shelters and all of them need good homes.