How Much Is That Hybrid In the Window?

I'm on the fence about hybrid dogs. 

On the one hand, I totally agree that they are just mixed breed dogs - mutts, in other words - and the world has no shortage of mutts the way it is. On the other hand, they are the product of selective breeding which is no different than the method used by AKC recognized breeders to develop desirable genetics in conventionally recognized breeds.

While the AKC people are firmly entrenched in denying the admission of hybrids into the officially recognized breeds, popular culture has already moved on. The dog park is aswarm with puggles and cockapoos and even Queen Elizabeth got into the act by inventing the dorgi, although that seemed to be pretty much a result of dog-driven l'amour rather than intent. The Queen took to the little dogs and started seriously breeding "Windsor Dorgis" but the Kennel Club of England is not amused: "The Dachshund was evolved to chase badgers down holes and Corgis to round up cattle. If anyone loses a herd of cattle down a badger hole, these are just the dogs to get them out."

An indicator that may be more telling than pedigree breeder opinion is this revelation from a Conde-Nast slideshow about hybrid dogs:

"The labradoodle has become so popular that it recently replaced the Scottish terrier as the new dog playing piece in the board game Monopoly."

 Is that true? Those of you who receive a Monopoly set for Xmas, please report back on this. Unless the labradoodle is on the Obama shortlist as the new White House puppy, I'd say it's tenure as Monopoly dog is going to be short-lived.

FYI - I've seen a few labradoodles at the dog park - they are gangly and goony and pretty damn big. Plus, just about any kind of 'oodle needs a regular beauty parlor appointment which makes it a loser in my book.

UPDATE: gah.

Comments

[pam]

That just makes me sick.

[The Proprietor]

Since when does Monopoly try to be up to date? We have one token that is an open wheeled Indy 500 roadster circa 1930, a Depression-era brogan, a stove-heated clothes iron, et cetera.

When was the last time you could buy a house for $500? Oh... wait.

[tina]

Arghh... I love dogs but these poor things-- it's so sad for them.

[Steve]

Great post!!

Would you guys like a Link Exchange with our new blog COMMON CENTS where we blog about the issues of the day??

http://www.commoncts.blogspot.com

[Tami]

While I am appalled at the constant new Monopoly sets polluting the game-o-sphere, I do know a very friendly and adorable labradoodle. Your mileage may vary, of course.

Also, this is coming from a woman who lives in a house with a chihuahua. Perhaps I am not to be trusted.