Designer Dogs

We've been toying with the idea, for awhile now, of adding another pup to our family. Ultimately, the decision for now is not to. We're going to wait until we're "settled" - who the heck knows when that will be. If it was up to me, I'd have a couple of dogs. The thing that has prevented me from doing so, is the rental situation. So far, I've had no problem finding a place with one, mellow golden retriever, but two big dogs would probably be a lot harder. And, also...because my +1 isn't crazy about the idea.

Adam is allergic to dogs. And cats. And basically any type of plant, tree, dust, mold, etc. For some reason, Kobe doesn't bother his allergies. Lab hair though, that's entirely different - he's crazy allergic to labs. It's weird. So, when the time comes that we do add a dog to the family, we have to be really careful. In the search for our potential new pup, I stumbled upon this whole "Designer Dog" movement.

You know the one, where breeders cross two different purebred dogs and come up with a new "breed". But here's the thing: they're mutts. And, these people are charging a disgusting amount of money for them. And, they're getting it. I found one breeder in Oregon who is charging $2,200-$2,500 dollars. $2,000-$2,500 DOLLARS. For a "Goldendoodle" (a Golden Retriever crossed with a Poodle). Does anyone else see something wrong with this?

I'm all about these dogs, would love to have one. They'd be perfect for us, because many end up being hypoallergenic (not a guarantee) - plus they're still a cool dog. I don't know, with so many dogs in shelters - especially here - it seems insane to spend that kind of money on a mutt. Because, if you do a little research, you can probably find that "designer puppy" in a shelter - get what you want and save a life. I hope this is a trend that is just that, and ends soon.