Editor-in-Chief Allan Reznik of Dog Fancy and Dog World fame notes, "It's indicative of a society that loves labels. Having a dog that is part spaniel and part poodle isn't enough - it has to be a cockapoo."

Many of these newly created hybrid dogs include the genes of a poodle to make new inventive breeds that don't shed their fur. Yorkipoos, Cockapoos and Schnoodles are poodles mixed with Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels and Schnauzers, respectively.

These hybrids do not always create a healthier dog than purebreds, which are notorious for their health problems due to inbreeding.

This current craze of designer dog breeding has the possibility of going too far, bringing up issues of genetic selection and the natural order of things. But if there is demand, then supply will be provided and many amateur breeders are taking a crack at homegrown hybrids with some detrimental results.

If a breeder were to match a Pug with a Pekingese the resulting breed could create a dog with eyes falling out of its head, as both breeds have exaggerated eyes and eye sockets as distinguishing traits in each breed. Smart genetic engineering on the part of breeders is imperative to creating a healthy, happy and hybrid dog of the future.

Toy dogs, like Tinkerbell of Paris Hilton fame, are also genetically created dogs and were developed specifically to be cute and charismatic companions. In our image-conscious and name brand consumer world, this writer harkens to say 'what will they think of next ?' cross breeding elephants and monkeys, or chipmunks with snakes to create the perfect, over-the-top must-have animal of tomorrow ? I'd say, they are barking up the wrong tree. Until genetic scientists create a dog that can toilet-train itself and use a human bathroom, it's still a dog's life for owners and mutts alike.

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