Behind trend for designer dogs lies unscrupulous puppy farmers and animals of uncertain health

WE are a nation of dog-lovers. However, society moves in terms of trends, and the popular flavour of the day is for the designer dog.

That would not be a problem if it hadn’t led to highly over-inflated prices for dogs, which, in whatever way they are parcelled up, are mongrels.

Were one to advertise a mongrel for sale at prices often exceeding £1,000, then I suspect there would be few takers.

But put two pedigree dogs together, then crown the result by a fancy name and, bingo, the wallets are pulled out and money is no object.

Some might point to the saying, ‘A fool and his money are easily parted’, but that would not be the real point.

Instead, there are unscrupulous puppy farms and ever-willing puppy farmers out there, eager to exploit the desire for these dogs and the wealth generated, keeping a battery of breeding bitches and dogs in squalid, often disease-ridden conditions and engaged in repetitive litters, wholly unconcerned for the welfare of the dogs.

Thus, the unsuspecting punter enters into a purchase, spends further sums of money at the vet’s, and often with heartbreaking consequences.

One other point to be considered: if the owner wishes to take a litter from a designer dog, what type does he go to?

Because it is then akin to opening a can of worms, not knowing what to expect in the second generation and thereafter.

If the results are not as expected, who then wants these puppies?

The inherent dangers lie in abandonment and the resultant increased pressures on our dog charity trusts.

May this trend end itself soon.

DAVID THOMSON By email