Honestly, before you ever go out and pay money for one of these "designer" breeds, go check out your local shelter. Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages are turned in daily. You're likely to find a very grateful companion who will fit your lifestyle perfectly.

Agreed. Our rescued pup has been a wonderful addition to our family. And he didnt cost nearly as much as a "designer" dog

I was waiting for a Lab to show up on here with all the small breeds. What a magnificent breed! Truthfully there is nothing wrong with purchasing a dog from a good, responsible breeder. We've rescued dogs and purchased purebred Labs and ALL of them were fabulous dogs. It's important to rescue but it's also important to ensure that we maintain the breed standards and reward breeders who are reputable and maintain those standards. After all certain dogs were bred for their abilities (bomb sniffing, hunting, seeing eye, herding) and it's important to maintain that. Also, I don't think they were saying that Rachael Ray's dog is a Lab, I believe they were describing a lifestyle type and pairing the Lab with that lifestyle. Labrador Retriever's are incredible family pets and some of the most loving animals around. It's too bad that so many people purchase them without understanding the love and care that goes into helping them reach their potential. I disagree with the idea that rescued pets are the "best". All pets are wonderful family additions rescued or not. Those who purchase purebred dogs just need to understand the importance of spaying/neutering and helping out rescue organizations (including purebred rescues) whenever possible.

"You’re living in Austin with your Puggle....You’re living in Portland with your Labradoodle." This doesn't hold water. If you're trying to figure out which dog is 'right' for you, you want an adequate description of the general temperament of the breed. Because these dogs described are NOT purebred dogs, you run the risk of them inheriting all of the 'pug' characteristics and none of the 'beagle' characteristics. Or all of the poodle, none of the lab. Or vice versa. Or, if you really draw life's short straw, all of the bad qualities of both breeds and none of the good qualities of either. There's nothing wrong with mixed breed dogs--I have one myself. But please don't try to pretend they're a type, cutesy up the names, and lead people to make ill informed decisions that support poor breeding, overpopulation, and puppy mills' abuse and horrific conditions. Some excellent reading: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/poodogs.html and http://home.comcast.net/~NoPuppyMillsVA/Poo-dogs___Designer_Mutts/poo-dogs___designer_mutts.html

I love my pug!!

hmmm none of that describes us lol. We have a rescue pit and a pit puppy.

love my rescue- bagle (beagle/bassat hound). shes adorable, and is way better than a designer breed :)

I actually have 2 rescue dogs myself, one is 100% Boston Terrier and the other is French Bull Dog/ Boston Terrier. They are the best dogs that we've ever had--- we didn't have to go through the puppy stage(by our choice) but we got these great doggies off of Pet Finder via Mid West Boston Terrier Rescue. It's a great way to give a dog another chance at life.

I agree with EMnBG, even if my fiancee and I have a designer dog. Tequila, our chihuahua, was a gift to me. Both our ferrets are from rescues and the cat showed up randomly on the patio of our 1B/1BA apartment and wont leave.. now hes family... :P I've raised Tequila since he was four months old (he'll be 5 years in february) and I wouldn't change him for the world but he is much more stubborn than resuce dogs. I volunteered in shelters and worked in kennels for years and my mom has a rescue who is the best behaved dog you will ever meet and she has never been through professional training, Tequila- who has been prof. trained and spent months at my uncle's farm (my uncle is a prof. trainer)- is still too stubborn to listen all the time, even though hes better hes trained then ever before. He is a head case, though I must say for the little rascle- he helps mom out a lot! When I am trying to cook or do dishs he makes sure the ferrets arent trying to climb into the oven or the dish washer.. or trying to scratch through the screen door to take a romp outside.

My husband and I decided on the type of dog we wanted, we researched a bit about the breed, and then began searching. We decided to start looking at shelters and after just three weekends of searching, we got out perfect dog. He is the exact mix breed, color, size, everything. We got very lucky! I suggest always looking at your local shelters first. We actually went to PetSmart three weekends in a row because a local animals shelter brought dogs there. We told them what we were looking for and they began bringing dogs that fit our description. That is where we found our perfect little boy, Buck. :)

I don't agree with teamsaunders. I have a Yorkie, and he was very easy to train. He knows not to bark. If he barks at something outside, I say no and he's good. It was also very easy to potty train him. I love my Yorkie! And I think no matter the designer or pound pup, it's the owner who makes the difference. Yes, some pups are predispositioned to be more "tame" or "mean", but that's what training is for!

shelters are a great option for adopting pets. Before my children, I worked with one. However noble this is, it may not even be the best option. Most are loaded with Jack Russell Terriors. Our two have "known family histories" And we have the land to wear them out. Paid a small amount for one and traded for the other. Out 3rd dog is a Bernese Mountain Dog. He's a "rescue" dog my vetstudent Daughter got for free. He was marked for show (about 3K+), but got a serious infection in his leg,destroying the cartilage (no one has explained that to HIM however!). Breeder wanted him to be well placed more than the potentional $$ he would've brought even if sold as pet quality.There are plenty of responsible breeders out there....but their puppies/kittens won't be found in ANY pet store, home of the puppy mill puppies. some of my pets have been from shelters, some from family, and others from very responsible breeders. Yup you got it..runs into ALOT of animals..any wonder why my daughter is becoming a veterinarian..LASTLY NEUTER YOUR PETS!!! THIS CAN'T BE SAID MORE OFTEN OR LOUDER!!!! Irresponsibly breeding (but the pups are SO cute)just leads to the problems of too many pets in this world. and so many are neglected. Okay off my soad box..besides those JRTs should go out with their too small bladders. The Berner will go too, but just because he loves it in the snow!!!

really? designer dogs? lame... best pets I've ever had are all from rescues/shelters. they're healthier and, if you HAVE to have a pet as a conversation piece, they usually are better ones. these breeds are now seen everywhere, so no one cares.

a year ago we got a Shiba Inu and I totally recommend this breed. If your looking to find a dog that barely ever barks, is super smart, and love everyone then look into this dog. they are the best!!!!

I got my fiance a Rot/Lab mixed pup from the shelter!! She is wonderful! And once we get married she will have the best of both worlds long walks with me and lazy days with him!! She loves to be active then relax after a lot of activity.

hey guys I'm a newbie here, from England. We are adopting an ex-racing greyhound soon, can't wait! Anyone else with a greyhound? x

hmmmm...that's funny. We are living in a 1 BR, 1 BA with a boxer and presa canario, and in Newnan, GA! As a dog groomer that spends a lot of time with designer breeds, I can tell you that their personality traits and bad health make up for their "cuteness". Do your research and go to a well qualified breeder or better yet, a shelter to rescue a dog in need.

My brother has a yorkie and he's awesome. I have a jack russel and he is one of the smartest dogs I've ever met. The most important thing about getting a dog is educating yourself on how to train them. Most dogs need some type of stimulation. Expecting that your dog will be happy in the kennel all day is unrealistic. Dogs are like kids, they need boundaries and they need to know who's the boss. Too many people are letting their dogs be the boss of them!

Really Nest? Promoting the ruthless killing of 8 million animals a year by promoting the breeding of mixed breed dogs with no health testing or champion titles? Sickening.

I rescued my girl pup from the shelter and it turns out she's a purebred german shorthair pointer!

Honestly, every mixed breed dog I've ever had has had better temperament, health and behavior than the pure breeds I've had anyways. I always adopt and I've had great luck with my dogs. My dachshund mix has NONE of the back, hip or weight problems that pure breed doxies have simply because she has slightly different proportions. It might work to your advantage to get a shelter dog.

I think it's kind of dumb to call the 'designer dogs'. Here in the south we have another word for them: muts. Same as what you can get at the shelter and won't cost an arm and leg either. And I'm still wondering where all the normal full-blooded breeds of dogs are in this slidshow. There were what? 2 maybe?

theres only a few dogs on here...and their all little ones except for 2. More options!

really i've had multiple rescue and pure breeds. And If you purchase form a reputable breeder you don't get health issues. My rescues have had more health issues then my pure breeds. I think they are great and really when it comes time for our next dog I don't know what I will get but I feel that the issue isn't full breed dogs it is poorly bread dogs and irresponsible breeders. Sometimes a rescue isnt right for everyone and yes they know in a lot of cases that they were rescued, but that doesnt mean by any stretch that they will be more dedicated or a better companion or dog then a dog from a breeder. That is something determined not only by the individual dog, but the owners and the training. It is like saying that coming from a poor family or a wealthy family makes you a better person. It isn't station it is the individual and its special case. Ps although I don't want a designer breed they are very good for the dogs in some cases because they can take the health and good genetic traits from one breed and bolster the other breed which may have been over bread (such as labs) while keeping the looks and temperament. even though I do think it is biased of the nest to post this type of guide on how to pick a dog, because it isnt good and could cause a lot of damage for dog and owner.

HE is adorable I've never seen a puggle but now i want one, also none of these labels discribe my fiance and i

I got a pitbull-boxer mix from the pound, he is my biiiiigg baby, the 75 pound lapdog :) and i think he is better than any boxer and better than any pitbull, there are none like tito burrito :) select a dog based on their personality not their breed, but definantly take into account your lifestyle when selecting ur new buddy, u dont want to be couping up a great dane in a studio apt with no yard while you work 40+ a week...be responsible

We are definitely looking into having a dog. So thanks for the shelter idea, that would be the better route. Does anyone have any info on pugs. I adore them, and wanted to know what to expect. Also, anyone know of any good medium sized dogs that dont shed a lot and are good with kids?

My husband and I have a beautiful breeder-bought rottie (almost 5 years), who has the most personality and attitude of any dog I have met, and a handsome humane-society-rescue border collie/aust. shep. mix, who is the most playful and loving dogs I have come across! All dogs have the potential to be the most loving animals - environment is everything. Heres to TaylorLee’s comment.

I guess we don't fit into this stereotype; we have a Bichon Frise from a breeder and a happy little bundle of only God knows how many breeds from the SPCA. We have a backyard, but we don't organize a neighborhood...anything. What does that make us?

We are moving to a somewhat isolated cove with beachfront on an island where break-ins are a common event. My husband wants a professionally trained Doby puppy, yet I feel a rescue from the shelter would be enough to scare off the potential burgler. Our rescued Cocker Spaniel only recently started to bark at 5yrs old, but is still a charmer to anyone willing to give him attention so he is worthless. The Military Macaw is vicious, but is caged when we leave the house. Alarms are worthless since response from authorities is slow or non-existent. So tough to come together on this topic, but after the move I'm hoping to drag him to the shelter and see what happens.

I think that another aspect to keep in mind when buying a dog are dog tags for dogs. You might want to purchase one that has a GPS tracking device.