06:43 PM CST on Thursday, December 15, 2005

By Amy Tortolani / 11 News

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Christmas is just around the corner, and puppies are often given as gifts.

But these days, dog owners are not just going to the pound. People are spending thousands of dollars for mutts.

Dog lovers can tell the difference between a Labrador and a golden retriever.

But these days it's getting more and more difficult, because breeders are turning purebreds into other kinds of canines.

KHOU-TV

Designer dogs can cost as much as $1,500.

Meet the Labradoodle -- a Labrador mixed with a poodle.

Carla Strange is a designer dog breeder who mixes poodles with Labs, Cocker Spaniels and Schnauzers. The result: Labradoodles, Cockapoos and Schnoodles, which are Strange's specialty.

"Their personalities are great, they don't shed, they live a long lifetime and they're the perfect kid dogs," Strange said.

These dogs might be cute and fuzzy, but they're also not cheap. The price tag may be as much as $1,500.

Veterinarians said designer dogs are very popular these days.

We watched as a "golden doodle"... A golden retriever lab mix got a check up.

"They are a cross breed just like anything you would find at the SPCA," said Dr. Amy Garrou, veterinarian. "Most of the time we try to get people to adopt an SPCA dog that needs a home."

And the doctor sees another potential problem. Not about these dogs' health, but the owner's state of mind.

"I guess my biggest concern is that if it is a fad you're not going to put the time into training the dog. Then they may be surrendered, and the fad will pass and people won't be as interested in keeping them," Dr. Garrou said.

Carla Strange doesn't deny it.

"I've got to say, some are doing it for status symbols and that sort of thing," Strange said. "I don't approve of that. But I mean they do look good too. They are beautiful dogs."

For Strange, these aren't mutts. They are the best of both worlds, even if they come with a designer price.