designer dog

[ dih-zahy-ner dawg, dog ]

noun

1. a dog intentionally crossbred from two purebred dogs of different breeds, specifically to appeal to a market for certain desirable traits:

   If your interest in designer dogs tends to the smaller types, the diminutive Maltipoo may be just for you.

Word History and Origins

Origin of designer dog¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Along with the beloved mutt, designer dog breeds are not recognized by most breed registries in North America such as the American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, or United Kennel Club.

From National Geographic

They’d shelled out $1,200 cash in March 2018, for what they thought was a pure-bred designer dog, healthy, happy and hypoallergenic.

From Los Angeles Times

The resulting dogs were reportedly the world’s first-ever labradoodles, and the start of a modern-day designer dog craze.

From Slate

The hype over hybrids has set off some squabbling in the dog world, as purebred enthusiast breeders accused their designer dog counterparts of chasing profits rather than canine perfection.

From Seattle Times

One of the most noticeable recurring trends in Bacall’s collection is dogs: paintings of dogs, pillows of dogs, sculptures of dogs, designer dog carriers, beaded 19th century portraits of dogs.

From Newsweek