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Designer Dogs Have Their Day

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 7, 2008

The term "designer dog" once conjured up images of canines sporting stylish collars by Ralph Lauren or Swarovski.

But the designer dogs of today are crossbreeds, such as Chiweenies (Chihuahua and dachshund) and Tibetoodles (Tibetan terrier and poodle), whose current vogue is chronicled by dog geneticist and behaviorist Caroline Coile in "Designer Dogs: Portraits and Profiles of Popular New Crossbreeds" (Gold Street Press, $29.95).

"Cockapoos have been around since the 1950s," says Coile, referring to, of course, the cross between the cocker spaniel and the poodle.

But in the past decade, Hollywood celebrities have ramped up demand for owning a $1,000-to-$2,000 hybrid status symbol pet, Coile says.

The book includes helpful tips for evaluating breeders and figuring out the best dog for your lifestyle.

Even if you skip the practical details and lists of characteristics about the 36 crossbreeds featured in the book, the photos of frolicking Cavapoos (Cavalier King Charles spaniel and poodle) and bagel hounds (beagle and basset hound) by San Francisco photographer Anna Kuperberg will keep you entertained on a long three-dog night.

The Washington Post

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