Designer Dogs in India: Trendy Looks, Hidden Truths

In recent years, India has seen a new trend in the pet world — the rise of designer dog breeds. These are not your regular Indian street dogs or purebred Labradors and German Shepherds. Designer dogs are crossbreeds, created by mixing two pure breeds to make a new one. Their unique looks and “Instagrammable” appeal have made them highly desirable. But while people are busy chasing the next “cute” pup to show off, the real cost is being paid by the dogs themselves. Behind the glamour lies a hidden story of suffering, poor health, and irresponsible breeding practices.
The concept of designer dogs started in countries like the USA, where people wanted pets that combined the best features of two pure breeds. For example, Labradoodles were bred to be friendly like Labradors and have the low-shedding coat of Poodles. This idea soon became popular worldwide.
With the growth of social media in India, this trend spread fast. Photos of celebrities and influencers with their fluffy, small, and unique-looking pets started attracting attention. People began searching for similar breeds, and breeders started creating them for profit. Today, names like Maltipoo, Pomsky, and Cockapoo are becoming common in pet markets.
These dogs are often sold at very high prices. Some puppies cost over ₹1 lakh, especially if they are trending online. Owning such a dog is seen as stylish, especially among urban youth. But many buyers don’t know what they are getting into. They focus only on looks and ignore the dog’s background, health, and needs.
Breeding designer dogs properly takes knowledge, care, and ethics. But in India, where there is little regulation, many breeders are only chasing money. They do not test the parent dogs for genetic issues or even understand how the mix will affect the puppy’s health and behavior.
For example, a Pug already has breathing problems due to its flat face. If mixed with another breed without care, the result may be a puppy with even worse breathing or heart problems. Some designer breeds are born with joint issues, skin allergies, eye problems, or high anxiety.
Many breeders keep dogs in small, unhygienic places and treat them like machines. The mother dogs are forced to produce litter after litter, without rest or proper nutrition. Puppies are taken away too early and often sold online or in pet shops with no medical background.
Buyers are rarely given correct information. Once the dog starts showing health or behavioral issues, some people cannot manage them. These dogs are either abandoned or handed over to shelters that are already overcrowded. This has created a cycle of suffering that is hidden behind cute pictures on the internet.
Behind the physical health problems that designer dogs face, there's another issue that often goes unnoticed — their emotional and mental well-being. Dogs, like humans, have feelings. They form bonds, get scared, feel pain, and need emotional security. But in the world of designer dog breeding, their emotional needs are usually ignored.
Many designer dogs are separated from their mothers too early. This separation creates stress and fear at a young age, which can lead to behavioral issues as they grow. Some dogs become overly anxious, bark excessively, or show aggression. Others become too dependent on their owners and cannot stay alone without panicking — a condition known as separation anxiety.
Also, because of their mixed lineage, some designer dogs do not have stable temperaments. One puppy may be calm and friendly, while its sibling may be shy or nervous. This unpredictability can make it hard for new pet parents to handle them properly.
In crowded cities where people live in small apartments and have busy lives, many dogs do not get enough playtime, exercise, or attention. This leads to boredom, depression, and frustration in pets. A sad or stressed dog may stop eating, fall sick more often, or even become aggressive.
Understanding a dog's emotional health is just as important as caring for its body. Designer or not, every dog needs love, patience, and a secure environment to truly thrive.
One of the main reasons why this issue continues is because there are very few rules to control dog breeding in India. Anyone can call themselves a breeder and start selling puppies. There is no need to register, no check on the dog’s health, and no training required.
Animal welfare organizations have been asking for stricter laws, but not much has changed. As a result, illegal and unethical breeding continues in many cities and even in small towns. Puppies are advertised on social media, classified websites, and even WhatsApp groups without any check.
At the same time, most buyers don’t ask questions. They do not research the breed or the breeder. They don’t know if the dog will need special care, daily grooming, or a certain type of food. When problems come up, they are caught by surprise.
There is also a problem with mindset. Many people look down on Indian stray dogs or mixed breeds. They believe only imported or foreign-looking dogs are worth having. This attitude has made adoption rates fall while demand for designer dogs grows. Shelters are full, but breeders are busy selling more and more.
Change is possible, but it starts with awareness. If you truly love dogs, you must understand that a pet is not a fashion item. It is a living being that needs love, attention, and care for 10 to 15 years. Choosing a dog should never be about appearance or trend.
Adoption is a great option. Indian dogs, whether street dogs or mixes, are hardy, low-maintenance, and loving. They are more suited to the Indian climate and need less medical attention compared to delicate foreign breeds. Many rescue groups offer healthy, vaccinated puppies and adult dogs for free or for a small adoption fee.
If you still decide to buy a dog, be a responsible buyer. Visit the breeder in person. Ask to see the puppy’s parents. Request health certificates and vaccination records. Do not buy from roadside sellers, pet markets, or online ads that won’t give full details.
Speak up for animal welfare. Share facts on social media, report unethical breeders to local authorities or NGOs, and support groups that rescue and care for abandoned pets. Schools can include animal care in their lessons. Communities can host adoption drives. Every small step matters.

Designer dog breeds may look cute and fashionable, but behind their trendy appearance is a harsh reality. The rise of these dogs in India reflects a bigger problem — the focus on style over substance, status over responsibility. As pet lovers, we must go beyond looks and trends, and choose kindness, care, and awareness. Every dog deserves a home where they are loved not for how they look, but for who they are. The real beauty lies in compassion, not in the breed.



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