$950 For a Puppy?!?

I was watching CBS Morning Show today, when they ran an article about Designing a Cutter Dog. The gist behind the story is the new trend in mixing breeds to come up with the perfect dog. Puggles, a mix of pugs and beagles, were focused on, but they discussed other new breeds as well, including minature St Bernards, Lhasa-poos, and Shitzus mixed breeds. (Think of what the resulting name would be for those dogs!)

The breeder in the article said his puggles sell for $950. However, the article also said that these engineered breeds could go for thousands.

Don't get me wrong. I love puppies, (and kittens, and just about any other animal -- well, at least mammal -- out there.) But when does someone go too far to find a pet? When does the pet stop being a pet, and become a social statement?

The article ends with a quote from the breeder, "They gotta be cute or people don't want 'em." So, what happens to the resulting puppies that aren't cute?

My advice? Go to the pound or a rescue organization. You can find just as loveable puppies there, for much cheaper. Just ask my dog, a fellow rescued greyhound.