Designer Dogs ― An Expos? Inside the Criminal Underworld of Crossbreeding

--- WITH A FOREWORD BY DR. PHIL MCGRAW ---

Designer Dogs is the shocking exposure of the dangers of continuing to make our dogs tinier or funnier looking, more “Instagram worthy,” and presents startling new revelations on why this threatens French bulldogs, pit bulls, and other favorite breeds with extinction.

Ever heard of a labradoodle, a goldendoodle, or a puggle? How about a cockapoo, a pomsky, or a spoodle? You or a friend have certainly been enticed by a “hypoallergenic dog” or smiled at a “teacup.” These are not dog breeds that nature created; these are the results of the forced mating or genetic engineering of different breeds, or inbreeding, and popularized by social media and celebrities.

In Designer Dogs, Madeline Bernstein, one of the country’s most respected animal welfare crusaders, reveals our culture’s obsession with new types of dogs—engineering puppies that keep getting smaller or sillier looking—and the horrifying health consequences of this on those we claim as our best friends. She also provides extraordinary revelations on how this has led to a world of “disposable pets”—puppies and adult dogs abandoned when their medical expenses become too costly and added to the 6.5 million animals entering shelters each year, or put on the street—and informed insight into what’s ahead: made-to-order puppies; hybrid animals; shorter life spans for dogs; and even the extinction of breeds like French bulldogs, pit bulls, King Charles spaniels, mastiffs, Skye terriers, bloodhounds, and more. And Bernstein calls out those responsible for the savagery, both domestic puppy mills and backyard breeders, and also an international dog trafficking ring that she’s been on the front line exposing.

In the vein of Peter Singer’s groundbreaking and best-selling volume Animal Liberation, this one-of-a-kind book is one of the most important industry exposés ever published. Bernstein’s game-changing and unforgettable text ripe with ethical questions is a public window into a new and fast-growing industry, and destined to cause outrage and save lives in the process.

--- WITH A FOREWORD BY DR. PHIL MCGRAW ---

Designer Dogs is the shocking exposure of the dangers of continuing to make our dogs tinier or funnier looking, more “Instagram worthy,” and presents startling new revelations on why this threatens French bulldogs, pit bulls, and other favorite breeds with extinction.

Ever heard of a labradoodle, a goldendoodle, or a puggle? How about a cockapoo, a pomsky, or a spoodle? You or a friend have certainly been enticed by a “hypoallergenic dog” or smiled at a “teacup.” These are not dog breeds that nature created; these are the results of the forced mating or genetic engineering of different breeds, or inbreeding, and popularized by social media and celebrities.

In Designer Dogs, Madeline Bernstein, one of the country’s most respected animal welfare crusaders, reveals our culture’s obsession with new types of dogs—engineering puppies that keep getting smaller or sillier looking—and the horrifying health consequences of this on those we claim as our best friends. She also provides extraordinary revelations on how this has led to a world of “disposable pets”—puppies and adult dogs abandoned when their medical expenses become too costly and added to the 6.5 million animals entering shelters each year, or put on the street—and informed insight into what’s ahead: made-to-order puppies; hybrid animals; shorter life spans for dogs; and even the extinction of breeds like French bulldogs, pit bulls, King Charles spaniels, mastiffs, Skye terriers, bloodhounds, and more. And Bernstein calls out those responsible for the savagery, both domestic puppy mills and backyard breeders, and also an international dog trafficking ring that she’s been on the front line exposing.

In the vein of Peter Singer’s groundbreaking and best-selling volume Animal Liberation, this one-of-a-kind book is one of the most important industry exposés ever published. Bernstein’s game-changing and unforgettable text ripe with ethical questions is a public window into a new and fast-growing industry, and destined to cause outrage and save lives in the process.

Madeline Bernstein is president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA), president of the State Humane Association of California, an advisory committee member of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys Animal Cruelty Division, and a member of the California State Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee. She has written numerous pieces on animal welfare, and her blog on the subject won the CBS People’s Choice Award 2011. In 2012, Bernstein was the first Distinguished Visiting Animal Advocate for the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School, in Portland, where she has returned as a visiting professor. She was also the recipient of the prestigious Boeing Crystal Vision Award, among others. She travels nationwide as an expert speaker and is regularly featured on TV and radio, and in print media. Her TV appearances include multiple news shows and three appearances on Dr. Phil, among other daytime TV shows. Bernstein lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Dr. Phil McGraw, perhaps the most well-known mental health professional in the world, is the host of the #1 daytime talk show Dr. Phil. Now in its 14th season, this trailblazing and award-winning show continues to provide the most comprehensive forum on mental health issues in the history of television. Dr. McGraw is also the author of nine #1 New York Times best sellers, published in 39 languages with over 33 million copies in print. Dr. McGraw lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Robin, and their rescue dog, Maggie.