Designer dogs are a combination of breeds but they are different from mutts. Mutts come from a combination of breeds of questionable ancestry. There is little way to know the eventual size, look or temperament of these dogs. However, with the mix of breeds, the mutt is not as susceptible to the genetic issues of any one breed. A designer dog is a combination of two purebred dogs. The characteristics of each breed is well documented. You can rely on these breed combinations to a certain extent but not with absolute certainty. Your designer dog can lean more toward one of the breeding partners than the other. Thus before adopting a designer dog, check that the characteristics of both breeding partners will work will in your household. The larger gene pool can give you a bit more protection from genetic anomalies than with purebred dogs. Learn more from your San Jose, CA veterinary clinic.