You may have heard some of the funny names of the new "designer" dogs, such as labradoodles, peek-a-poos, meagles and so many others.

Are these breeds worth lots of money because they are rare? No. Are they special new breeds that we will soon see in dog shows like Westminster? No. Are they special for any reason at all? No.

So why then would anyone pay $500 or more for a dog like this? The answer is tragically simple. People are not educating themselves when it comes to bringing a dog into the family.

These dogs, while probably very cute and a mix of nice dispositions, are no different from any mixed breed dog that is sitting in a shelter right now hoping for a forever home. For a much smaller fee and one that usually covers all shots and a spay or neuter surgery, a family can bring home a wonderful pet from the local shelter.

At Paws4Ever, the fee of $160 includes the spay or neuter surgery, all shots, a micro-chip and four dog training classes for the new owner and pet. If a family really wants a certain breed of dog, they should do some research to discover all the wonderful breed rescues that exist, because even purebred dogs often end up in shelters and with rescue groups. Rescue groups usually have a very similar process for adoption as shelters. Their fees are quite comparable and usually include the same services.

The relatively new type of breeding that produces the designer dogs is irresponsible and results in many more dogs needing homes every day. When people are willing to pay several hundred dollars for a mixed breed dog, this type of breeding is encouraged even more.

Millions of dogs will have to be euthanized this year because there are not enough homes for them all. Please don't encourage irresponsible breeding by buying a deliberately bred mixed-breed dog. We already have too many purebred dogs that need homes and even more mixed breed dogs in need. Save that money for some of the basics your new dog will need.

(Sharon Harkavy is community outreach and education director for Paws4Ever.)