The Future of Dogs in the Technological Age
Hybrids Make Way for the Smart Designer Pooch and the Robot Dog
Feb 19, 2009
In recent years the combinations of exotic hybrid dogs has skyrocketed. A hybrid dog is not a breed. It is the offspring of a mix of more than one purebred dog, usually just two. As such, the only difference between a hybrid and a mutt is the controlled conditions under which it is produced.
According to the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), dog-lovers can now choose from hundreds of hybrids. The poodle alone offers many derivatives from the Scoodle (Poodle +Scottish Terrier) and the Saint Berdoodle to the whimsical sounding Pug-A-Poo. Names for these crossbreeds suggest everything from naughty voyeurism (the Peke-A-Tese) to mental disorder (the Schapso) to a new international entity (the Shiranian). Half the fun of owning these dogs must lie in telling observers what it is.
Genetically-Engineered Dogs
While these so-called designer dogs are exotic, they are created through natural mating. As Ewan Calloway reports in New Scientist Magazine, the next step is genetically engineered (GE) or "smart" designer dogs. Thanks to a fully sequenced dog genome that allows researchers to scan gene mutations, geneticists have discovered a small number of genes that determine coat color, size, and other dog traits. More importantly, targeting genes responsible for congenital conditions can help eliminate mutations causing disease.
While there are ethical concerns about GE dogs, these pets are not likely to go away. Given our love affair with dogs and the appetite for novelty, demand should increase once people become comfortable with genetic engineering. As Calloway reports, while currently scientists know of only a few genes that affect dog traits, this number will grow. Soon these dogs may be the ultimate accessory, reflecting dog-owners’ tastes as much as their clothing and cars now do.
The Robo Pooch: All the Dog and None of the Mess
For people who prefer hi-tech and want to forego the care of a real animal, there are robotic dogs and other so called virtual pets. Last year the Japanese introduced the G-Dog, which users will be able to control via a Playstation-like joypad. This robo dog can sit up and beg, crawl and roll over on its side.
While the G-dog has a decidedly mechanical look, a range of other virtual dogs such as MGA’s "Me and My Shadow" is available. As one of the first soft robot dogs, Me and My Shadow will stand, bark, and await your command. He will also sit down and go to sleep a minute and a half after the last command. This is sure to be your neighbor’s choice for your family dog.
While designer dogs and robot canines are a hot new trend, they are unlikely to push aside the family mutt. The price tag for hybrid dogs starts at $900.00 and can go up to $2000.00, pricing middle class owners out of the market. And while robot pets can be had for the same price as a pet from a shelter, it is dubious whether or not their appeal will last, especially after the batteries run out.
But both are representative of trends that are not going away. Our four-legged pets are just the beginning as humans explore the applications of advanced new technologies. From tinkering with the genes of our pets, it is a small step to designing our babies and redesigning ourselves.
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