@Kananga:
We also have to understand that we don't even go these lengths within our own species (at least the majority of parents). Lots of people have children even though they are aware of "genetic defects", yet they still find a way to love them. You have to find a balance between perfection and enjoyment. Obviously Fanconi is a big concern, I will not downplay that, but other things that are not life threatening can be managed. We do it with ourselves (no one here is perfectly healthy) and find a way to live our lives.
I thought about the same thing the other day. For example, my uncle has a rare form of muscular dystrophy that kind of reminds me of fanconi in the way it is passed. After we learned more about it, most of us were tested. To use the same kind of terms, there are those of us that are clear of it, some that are carriers, and of course, my uncle is affected. I'm a carrier, as are a lot of my aunts and cousins (we have a very big family). As horrible as the disease is, the smart thing to do would be to test our SOs to see if they are clear/carrier/affected before we have children, but that probably won't happen and it will be left up to chance. There are many other genetic diseases and defects that can probably be avoided if we were as discerning in our choice of mates as we are in our pets' mates/lineage. As Kananga said, I'm not downplaying the seriousness of fanconi, and I'm certainly happy that my best friend is clear and healthy, and when I decide to get another dog, I will make sure he/she has been tested and that the parents have had all the health tests that are available. It's just that sometimes things like this strike me as odd. Just one of those random things that popped in my mind during a long drive.
Anyway, I also dislike the idea of "designer dogs". But hey, the shelters are full of them, some even more designer than others, they don't cost nearly as much, and are already spayed or neutered. There's a German Labterrier, Yorkichipoo, Labrachow, and all kinds of combinations. You could make up your own new name for a breed.
As for the puggle, I've only met one. A good friend just adopted a puggle puppy, and he is the sweetest little boy. AND he can keep up with Cody in the stamina department, at least for a little while.