NEW YORK -- The new must-have dog is the "puggle," a cross between a pug and a beagle.

People who want this designer mutt are paying purebreed prices, "Today" show national correspondent Melissa Stark reported.

Shari Geisinger first spotted the dog on the streets of New York, and knew she had to have one.

"Just walking around the city, I see these cute little dogs with the big ears and the big cute eyes," Geisinger said.

Geisinger bought her dog, Parker, from a breeder online for $600.

According to recent statistics, Stark reported, puggles account for 50 percent of all mixed-breed sales. Pet stores across the country can't keep them in stock.

The labradoodle, from Australia, started the hybrid trend over a decade ago. Mixed breeds instantly became a hit.

Is getting a mixed breed really a good idea? New York veterinarian Kim Rosenthal said hybrid pooches have some advantages.

"I absolutely love the idea of mixing breeds," Rosenthal said. "I think that we can really look for the best characteristics in each breed and start (to) eliminate some of the medical problems that have been plaguing us for a very long time."