Pit bull mixes vary in temperament according to their parentage and how well they have been socialized as puppies with other dogs and people.
    Some grow up to be one-person dogs that will accept only their owner, while others can be friendly and accepting of all people.
    Like other dogs, pit bull mixes can be either extremely aggressive and prone to fighting or exuberant, playful, and sociable.
    They are sure to be high-energy dogs with tremendous strength. Common in many urban shelters, pit bull mixes are recommended for experienced owners only and are not suitable for households with children under seven years of age.
    Pit bull mixes have shorthaired coats in a range of colors and patterns. They have broad-backed skulls, wide mouths, and extremely strong jaws.
    Brush these dogs once a week with a rubber brush.
    Because pit bull mixes are very active and have tremendous energy, they will develop such behavior problems as inappropriate chewing and jumping if they are not exercised frequently. They need at least three walks daily plus aerobic-level exercise in a secured area.
Northern-breed mixes show some continuity in appearance, the northern breeds have a great diversity of personalities.
     Siberian husky mixes may be friendly and outgoing but difficult to train. Akita mixes, reflecting their fighting-dog roots, may be dominant or aggressive, especially with women and children, if not trained. Chow and shar-pei mixes may be somewhat aloof.
     Energy levels also vary depending on the breed mix. Husky and other robust sled dogs have moderate to high energy levels, as do Samoyeds.
     Spitz-type northern mixes have thick coats and thick bushy tails that usually curl over their backs. Their muzzles are foxy and wolfish looking. Their powerful builds are distinguished by strong shoulders and chests ideally suited for pulling (which can be an issue when walking these dogs on-leash).
     American Eskimo dog, Finnish spitz, and Shiba Inu mixes can be quite small. Coat colors vary widely among northern mixes, depending on the breed mix. Sometimes one or both eyes is blue (known as "china").
     Northern mixes are heavy shedders, especially during spring and fall shedding seasons, and are more active in wintry, cold climates than in hot, humid climates.
Herding mixes are bright, alert, and very responsive to training.
    They need lots of stimulation to focus their enormous physical energy and sharp intelligence. If these dogs aren't challenged in this way, they can develop behavior problems, such as household destruction or nipping.
    Herding mixes are usually of some sheep-herding parentage, although in regions where the cattle industry is strong, mixes of cattle-herding breeds are more common.
    These dogs are medium-size to large, with a thick coat in a variety of colors and lengths. The black and white, tricolor, merle, and speckled patterns seen in purebred herding dogs are also replicated in herding mixes.
    Most of these dogs need brushing twice a week, although some can need more frequent grooming.
    Because of their high energy and tremendous stamina, these dogs need three walks daily as well as frequent daily off-leash play and running time in a secured area.
Guardian mixes are watchful, protective dogs that often have dominant personalities. Their energy level is medium to high, depending on their mix.
    Some Doberman mixes can be quite high-energy, and mixes with both guardian-breed and sporting-dog blood can be very active. Some guardian mixes can be dominant and aggressive, especially with women and children, if not properly trained.
    These dogs are recommended only for experienced dog owners.
     Dogs with guardian-breed blood may have a massive and/or muscular build, brindle or black and tan coloring (especially points, as in rottweilers and Dobermans), and a short, easy-to-care-for coat.
     Grooming will depend on which breed your guardian mix most resembles. Many of the guardian mixes need intensive aerobic exercise daily.
Companion-breed mixes, such as Shih Tzu mixes or Pekingese mixes, desire close companionship with their owners. They love to be petted and need lot of attention. They look forward to outings, and most are portable enough to be carried.
     Many of these dogs are high-strung but reasonably easy to train; some terrier mixes can be stubborn. Small companion dogs are not suitable for households with children under seven years of age. Some of the toy mixes can be nippy with children.
     The facial features of companion mixes range from long-muzzled to snub-nosed. They tend to have small builds, although some mixes have longer legs than others. Coat color, length, and texture varies widely and depends on the breed mix.
     Long coats require frequent brushing (as much as once a day, depending on the breed background); short coats need only weekly brushing. Long-legged mixes, such as those with dalmatian blood, require more exercise than the short-legged, long-bodied varieties.
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