MARLEE'S SPECIAL NEEDS

MUTTS

Marlee is a mutt

Marlee is of mixed-breed origin.  She is part German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and part beagle.  She looks like a GSD the size of a beagle, with floppy ears.

There are advantages and disadvantages to adopting a mixed-breed dog.

Advantages of mixed breed dogs

Besides the unconditional devotion an owner gets from any pet dog, the mixed breed dog has several advantages. First, he is generally inexpensive, even if adopted from a shelter. 

Second, there is no pressure to "do something" with the dog. Those with purebred dogs often feel the need to compete in various contests, to collect bric-a-brac with their breed's identification, to adorn themselves in breed-specific clothing, to join dog clubs and get immersed in doggy events, etc. The owners of a mixed breed can just sit back and enjoy company of his Sandy or Ginger with no pressure to perform or collect.

Third, if you do feel pushed to "do something" with the dog, there are more and more opportunities to get involved in obedience and other activities. The American Kennel Club and  The United Kennel Club include mixed breed dogs in their obedience events, giving these pets the opportunity to earn even advanced obedience titles. The Mixed Breed Obedience Club of America also provides for obedience titles of registered mixed breeds.

About the only thing the mixed breed dog can't do is participate in events organized and hosted by AKC and its member clubs. This prohibition is a blessing in disguise, for AKC competition often produces fierce rivalries or leads to such severe stress that outsiders wonder if either the people or the dogs are having any fun at all.

The drawbacks

The disadvantages of a mixed breed outweigh the advantages for some folks. The sire of the litter often hits and runs, and the owners of the dam know little or nothing about his size, type, breed, health, or temperament. Thus puppy purchasers know almost nothing about the pup except that he's cute and loving. Some mixed breeds, especially the small ones, exhibit the worst characteristics of both parents. 

Another disadvantage to mixed breed dogs is the inability to predict the size, coat-type, or temperament of the adult dog from seeing a litter of puppies from an unknown sire or worse, from an unknown dam and sire.  Even if the litter parents are known, if they are two widely divergent breeds in size, coat, or temperament, it will be difficult to determine which pups will take after Mom, which ones will resemble Dad, and which ones will look like a little bit of both.

Finally, it is more difficult to track diseases in crossbreeds and mixed breeds because these dogs are unlikely to be x-rayed for dysplasia, checked for abnormal thyroid or eye diseases, examined for heart problems, or tested for various autoimmune problems. For example, Golden Retriever-Collie crossbred puppies are susceptible to the diseases that affect the two breeds: hip dysplasia, heart abnormalities, eye problems, etc. The inheritance of structural problems such as hip dysplasia is complex and can multiply through the generations; thus mixed breed dogs are also potential victims.

Back to top

Marlee's Memberships

Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha Alumna

Deaf Dog Education Action Fund

The Humane Society of the United States