| Why are people so intrested in purebreds? If mutts really are better dogs, then why are purebreds the ones everyone’s willing to hand over the big bucks for. Society is hung up on image and material wealth so that they don’t think about the benefits of ‘just a mutt.’ They like to be able to say that thier dog is great because of the breed and not the personality of that single dog. They like to have the bragging rights that their dog is from a long line of hunting, herding, toy, show, etc. dogs. There are calanders, notebooks, and clothing that features that certain breed, they can feel like they are part of a special group of society just because their dog looks exactly like others. The primary benefit of having a purebred dog is the assurance of knowing what the pup will be as an adult. With purebreds it is more of a garantee of what the size and look of the dog will be when it is grown because it is a breed. Of course with back yard breeders and puppy mills this is becomeing less true. Registering doesn't go far these days either. The AKC has stated publicly that they can not garantee that their pedigrees are accurate or even that the breed on the papers is true. To get a good purebed dog you must find a repuatable breeder. Unless you get your dog from a responsible breeder, you can not classify personlities, or anything else for that matter, by breeds. Ii have seen Labradors that are vicous and definately not family dogs, and I have seen ones that are gentle as a lamb. There is just as much difference in personalities in purebreds as there is in mutts. There isn’t as much predictability with mutts as in purebreds (size, color, energy needs, NOT personality) Hopefully you will know of the breeds involved and will have an idea of the size it will grow to. Also you can talk with your veterinarian and he/she may be able to tell by the age and weight. Or better yet you can adopt a grown dog, then you are assured of the size and care that will be needed. Some purebred owners don’t want to take the chance on the surprises of how that mutt puppy may look as an adult. Many want to make sure that their new dog sill look just like their old one. (they associate the looks with the love of the dog) With any dog, good training will give you a good personality and a happier dog. We shouldn’t get hung up on looks. Most mutts are absolutely beautiful, many people have thought that my dogs were some sort of rare breed of dog. We should adore the attention any pet will give us. Mutts are like the citizens of the USA, a great mixture. |
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| A retriver mix |
| A daushaund mix |
| My Gracie, retriver/collie mix |
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| My Dixie, a cocker/retriver mix (at 16 years old) |
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| Why to choose a Mutt over a Purebred |
| When it comes to dogs, the purebreds sure are the pricey ones. Getting one with "papers"can set you back close to a thousand dollars. Mutts, on the other hand, are considered less valuable by people (who haven't had one!). You can get them just about anywhere, for next to nothing. They are the unfortunate result of irresponsible pet owners. They crowd the animal shelters, waiting to be adopted. This is a fact of life that confuses enthusiasts of the mixed breed dog. How can such great dogs be "unwanted?" Well many people just don't don't know the facts about them |
Why mutts are great!!! Mutts are healthier, they’re unique, they are smart and learn quickly, seem to live longer,yet they are overpopulated. They come in all sizes, colors, coats and personalies. Mutts are mentally less intense than many purebred dogs, are less aggressive, and are happier. This usually means to better pets for most families. In short mixed breeds are less programed to behave a certian way. For instance a purebred border collie may be very hyper, while a mix will generally be "toned down" by what it is mixed with, making it calmer. Most people do not need a dog that is "programed" to do a certain thing. Most people want a dog for companionship. Mutts are perfect companions!!! Mutts have less genetic health problems. Most purebred dogs have health problems due to inbreeding. Genetic problems tend to pop up alot when there is no new genitic material to dominate over the bad traits. Multiple studies found out that 1-4 purebred dogs suffers from a major genic health defect. Not one in four breeds, one in four dogs! So with increased popularity of a certainbreed, we find that weaknesses in their medical and psychological makeup increase. These inherited diseases are less likely to be a problem in mutts. Mutts are not less likly to get sick however, they are just less likely to suffer from genitic dieseases like hip dysplasia, and respitory problems (some purrbreds flat faced can lead to resperatory distress.) Unless you get your purebred dog from a responsible breeder, it will most likely have chronic health problems due to bad breeders. (Backyard breeders, hobby breeders, and puppmills) Mixed breed dogs offer the best of both worlds. You can get color, size sex or personality. If you want a hunting dog, then get a retriver mix, a small dog, get a poodle mix. They lessen some of the negative stereotypes of certain breeds. You can get the loyalty of a guard dog in a mixed breed without people being scared of a "pit" or "rottie" (which both make great pets if you know how to train them right). They also escape the problems of over-breeding. With purebreds, it is form over function. Some breeds may have "perfect form" but may only live to be 8 years old. Some breeds can't even give birth naturally anymore because they are bred to have big heads. Big heads that can't fit through the mother at birth. Responsible breeders are trying to over come this, but it is slow coming. Some of the standards simply are not healthy to have. With mutts, it is function over form, they might not look as pretty (or look better) as a purbred but their bodies aren't usually as extreme as far as body porportions go. I value the indiviual looks of a mutt over all the looks of all purebred breeds. Try to find a dog with as pretty of a face as my dog Dixie. She has retriver ears and fur with the face and size of a cocker spaniel. I have seen other mixes like her, but none of them look exactly alike. Some have cocker ears with golden's face. Some have golden's body with a cocker face. One thing was commen however, they were all sweet and very loving and most of all unique!. |
| If you think a mutt is the right kind of dog for you, the best way to go is to check with friends or go to a shelter. Don't fall for "breeders" of mutts however. Your first stop should be at a shelter. Once you bring a mutt into your home, it seems it’s hard to let it go. |
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