Do You Want a Purebred or Mixed-Breed Dog?
Should your new dog be a purebred or a mixed breed? For many, the answer to this question is obvious because subconsciously they are only thinking about purebred dogs. The thought of having anything else never even enters their mind. When they were growing up, their parents had English Setters so they automatically look for an English Setter.
It is ironic that many future dog owners seek out a purebred without any idea of what breed they might want. They never consider a mixed or "Heinz 57." Before you leap into a selection between the 150 or so currently listed and officially recognized breeds, you need to understand the differences and pros and cons of a "canine blue-blood" versus what is often referred to as a mixed breed.
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There are differences between purebred and mixed breed dogs, but they are mostly in what the buyer wants or perceives. Several hundred years ago humans started with wild or free-roaming canines and brought them into their lives. Originally, they were used to help us with our work. In various parts of the world, different basic models as to shape and size were used for these initial transformations into domestication. Over the years, dogs have become less important as a working partner and most are simply thought of as a companion. Regardless of their role in our world, from the very start, we have continually tried to alter the dog's abilities, behavior, size, shape, color, conformation, etc., to fit some purpose or goal that we had. This was done through selective breeding. At some point in time, a standard is established and these animals are sanctioned as a unique breed. With the stroke of a pen on an official looking document, they are transformed from a mixed breed to a purebred.
Possible advantages of purebreds: If you are seeking a dog and need it for a specific purpose, you may be better off choosing a purebred that has been selectively bred with those traits in mind. While it is often said that any dog can be trained to do anything, you may be wiser to use the years of experience and efforts of others than try to start on your own. For example, someone who is interested in herding, hunting, scent work, or other specific tasks would be better off choosing a dog from one of the breeds that have been devoted to those specialized fields. Through generations of selective breeding, these traits have been refined and strengthened well past those found in the general population of dogs.
For some people, their choice as to which dog they should get is based on their own physical makeup or problems. If a respiratorycondition means you should not be around dogs that shed excessively, you should select a breed that is appropriate for your own health. Certain kinds of dogs are well known for their non-shedding characteristics. In reality, they do shed, but generally much less than typical breeds. Examples are the various Poodles and Schnauzers. In these situations in which a specific physical trait such as the amount that an animal sheds is important in your dog, it is probably better to choose a purebred. It would be very difficult, if not impossible to predict, the degree of shedding that a mixed breed puppy will display as an adult.
Some dog owners find certain dogs more attractive than others and simply must have one that looks like that. It would be foolish for them to choose a different breed or one of mixed lineage. If someone knows what they want their dog to look like as an adult, but are starting with a puppy, they need to choose a member of that breed to ensure they get what they want a year later.
Some dog breeds are known for having certain personalities or behavior patterns. You can select one that matches yours or what you would prefer to see in your pet. Golden Retrievers are known for their laid-back, calm personalities. To some, that is the perfect dog. Others, however, would prefer a more out going, excitable dog. Still, others might want an animal for protection of their home. Certain lines of some breeds have been bred for this type of work and are therefore a natural choice.
An excellent book that describes the various breeds is "The Complete Dog Book" by the American Kennel Club. It can be found in most book or pet stores. Buying a purebred animal in no way guarantees what you will get. It may increase your chances of matching you with your goal, but that is all.
Some advantages of mixed breeds: Keep in mind when thinking about purebred dogs that many man-made alterations in the basic structure and behavior from the original historical canine model have brought along some disadvantages. Some dogs, especially those with short noses that at times seem to be pushed back into their heads, may have difficulty breathing or giving birth to their puppies naturally. Excessively large or giant breeds usually have shorter life spans, often by several years. Breeds with excessive skin folds are generally more prone to bacterial skin infections.
In other purebreds, harmful or unwanted characteristics have arisen. Whenever breeders select for one trait they may unknowingly select for many others. Hip dysplasia is a degenerative and often severely debilitating disease of the hip joint of dogs. It is transmitted from one generation to the next through genetics. This condition is rare in wild dogs. Any condition that decreases the overall ability of a wild animal to compete in their world is quickly eliminated through natural selection. However, through human engineered selective processes, this condition has become common in several breeds. Breeding has, it would seem, unknowingly potentiated the genetically transferred information that controls this disease. Today, concerned and ethical breeders work very hard to eliminate undesirable traits from their breeds. They truly care about the animals they produce and their future.
When considering your choice between a purebred and mixed breed, do not forget the cost. Purebred puppies have been known to cost $300 to $3000 depending on the particular lines and breed. Mixed breed models are usually free or go for only a small adoption fee. In some households, this can mean the difference between getting a dog or not. We promise you, the child that receives his first puppy will rarely care about his color, hair coat, size, or the price paid.
Summary
The dog you bring home will hopefully be a part of your life for many years. For this partnership to be the best for both of you, it is important you make the right choice.
If you feel you do not have the knowledge to make these decisions, talk to dog breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and other pet owners. All people, whether they are specialists or not, love to talk about their animals and there is a wealth of information available just for the asking. Read as much as you can about the different types or breeds of dogs. We have been brief here, but 99% of the breeds listed by the American Kennel Club have several books devoted just to them. Today, there are also hundreds and hundreds of good books and magazine articles dealing with every phase of pet ownership.
Sometime in this process take time to consider the needs of the dog. Consider your surroundings and lifestyle. Make sure the dog fits into the environment you will be able to provide. Remember the word relationship and how it is a two way street with each party making both commitments and compromises. In this case, the majority of these burdens will fall on your shoulders. And that is fair because you are the one who gets to make all the choices.
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