There are many things to consider once you’ve decided you want a new puppy. One of the biggest is whether you would like a purebred or mixed-breed dog. If you’re still unsure the following info can help to make the decision easier.
Purebred Dog Basics
There are many different dog breeds to pick from. Each breed was developed for a specific job, whether that was hunting, guarding, or simply sitting on its owner’s lap. Through many generations of selective breeding, they have developed the physical features and personalities needed to perform these tasks. Many breeds even have traits that make them better able to live and work in certain climates and conditions.
The Benefits Of Choosing A Purebred Dog
One of the biggest advantages of purebred dogs is that when purchasing a puppy what to expect in terms of looks, temperament, and size. When purchasing from a breeder you can also usually see or find out information about the puppy’s parents. And that can help give you even more of an idea of how your puppy will turn out.
A purebred pet is a good idea if you have a specific preference for how you want your pet to look. Your living conditions and lifestyle may also require you to have a pet that is a certain size, energy level, or that doesn’t shed. For those who are typically allergic to dogs, there are even breeds that are considered to be hypoallergenic, such as the soft coated wheaten terrier.
When you will be doing specific activities such as protection, herding, search and rescue, and many types of hunting there are breeds that have been created to excel at them, so going with a purebred dog would be a smart choice.
Disadvantages Of Purebred Dogs
Purebred pets aren’t without their disadvantages, however. Many breeds have conditions and diseases that they are more susceptible to. (However, many of these can be tested and screened for.)
And due to their size and other traits, some breeds are also short-lived. A purebred dog will typically cost you much more than a mixed breed as well so it may not be in your budget. Typically the rarer the breed the more they will cost.
The Many Benefits Of Mixed Breeds
Mixed breed dogs, also sometimes called mutts, may have ancestors from a handful of recognizable breeds or they may not. Because they have a much more diverse gene pool than purebred dogs, they are often healthier. They generally have less of a chance of inheriting a genetic disorder which can mean a more comfortable life and one that’s longer.
Mixed breed dogs are more often than not what you’ll find at the animal shelter. So by choosing a mixed breed you may also be saving a life which is of course incredibly special. When adopting a dog from a shelter it’s often free or you may have to simply pay a small fee or contribute a donation.
Disadvantages Of Mixed Breeds
There are a couple of potential disadvantages you’ll want to think about before you take home a mixed breed. The biggest for many people is that they simply don’t know what a puppy will look like or how big it will get in the future. This is often the case when adopting from a shelter.
So for example, while a puppy may look similar to one of the small dog breeds now when full-grown it could end up being much larger in size. For some potential owners, this can be a problem. However for others, not knowing is part of the fun. Nowadays you can actually purchase a dog DNA test which can help you to find out what breeds are in your dog’s ancestry which can be quite interesting.
Take Away
Ultimately whether you choose a purebred or mixed breed will come down to your personal preferences and needs. When you want a pet that looks a specific way, has certain traits, and for a highly specific task, a purebred pet is usually the best option.
On the other hand, when you simply want a companion and will be happy however he turns out looking when fully grown, a mixed breed might be the right choice for you. And remember regardless of what type of dog you own purebred or mutt, socialization and training are the biggest factors that will influence your pooch’s future behavior and personality.
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