DogTraininGuide.com

November 18, 2008

Choosing a Dog 3

Posted by: admin : Category: Choosing a Dog, Dog Training

: Image via Wikipedia

What Kind of Dog?
Mixed-Breed or Pure-Breed?
After deciding to get a puppy or adult dog, the next question is: What kind of dog is best—mixed-breed (mutt) or pure-breed? There are fans on both sides of this question who would never consider owning the “other” choice. Then there are people who just want a great companion and don’t care whether he’s a mutt or an AKC champion.

[Note: We use the term “mutt” with affection. We have a warm spot in our heart for mutts. But we love all kinds of dogs!]
As with the puppy or adult dog decision, there are pros and cons to both mutt and pure-breed options.

Pure-breed puppies are more predictable in terms of behavioral and physical characteristics. In many cases before picking a pure-breed puppy, you can check out the appearance, friendliness, basic manners, and general health of his parents. Sometimes too much breeding/inbreeding, or breeding to achieve a desirable physical characteristic (such as the flattened nose of a Pug), can create health problems. Pure-breed dogs can be expensive. Depending on the breed, a pure-breed puppy will typically cost several hundred dollars.

A mutt, on the other hand, is pretty much a one-of-a-kind dog. If you’re adopting a mutt puppy from a friend, you might see what the mother is like, but the father is often a total mystery. If you adopt from a shelter, you can only guess about both parents. Mutts generally have fewer health problems and tend to live longer than pure-breed dogs. And mutt puppies are much cheaper (often free).
You cannot simply select the “perfect” breed or the “perfect” individual puppy and have him automatically grow up to be a “perfect” adult dog.

Any puppy (mutt or pure-breed) can become a wonderful companion if properly raised and trained. Conversely, any puppy can become a canine nightmare if not properly raised and trained.
Regardless of pedigree (or lack thereof), you should pick a pooch that is best suited to you and your lifestyle.