Mutts versus Purebreds
Both mixed breed dogs and purebreds have their fans but is one kind of dog actually better than the other? Is it possible to live with both kinds of dogs? What about the dogs? Do they know or care if they sport a pedigree or not?
Ask a diehard fan of mixed breeds or shelter dogs and they will probably tell you that you can do a lot of good by adopting a dog from a shelter. These dogs are often unwanted and may be euthanized unless they are adopted by someone.
Survey data suggests that, in general, mixed breeds that are adopted will live as long or longer than the average purebred dog. There are a few exceptions. Small and Toy breed purebred dogs usually outlive all dogs.
There's usually no limit to what you can teach your mixed breed dog either. Mixed breed dogs have excelled at agility and many other dog sports that are open to them. If a mutt has an owner who is willing to take the time to work with them, then a mixed breed dog stands a good chance of doing very well in an activity.
On the other hand, devotees of purebred dogs can point to many areas where these dogs excel. In most cases purebred dogs have been bred for centuries, sometimes millennia, to do specific tasks. They look and act the way they do because they have or had a purpose. People who are devoted to these dogs take a justifiable pride in their dogs' history.
There is a great deal of misinformation on the Internet that suggests that purebred dogs are sickly or unhealthy because they are inbred. This is actually not particularly true. Yes, purebred dogs do have what are called "closed registries," meaning that they have studbooks and all of the dogs are related to each other through the founding dogs of the breed. But there are different degrees of close breeding. Many dogs are not very closely related in animal breeding terms.
As far as health goes, dedicated breeders typically perform health tests and genetic screening before breeding to reduce the chance of passing on any health problems to the next generation. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals tracks these tests in each breed if breeders submit the information. Some breeds keep their own registries for health information.
Not all purebred dog breeders and owners have their dogs health-tested but many do. Unfortunately, it's not usually possible to track the health and genetics of mutts because the parents are usually unknown. Many people believe that mutts are healthier than purebred dogs but this is not true. They believe in something called "hybrid vigor." Hybrid vigor does exist ' in agriculture, in crossbreeding species or subspecies ' but it doesn't usually apply in the case of mixed breed dogs. (True hybrids are usually infertile, for instance, like a mule.) Instead, simple genetics come into play. You may not know if your mixed breed dog's father had terrible allergies, for instance. If he did, he may have passed them down to your dog.
If your mixed breed dog is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle ' two breeds which are prone to hip dysplasia ' then it's very likely that your mixed breed dog will also develop hip dysplasia. That's simply a matter of genetics. No amount of "hybrid vigor" is going to prevent the puppy from getting these genes.
Of course, if the Labrador and the Poodle both have good hips, without any degree of hip dysplasia, then it's much more likely that your mixed breed dog will also have good hips. Again, simple genetics. (Although hip dysplasia isn't really a simple condition.)
So, mutts are not as healthy as many people believe. Hybrid vigor is largely a myth when it comes to dogs as pets. And, purebred dogs are typically much healthier than many people believe.
That's not to say that you shouldn't adopt a mixed breed dog! Mixed breed dogs can make great pets. But you should be aware that a mixed breed dog is subject to the same health problems as any other dog: allergies, dysplasia, PRA, and so on. Don't adopt a mutt with the belief that your dog will be healthier than other dogs.
There are also advantages to getting a purebred dog. Because purebred dogs have been bred to do certain tasks and to conform to a standard, you will know what you're getting. You will know how big the dog will be as an adult, what his temperament should be like, what his coat will be like and what the grooming needs will be, and whether you might be allergic to the dog. You can also choose a breeder who does health testing on the parents to try to choose a healthy puppy. All of these things are good reasons to get a purebred dog.
If you have a mixed breed dog there are more opportunities for these dogs to compete and earn titles than ever before. The AKC has now started enrolling mixed breeds in their Canine Partners Program. Mixed breed dogs are now eligible to compete in agility, rally and obedience events when they are offered by participating AKC clubs.
Whether you love mutts or purebreds, there is no "right" dog. Both kinds of dogs make great pets. The important thing to keep in mind is to get the right dog for you. Consider your needs and what kind of dog will fit your lifestyle. Consider what you find important in a dog. After you've thought things over carefully, then you can decide whether you want a mutt or a purebred.
About the Author:
David Beart is the owner of http://www.professorshouse.com . This site covers a wide selection of topics including relationships, family, cooking and other household issues.