Purebred Dogs vs. Mutts - Pros and Cons for Each

You've got a lot of choices when you start looking for a new dog to share your life. The American Kennel Club recognizes 157 specific purebred breeds, plus there are those obvious breeds, like the Jack Russell terrier, that just haven't made the list yet. Then again, there are the purely mixed breeds, with everything from the classy PekiPoo (Pekingese-and-Poodle cross) to what we politely call a "Heinz 57" -- a little bit of everything, just like most of us. If you haven't yet decided whether to get a purebred or mixed breed, we're here to offer pros and cons for both.

Purebreds

Purebred dogs are those whose bloodlines are pure for as many generations back as the breed has existed (generally several decades or more). They've been refined over generations to fit their original purpose, be it chasing raccoons or herding sheep, and exemplify the classic characteristics of the type. The experienced dog fancier can identify any purebred at a glance. But they're not perfect, as you might guess.

Purebred Pros:

• Ideal for showdogs
• Uniform appearance
• Predictable temperaments
• Usually have records of their bloodlines for several generations at least

Purebred Cons:

• Prone to genetic defects, due to excessive inbreeding
• Lots of health problems
• Have wired-in behaviors -- like digging, nipping, and chasing -- that can be very difficult to change
• Can be very costly, especially if registered or shown

Mutts!

Mutts, or (to be PC) mixed breeds, are those whose bloodlines derive from two or more different breeds. Some mutts are so mixed up genetically that it's impossible to tell which breeds have contributed to their genome without DNA testing. These are generalized dogs that aren't really hardwired for any behavior, and they enjoy the full benefits of hybrid vigor.

Mutt Pros:

• Hybrid vigor lends them good health
• Less likely than purebreds to suffer congenital problems, due to genetic diversity
• Less expensive to maintain than purebreds
• Adjust to a variety of situations more easily than purebreds

Mutt Cons:

• Impossible to guess their temperament until they mature
• Like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get -- could be the handsomest or ugliest dog ever
• It's hard to guess how long a mutt will live or what health problems they might have
• You don't get to choose the breed

Well?

We won't tell you whether to adopt a mutt or a purebred -- that's up to you. We'll just point out that there are many more mutts in shelters than purebreds, and that adopting any dog at a shelter means saving a life. Whichever you choose, be sure that you provide them with all the shots and meds they need to stay healthy -- particularly flea and tick control. Frontline flea control is the best selling brand in America, and for good reason: it works very quickly and is easy to apply. Advantage flea control, however, is right up there near the top of the list, and is also an excellent choice. You can also save your beloved pet from ever contacting heart worms (which can be fatal!) by providing him with a monthly dose of Heartgard Plus.

Published with permission (FCDMInc)