Does it seem that mutts have less medical problems than purebreeds?

Answer 1

Absolutely not. Mutts may have fewer problems that *poorly bred* purebreds, but certainly no less than a purebred that was bred by someone who knows the breed, and tests their breeding dogs for genetic problems.

People tend to apply the theory of "hybrid vigor" to mixed breed dogs, when it's not appropriate. For one thing, "hybrid vigor" may apply to simple organisms like pea plants, but the veterbrate mammal is much more complex. For another, "hybrid vigor" may apply to separate species (i.e. donkeys and horses, when creating the mule), but as dogs are all the same species, it is an inept comparison.

The fact is this: Dogs are dogs. They all have the same basic genes, just like all people, and all members of any species, do. If you combine genes for a specific trait (i.e. hip dysplasia) you will get it, regardless of whether or not that dog's parents were the same breed. I have worked with dogs in various capacities for 70% of my life, and I have seen plenty of mutts with skin problems, hip problems, eye problems, cancer, and any other disease that the ignorant and uninformed would like to attribute to purebreds.

Now, I will again emphasize that *poorly* bred purebreds, bred by backyard breeders, puppy mills, and any other person who does not have the interest or motivation to properly educate themselves and test their dogs for disease -- these dogs may have more health problems than a mutt. Absolutely. However, this is due to the ignorance and greed of the "breeder", and has less to do with the breed. I will also say, however, that any of these "designer dogs" now becoming popular are also bred by the ignorant and greedy, and are just as likely to have health problems because they aren't tested. Being a mix will not magically "save" them.

ADDED: I have to point out that "inbreeding" is not necessarily responsible for genetic problems. While inbreeding has the potential to create genetic problems by doubling up on recessive genes, this can occur in any breeding where that genetic combination is present -- the relationship of the dogs notwithstanding. Ignorant breeders would like to believe that if they breed two unrelated dogs of the same breed (i.e. 7+ generations removed from any common relative) they will not produce a genetic problem. But if those two dogs are carrying the same genetic code for that problem, the chances of them producing it are very high, even if they share no immediately common relative. Of course, if you don't do the testing, and you don't know anything about the ancestors of either dog, you never know what you'll end up with.

Answer 2

I think it all depends on the breed. I have 2 dogs, a pit bull and a Maltese. The pit is mixed with bull dog, and he has way way more problems than my Maltese does. He's got inverted eyelids, a deformed trachea, so he goes into strange spasms now and then, he also has severe allergies, rag weed, dust, you name it, his skin needs attention. Then there's the little guy, he's spunky and healthy, we've never had a problem with him. We did have a real wolf that we adopted, but he was epileptic and had seizures, so sadly he had to be put down. Meds weren't working for him. I have heard the same thing, but I really think it all depends on the dog it self.

Answer 3

Not only does it seem that way, it is that way.

Purebreds have been force bred to amplify a desirable trait. Unfortunately it also amplifies any undesirable trait. Susceptibility to a particular disease for instance. I know I love Boxers for their personality and energy but they are very susceptible to cancer and rarely live beyond 10 years.

Mutts on the other hand have a wider gene pool to work with and genetic weaknesses have a better chance of being suppressed.

Answer 4

My neighbours have a purebread Rottie, and mine is mixed with Australian Shepherd....recently they had to sped over 2 grand for a torn hip muscle, and it's only a few years old. I have never had troubles with my dogs hips/legs - she even sits like a frog! Every vet I've talked to state that a mix breed will have less problems, but be careful with actual mongrels where you don't know what is in them because then you don't know what problems to look for!

Answer 5

Yes, I think it's a scientific fact. It has something to do with the genes that purebreeds carry.

Answer 6

Another strong supporter of Loki. Everything s/he said is completely correct. Give me a well-bred purebred any day of the week.

Answer 7

Yes. I am raising my first pure bred dog, and have never had to deal with as many with muts as with this dog. She has lots of skin problems and she is only a little over a year.

Answer 8

Mutts have less problems than pure breeds because they are not inbred. That eliminates most of the inherited diseases.

Answer 9

I would say it just depends....I have owned pure breeds all my life...Never had any major medical expenses....other that the usual shots and such....there are just some breeds that have natural problems

Answer 10

VERY good post Loki! Nothing I can add to it!

To the other posters - why are you answering if you have no idea what you are talking about?