What are the Pros and Cons/Difference between mutts and purebreeds?

Question

This is me just being curious, but I wondered something:

If someone was wanting to get a new dog, but didn't know whether to get a mutt or a purebred, what would your insight be? For example, people say a pro of getting a mutt is that they usually don't have as many health problems as purebreeds.

What do you think? What would you tell the person asking the question, and would would your opinion be.

Answer 1

I'm a mixed breed fan AND a purebred fan. I just love dogs.

However, when I advise people on dogs I tend to advise by breed. That's because a person ready to take on a mixed breed really must be willing to gamble. You are gambling on final size, coat and physical characteristics as well as the more important stuff such as personality, temperament and activity level.

Purebreds are more predictable, no guarantees, but your chances of getting what you expect are higher. Getting an adult dog, older than two, will get you predictability even in the mixed breeds.

A shelter or rescue dog might be just the perfect answer. Many of these are fine dogs that got to the shelter or rescue because their previous owner did not do their homework. Adult dogs, in particular, are often a good choice because their needs are not so time intensive as puppies. Moreover, the adult dog offers a degree of predictability. A GOOD shelter or rescue evaluation can really do a good job of matching dog to owner.

When you decide to get your dog don't just take the first cute furry face that comes along. It may be hard but it is well worth it to apply temperament tests, carefully evaluate the puppy, and wait for the one that is truly right for you. Sometimes you might have to make several visits before you fall in love with that special pair of velvet brown eyes.

Take two dogs, one a purebred and one a mixed breed. Which one is more beautiful, smarter, a better companion? This is a matter of personal opinion. Many believe that purebreds are the only choice while others steadfastly stand by the mutt. We can compare purebred dogs and mixed breed dogs in general terms, remembering that individual dogs develop their own personalities and temperaments based on factors other than simple breeding.

One of the most appealing features of the purebred is that they have predictable physical characteristics. You have a good idea of what you're going to get regarding appearance and size. They also have a fairly predictable temperament so you can have a pretty good idea of what your dog's disposition will be.

Remember, though, that there are no guarantees and, even with purebreds, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you want to professionally breed or show your dog, a pedigree is your only option.

Sadly, though, purebreds are more prone to health problems, many of which are often due to over breeding. These can include immune system diseases, skin diseases, bone and joint disorders, sudden heart disease, eye diseases, epilepsy or seizures, cancers and tumors, neurological diseases, and bleeding disorders. If you have allergies though, some dogs are hypoallergenic and do not shed, like our poodles.

To avoid most of these genetic defects you must find a reputable and proven breeder. These can be found through the American Kennel Association or by personal recommendation. A reputable breeder is proud of their name and their dogs. They never sell through pet shops, which can be a crap shoot at best. It is best to visit them and see their dogs. We keep ours loose and part of the family. They are working poodles, protecting our garden and chickens from marauding animals and theiving bald eagles. No froufrou poodles these dogs. By seeing the animals in their own environment, you get a good idea of what your pup would be like.


However, some dogs by the very nature of their bodies develop certain problems. Many pugs have breathing difficulties, many floppy skinned dogs like the sharpei develop rashes between the folds of skin.

Many purebreds come with working behaviors that may not fit your ideal of the perfect companion. Behaviors like digging holes, chasing after things or nipping, which have been bred into certain breeds for centuries, often prove difficult to change. Purebreds can be very costly, running anywhere from several hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Our puppies go for $1500 apiece or more depending on marking and colour. It is not a big business, we just have exquisite dogs, a male and his harem of two.

For example, sled dogs tend to pull hard on the leash; terriers dig because they were bred for hunting small animals. Of course there is also the problem with heavyset dogs bred for protection because, despite what their owners say, they are bred for aggression and fighting.

The most obvious downside of mutts is that you can't predict what the pup will look like or what size it will be as an adult. Many find this to be a positive, enjoying the surprise of realizing what their mixes grow up to look like. Mixed breeds are less predictable than purebreds when it comes to temperament. However, mixed breeds tend toward the moderate, with their temperaments often proving to be less extreme than those of purebreds.

You're less likely to have a dog who's "very" energetic or "very" demanding or "very" stubborn, with genetically-based characteristics that often prove difficult to change, and more likely to have a dog that can adjust to a greater variety of situations.

With a greater genetic diversity, mixed breeds are less likely to suffer conditions that affect certain purebreds as a result of inbreeding. They also tend to be a lot less expensive, usually costing around $25 to $75 at most shelters.

Furthermore, by opting for a mixed breed, certainly one from the shelter, you may just be saving a life. If you do not have children, consider an older dog. There are many beautiful older dogs that need a good home for the last years of their lives and you might be just the person. Such dogs should not go to homes with small children because the activity level might be too much, and old dogs, like old people, become set in their ways.

We breed standard poodles of amazing beauty. It is not a business, but since our three are fine purebreds with amazing personalities, it has worked out well. We have learned the best pups are raised with the family, not kennels. This way they are acclimatized.

Every pup we sell is used to having every part of its body touched as part of its social conditioning. We also judge the people who wish to buy them because we want them all happy. Not every family is suitable for a large dog. However, when people pay the price, they usually care for their animal. We guarantee the health of the puppy and they go to their new home in perfect shape, all their shots, and ready to spread joy.

I send you a few links to help you consider the animal you might like best. If you and I were talking face to face, this is exactly what I would say to you.

So which will it be? Purebred or mutt, pedigree or mixed breed? The choice is up to you.

http://puppydogweb.com/profiles.htm

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm
Quiz to help you choose your perfect dog

Answer 2

I would honestly say get whatever dog that YOU WANT to get if you get adog itsa big commitment not a temporary fix if you want a mutt get a mutt if you want a purebred get a purebred I would not go by some old wifetails about health problems, certain breeds have certain problems pick a breed and do the research the breed research will inform you of common problems in the particular breed some pure bred dogs do experience certain problems get what you want not what someone saids is good or bad you are the one taking on the responsibility not someone else GOOD LUCK!!!! REMEMBER RESEARCH THE BREEDS!

Answer 3

I don't think either are "healthier" than the other. but I would still go with the purebred. If you want to pay less money, good luck because recently mutts (aka "designer dogs") are just as or more expensive than a purebred. I've seen Labradoodles for $1500. You can't put a price on man's best friend anyway...

Answer 4

The blanket statement that mutt don't have the health problems of purebreds is untrue. They can still have some serious health problems. Let me give an example. I have 5 chihuahuas and chihuahuas have a risk for collapsing trachea. Not one of mine have it. The mutt I grew up with (poodle, silky terrier cross we think) did. My MIL's Jack Russel/sharpei has allergies and frequent ear infections.

If the person is getting an adult dog, there is no difference to getting a mutt or purebred. By that time they are done growing and you know if they have health problems (for the most part), what they are going to look like and temperment issues.

If the person is going to get a puppy (especially one they are going to be paying for), a purebred from a reputable breeder is what I'd recommend. You have a good idea of what they are going to look like when they finish growing, what kind of temperment they should have and (if the breeder is doing his/her job right) the dog should be free of genetic defect that can strike any dog (mutt or purebred) and a healthy immune system. Of course the person should do research and avoid breeds that are known for problems, especially ones that develop later in life (like many boxers get cancers, great dog but I personally wouldn't want to face that risk).

Answer 5

First off Mutts are NOT healthier then purebreds..they are just as prone to hip dysplasia, heart & kidney disease and other issues as are purebreds. They also can have temperament issues and training issues same as can purebreds.

Wellbred purebreds aren't bred mother/son, father/daughter this is a BYB/Mill irresponsible breeder practice.

Getting a wellbred purebred from a responsible breeder is just as rewarding as is getting a mutt. The only big difference between the two is with a well bred purebred you know what you are getting..size, look, etc with a mutt you don't..other then that either make wonderful pets/companions.

Answer 6

Mutts
pros: they come in a greater variety, some look better than purebreds(my opinion), cheaper, less heridity diseases
cons: you don't know how a puppy is going to grow up like, can't compete in a breed standard show

Purebreds
pros: you know what it's going to b like(appearance and personality), you can compete in breed standard shows/competitions
cons: more expensive, heridity diseases

Personally, I would definatly save a dog from the pound:) most people don't know this, but there's usually lots of puppies to choose from if you go to a larger shelter. I own a mutt and nobody can figure out what breeds might be in his blood! He's has little feet, is 18-20 kg and has the most sparkly coat EVER~! it's the colour of a golden retriever's, with the sparkly blond coat except it's more of a husky-ish texture:) i wouldn't trade any purebred for him^^

Answer 7

I think what would important to the receiver is that the pet be the TYPE (genre) of dog they want. It doesn't necessarily have to be purebreed.

Do they want a little fluffy dog or a retriever type?

It doesn't have to be a purebred cocker spaniel, but if they like spaniels and spaniel mutt would be nice.

It they like Lhasa's a Lhasa Poo would be nice.

If they like Collie's and Collie Shepard mix would be nice.

To find a pet who needs a home in your area just go to

http://www.petfinder.com

They have the CUTEST dogs, local, sorted by distance, breed, etc. and have both mixes and pure breeds... and they will tell you up front if there are any problems with the dog.

Good Luck

Answer 8

mutts are known to either die earlier than usual or live longer than purebreeds. also if you choose a purebreed their characteristics are better known while with a mutt theire full of surpise

Answer 9

mutts don't have as many health problems as long as they are not the new designer dogs because I'm sure they bring both breeds problems in to the cross....

pure breeds give u a guide line as to how the dog SHOULD ACT...and the size it will get.
that's all it is a a guide...because not all dogs of the same breed have the same temperment..ect.

if u get a mutt puppy from the shelter a good shelter worker is going to be able to guess the about size and weight of a pup too...based on the known breeds it is mixed with and what the other pups look like size overall and it mothers size, if known.

if u ask me a dog is a dog and should be treated as such...breed does not matter from tea cup's to Irish wolfhounds...
if it temperament our looking for breed guide lines are no guarantee that's how ur dog will act.

Answer 10

Get a mutt from the shelter!! We got our last dog from the shelter and they are more loving and affectionate because they know that you gave them a second chance!!!

Answer 11

Top reasons to get a mutt

loveable
healthier than purebreeds
each one is unique
a friend for life

Did you know:

At some point in any purebreed's history, they started out as a mixed breed. Pure breeds weren't in existance until humans decided to breed dogs for specific traits.
The oldest dog skeleton, found in Britain and dating back to 3,000 b.c., was a mixed breed of unknown origin.
Mixed breeds are bright and quick to learn.