It's not always easy to decide if you want a purebred dog or mix. Here is everything you need to know about making this decision.
Purebreds
Purebreds tend to have more predictable characteristics than mixed breeds. Knowing these characteristics can be helpful in choosing a new dog.
Looks - If you choose a purebred puppy you know pretty much what he's going to look like when grown. A purebred Doberman will never be compact and fluffy. Conversely, a purebred Basset Hound will not be tall and sleek. No mysteries there.
Temperament - Many breeds carry specific and predictable temperament features. Getting a purebred dog increases the likelihood that you're getting a friendly or stand-offish dog, or a playful and energetic or relatively sedentary dog. Be aware that purebred dogs tend to be extreme in their temperaments due to careful breeding practices. If you choose a dog that's known to be high-energy, get a pair of running shoes while you're out.
Predictable behaviors - Throughout history, dogs have been bred for specific work purposes and those working characteristics carry through today. If you choose a working breed, do your homework to discover what to expect from that dog. Is he going to chase or bark at everything he sees? Is he likely to dig holes in your prized rose beds? Will he make a good watchdog? Do you want a watchdog? Knowledge is power here.
The down side - Due to inbreeding practices, purebred dogs are more likely to develop health problems. Talk to the breeder about this and weigh his responses carefully. Purebred dogs are also quite expensive.
Mixed Breeds
Just because your dog doesn't have a pedigree doesn't mean he isn't smart or lovable. While their characteristics aren't always predictable, there are some benefits to choosing a mixed breed.
Temperament - Mixed-breed dogs tend to be less extreme in their behaviors than purebreds.
Here's to good health - Since mixed breeds take a lengthy swim in the gene pool they tend to be heartier than their purebred counterparts, who are often inbred for certain characteristics, thereby concentrating their flaws as well.
Don't judge a book by its cover - Just because a mixed breed dog looks like a German Shepard doesn't mean he will carry the characteristics of that breed. Most mixed breeds are just that: completely mixed. It can be very hard to tell what a dog's lineage is by looks alone.
A purebred dog or a mix can both be great dogs to welcome in your home.
