Mixed Breed Puppy or Purebred Puppy?
If you are looking for a puppy, one of the first questions you will encounter is whether you want a purebred dog or a mixed breed dog. What are the differences, and how do you decide?
Purebred dogs are dogs whose ancestors are all from the same breed. There are several advantages to purebreds. Most significantly, a purebred is fairly predictable in terms of its size, physical appearance, and temperament. It can be very helpful to know in advance how big that puppy is going to be when it is an adult. Also, breeds are associated with specific behaviors. For example, some breeds are natural retrievers, while others love to dig. Researching the different breeds and then choosing a purebred will mean you have a pretty good idea of what your pet will be like.
This information comes at a price, though. Purebreds cost most than mixed breeds, often by thousands of dollars.
Mixed breed dogs don't have the paperwork to show their ancestry. They can be mixes of several breeds or a cross between two breeds. Mixed breed dogs, often called mutts or mongrels, may lack in pedigree, but they offer uniqueness in their appearance and often some combination of special talents and characteristics. And they don't cost much, if anything: humane societies and animal shelters are full of them.
If you need some predictability and certainty about the dog, opt for a purebred. If you are game to discover and enjoy a pet's unique characteristics, a mixed breed dog would be a great choice.
|
