Mutts v Purebred dogs?

Question

I am in the marktet (as it were) for a dog. I can't really afford the hundreds or even thousands that the breeds i want cost (thats Dobermans and Chinese Crested btw).

So i am looking at either getting a rescue dog which i can afford or more so a mutt that would be completley free. A friend of mine has a mutt and i have been told that if i want a puppy from it then i can have one.

I wanted to ask if they were any problems or issues i should be aware of as regards purebred dogs and mutts? I only really want a dog as a companion really.

Answer 1

Any poorly bred dog can be prone to health problems, whether it is purebred or mixed. If the breeder knows nothing about the genetic health and temperament of the dog's ancestors (including parents, grandparents on both sides, for several generations), neither the breeder nor you have any way of predicting how the puppy you buy will turn out.



This is the case with backyard bred ("cheap") purebreds, as well as the mutt that your friend has.



If you decide to go for a good old mutt, I'd recommend getting one from a shelter or rescue rather than encouraging your friend to breed their mutt. That way you will be saving a life, rather than encouraging bringing more questionably bred mutts into world for no reason.



If you decide to go with a purebred, I'd encourage breed-specific rescue, or saving up for the cost of a well-bred puppy from a responsible breeder that knows the pedigree of the dog, and does the proper genetic testing.



ADD: Understand that most of these people are simply wrong, and there is no such thing as "hybrid vigor" in the mixed breed dog. The fact is, if you breed two poorly bred dogs carrying genetic health problems, those problems will show up in the puppy *regardless* of whether that puppy is purebred or mixed. Having worked in the veterinary field for many years, I have just as much anecdotal evidence of mutts with genetic health problems (hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and thyroid problems being chief among them) as healthy ones.



If you don't know the genetics behind the dog, you cannot predict the health, temperament, or mental stability. It's really that simple.



Oh...and ignore the fool who posted the link to the BBC video - AR propaganda at its best.

Answer 2

You should be able to get a pedigree dog from a breed rescue.



There will be a doberman rescue definitely - maybe not a Chinese Crested though just because they are a more specialised breed.



Whether it is a pedigree of mutt is irrelevant as long as the parents have had full heath screenings, the puppies should turn out ok, although mutts will need many more tests and the results are more of a guarantee with pedigrees.



That said, there really is no need to buy a mutt from a breeder when there are so many in shelters so i would ask that if it isn't that important to you, that you offer your home to a rescue dog which would be very important to them.



I hear rescue dogs make perfect companions because they are so lonely and vulnerable and so happy to have a friend.

Answer 3

The moment I saw this question my heart sank. And, in some noteable cases (check the TDs) my fears were justified. Sigh. Such ignorance.



Just to say that the cost of a puppy does not end with buying him. No dog should ever be 'free' - which is why even if you adopt from a Rescue Kennel, you will be expected to make a donation! If nothing else, it shows commitment.



So your friend is going to breed you a mutt eh. Wonderful!



It's completely your decision whether you opt for a mongrel, or for a pedigree puppy, but if you do decide against a purebred, please adopt one that's already born, and looking for his forever home. As for the benefits or otherwise, of either, suffice to say my purebred hounds are first and above everything else they might be, my companions! And I've lived with them since 1972.



All I can say.

Answer 4

All options would make a great choice for companion dogs. I would not encourage your friend to breed his mutt...so unless he already has puppies on the way, I'd nix that idea. Plenty of mutts already in the shelters. I have two dogs, purebred and mutt, from the shelter and they make wonderful companions.



One difference is that if you get a *well-bred* purebred, the breeders will have tested for major genetic issues prior to breeding, so the chances a puppy you get will end up with one of these problems is lowered. Even though people like to think it is the mutts that fall in that category, it is actually purebreds from responsible breeding. But ALL dogs can get sick.



Another big difference is that getting a well bred purebred means you know exactly what you are getting. You'll know the temperament, size, grooming needs, etc.

Answer 5

I cannot believe how some people can say all dogs from rescue are low standard unpredictable dogs.



Hearing dogs and some other assistance dog charities obtain dogs to train from rescue centres such as the Dogs Trust, these dogs have to be of a high standard to carry out assistance dog work in public, they have to be trained to a high standard and healthy enough to work.



Guide Dogs UK also use crossbreeds which they breed themselves mainly Labradors crossed with Golden Retrievers



There are also some good reputable breeders but you do have to take care when selecting your dog



The Dogs Trust will help to match you with a dog and the dog will be neutered, chipped, vaccinated, treated for parasites and assessed all for an adoption fee which works out far cheaper than getting a dog for free and paying for all those things yourself.



Take your time when choosing your dog, do not be impulsive, this dog will hopefully be your companion for many years to come and no matter what dog you end up with if you train and socialise him/her well you will have a dog to be proud of

Answer 6

If you go for a rescue, a good rescue centre will be able to tell you any health problems there may be. You can go for a pure breed from a shelter that may not be super show standard but is a good quality healthy dog.

We got our present Boxer from a centre at 18 months old, be is bigger than 'standard', his big sloppy chops are bigger than 'standard', BUT he has a brilliant temperament and we have never been to the vets (apart from the standard checks, jabs etc) and we love him to bits!



The reason so many dogs end up in centres is that many people get dogs (from where ever) with out knowing the responsibilities of owning one.

You also have breed specific centres that can help you a lot in finding YOUR perfect dog and will be able to tell you a lot about him/her.



On one end of the scale is the registered super pure bred show quality dog and on the other is the accidental mutt. Both have their good points and bad points.... but there is plenty in between

Hope this helps

Answer 7

If you only want the dog as a companion, there are plenty of Dobes in rescue that will fit the bill. That way you can have what you want-a Dobe and a companion.



The danger of taking a puppy from someone who is breeding their mutt is that they will obviously not care or know about the genetic issues in the dog's history and will surely do no testing. You could end up with heartache from bad breeding. Not to mention how irresponsible it is to purposely breed mutts when millions lose their lives in kill shelters every year.



http://www.dpca.org/



You can start here to find a great rescue dog.

Answer 8

I think you should follow your heart and look around you will know when you see the one for you.I also think you should consider what type of dog you want small, medium, large breed . I think when it comes to purebred or mutt it should only matter to you i mean if you are looking for a companion you want a dog that you like and will have a long life with. I would make sure the dog or puppy you do get will be up to date on all shots ,worming and comes from a clean and happy home If i were you check around i got my purebred chihuahua puppy for free off craigslist and i love him so much my other chihuahua i paid $ 50.00 for her and she's great . i hop you find your new puppy or dog soon to add to your life good luck

Answer 9

there are breed specific rescues, google doberman rescue, doberman rehoming association, ect. other general rescues may also have a breed, they are not exclusively 'mutts'

i have a rescue dobe, and last two dogs were 'mutts' from rescues

whether 'pure-bred' or 'mutt' the dogs in rescues all deserve good homes

Answer 10

You can easily find a dobe in rescue. so you can still get your dobe, just not from a breeder.



Nothing wrong with getting a rescue/mutt. Espeacially if you just want a companion.



Alot of people want purebreds for a reason. I myself want a toy poodle. and i dont know if i will go through rescue or not. i want my toy poodle to actually look like a toy poodle, and not those BYB TP's that are out there.



My german shepherd will more then likley come from a breeder. as I will be doing agility with him, and will want to know medical background on his ancestors, to make sur ehe will beable to handle agility



Thats all plenty of people want.



I dont understand why your friend is breeding his mutt htough?...

Answer 11

The thyroid gland is situated at the front of the throat, below the Adam’s apple. It comprises two lobes that lie on either side of the windpipe, joined in front by an isthmus. The thyroid gland secretes hormones to regulate many metabolic processes, including growth and energy expenditure. Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is underactive and fails to secrete enough hormones into the bloodstream. This causes the person’s metabolism to slow down.

Answer 12

Both dogs are great...only difference is with a purebred, you know what you are getting as far as size and temperament. (and no,,they are not sickly due to being inbred if they come from a breeder who knows what they are doing..)

Mutts on the other hand..you never know what you'll get since you don't know the history. I'm not saying it's bad, just unpredictable..

Answer 13

Please get a rescue dog or the mutt and save the life of a dog. Don't help puppy mills and horrible conditions that dogs that are just breeders experience (not all breeders are puppy mills BTW some treat their animals great). There are many, many great dogs in shelters that people don't want, just because they are not a pure breed. I've always found them to be the best companions.



Also, get it neutered or spayed, it will keep them healthier and keep other dogs out of the shelters.

Answer 14

Is it just me or does some of these answers sound alot alike? maybe coming from the same person with multiple accounts to get herself up on the top 10 board, to defend her sleazy practise of mixing breeds, and to spread her stupidity?



Just wonderin'

Answer 15

I had a rescue mutt who was gorgeous with a fantastic temperament. But the problem with a mutt is you can never be certain of getting the same traits in another mutt.

I now have a dobe and I'm hooked, I will never have another breed, they are perfectly suited to my family and lifestyle.

With mutts there are usually less genetic health problems.http://www.dobermannrehome.co.uk/success.php

Answer 16

What kinds of dogs are the parents? I have been working as a veterinary assistant for the past 3 years and in my personal experience i find cross breeds of dogs generally have less problems then purebred ones. My veterinarian says the same thing. Depending on the breed of dog there could be many different issues you could end up dealing with. A dog is a big responsablity and unless you are financially prepared to deal with any problems that might occur i would not advise getting one. If youve decided that your ready then do some research on the various breeds, i however still find crossbreeds to live longer and healthier then purebred dogs, regardless of how selective the breeder is. They just seem to have more allergies and bone structure problems etc depending on the breed.



What type of dog were you looking for?

Answer 17

Dogs, like people....come with their own character and personality....each having their own charms.....go for the one you fall in love with.....whether they are a scruffy mongrel or a pure pedigree doesn't really matter.....unless of course you wish to breed it for a specific purpose.....

Answer 18

You could either try your local shelter or petfinder.com.

On that website you can select a breed that you are looking for, and it generally comes up with mixed breeds that contain the breed you want. Mix breeds generally have less health conditions at older ages. Probably the pest thing to do would be to just check out local shelters so you can meet/fall in love with a dog in person! Good luck!

Answer 19

mutts are healthier than purebreds because of breed standards breeding...if you buy a purebred go with one that don't show would be healthier...

Answer 20

There was this documentary on breeding dogs and the practices cause horrific injuries and sickness for the dogs. Just to have a 'good looking' dog, these breeders compromise their anima;s health. I could not watch the doco because i would find it to distressing, but it really makes you hate dog shows and these stupid people for what they do to these gorgeous animals. We humans are so arrogant and i hate what we do to the innocent ones that can't defend themselves.



WARNING - The doco is very hard to watch.

Answer 21

actually the average "mutt" would have less issues during its life than a pure bred... based on the fact that pure bred dogs have been inbred over and over again to get that particular trait of the breed... e.g. dachshunds and they're short legs and elongated body. i have a purebred Labrador and a lil Maltese mutt at home and they're both great dogs :)

Answer 22

Nothing's wrong with neither one of them. It depends on how you raise them.

Answer 23

You can get great puebred dogs for free on craigslist.com

Answer 24

Crossbreeds or `muts` are healthier, they dont have the `overbred` genetic faults. Yes they tend to be cheaper, but you are probably getting a better dog health wise.