Purebred vs Mixed Breed Dogs: Which is Better? | iPetCompanion

Purebred vs Mixed Breed Dogs: Which is Better?

What’s the difference between a Purebred vs Mixed Breed? Is one better than the other? How do I decide which one to choose?

The answer will depend on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and home. Every breed will have its advantages and disadvantages. And the thing is these ups and downs also are subjective. What another owner doesn’t find pleasing may be ideal for you.

That said, we’ll talk about some reasons you may want or not want a purebred or mixed breed dog. Then, you can evaluate better which option will work for you.

Purebreds: The Pros

Physical Traits are Predictable

One advantage of getting a purebred dog is that their size and coat or hair type are predictable.  You can count on these dogs to possess physical traits that you expect them to have. You’ll not be surprised about how huge they’ll get once they grow older or how much hair they’ll be shedding. You can then decide onset if this option is good for you, especially if you’re looking to be with the dog for a long period.

Behavior is Predictable, Too

If you’re planning to have kids, for instance, you’ll feel at ease knowing that this specific breed will behave well. You can also have an idea of whether the dog will match your daily activities. You may prefer an active or outdoor dog that can run, swim or travel with you. Or, you might want a breed that’s more docile and fits the homebody you.

Chances are You’ll Meet the Breeder

When looking to own a purebred dog, chances are you’ll also meet their breeder. You can ask the breeder whether they think a specific dog will be suitable for you. Since the care, socialization, potty training and even crate training for the dog has already been started, you will not have to start from scratch.

They Can Be Show Dogs

If you’re looking to join dog shows or competitions in the future, getting a purebred dog is your best bet. Event organizers sometimes require dog participants to be purebred. You can, however, also find organizations that host events or competitions for mixed breed dogs.

Labrador and Trainer with Dog Chew Toy at Park

Purebreds: The Cons

Purebreds Can be Costlier

Buying a purebred dog can be costlier. But, you can always adopt from rescue shelters and pay only for nominal fees.

Purebred Dogs Are Usually More Susceptible to Disease

Purebreds are said to be more prone to illnesses, oftentimes due to inbreeding. Inbreeding is done to preserve specific features or characteristics.  And this comes with the risk of acquiring hereditary diseases.

Mixed Breeds: The Pros

They Are Usually Healthier than Purebreds

Mixed breeds are generally healthier. They on average live longer too. They get the benefits of two different genes. And the chances of passing on hereditary diseases are reduced.

They Are Less Expensive

Mixed breeds are often sold for more reasonable prices. They can also be adopted from animal shelters. This means you will only have to pay for the adoption and vaccination fees.

They Can Be Picked Up from Animal Shelters

When adopting a mixed breed from a rescue center, you can get the chance to get to know a dog first. You can visit multiple times and see which dog is most compatible with you. You can also talk to their caretakers about the dog’s history. Dogs at rescue centers are looking for homes that will welcome them and treat them like family. Chances are high you’ll find a lot of mixed breed dogs that are ready for adoption.

Mixed Breeds: The Cons

Risk of Surprises

It is common when purchasing Mixed Breeds for buyers not to know about the dog’s history. This could include health issues of the parents, size and weight, etc. If you don’t have adequate information about the background of the dog, there are possibilities that you might be surprised down the road. If you’ll get an adult dog, then you’ll already have an idea of their temperament and physical characteristics. But if you’ll get a puppy, you can never be too sure how they’ll look or behave after a few months or years. If you’re up to the challenge, then this shouldn’t be an issue. Our second dog has major anxiety when being left alone, so this is something to keep in mind.

The Final Say is Yours

Purebred Pomeranians Running

The breed alone doesn’t guarantee whether a dog will be a great long-term companion.

Other factors, such as training and upbringing, can also influence how a dog behaves. Add to that, dogs will need proper health care and loving guidance to ensure they’ll turn into the reliable furry friend you wanted.

So whether you should be getting a purebred or mixed breed is all yours to decide. And the process does not end once you get to take home the dog. You’ll need to commit to the responsibilities that being a dog parent entails.

My Opinion on the Matter

My opinion is that you shouldn’t focus too much on whether or not the animal is purebred. Unless you are looking for a show dog, it isn’t going to make a bit of a difference. When we got our pups, we looked for Mixed Pomeranians, and we did not want purebred Pomeranians that are registered. Many people think that dog breeds are natural, they aren’t. Humans made them up. Mixed Breeds are more natural and, as a result, are healthier. I recommend adopting a puppy based on your gut, not based on whether or not it’s “purebred” or “registered.”

We did end up with a purebred (and registered) dog because we fell in love with him immediately. We adopted him off Craigslist, and couldn’t be happier with our decision.

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