There’s many thoughts and misconceptions on the purebred dog vs mutt debate. From experience I’ve seen dogs don’t always follow the rules of the printed word – just because something is in print doesn’t mean it applies to every dog. However, much can apply to many. Some see purebreds as a “status symbol” and degrade mutts. Mutt owners come back saying they’re healthier. Both can be true – and completely false!
I have – and do! – own both purebreds and mutts. I think I’ve also seen the best and worst in people and most people will be telling you their perspective so you can be like them (and validate their decision) or are trying to sell/give you a dog. Either case there’s other factors involved besides what is the best dog for *you*! Statistically larger black dogs are least likely to be adopted. A large black dog came to me for fostering and while the yellow lab found a home and an “appears to be purebred” black lab found a home the big black dog is still here – and will be here as it’s clear to him this is his home.
Purebreds have some distinct advantages – a predictable size and somewhat predictable nature. While it’s true mishandling can ruin any dog it’s common knowledge labs and goldens are – generally speaking – friendly dogs, Beagles are great with kids, Border collies are higher activity dogs and so forth – there are characteristics distinctive to the breed that more often than not express themselves. And it is true that many purebreds can carry genetic problems. Good breeders weed these problems out as it’s not for the good of the breed. Anyone can put two German Shepherds together and create puppies – but whether those puppies are quality is something else. By this I’m not defining quality on show – I’m meaning sound, sane, good temperment puppies. It costs money to breed rather than just producing puppies. Vaccinations, health care, good feed, time – it adds up and when you part with a hard earned $300-400 you’re not just buying a puppy. You’re buying a history of genetics, of temperment, of care, of experience in the breeders and generations of animals that are distinct in appearance and temperment. The dog is but the down payment – whether you have a show champion, a nice purebred, a mutt it still costs to house, care for and feed them. Judgements because someone gets a purebred is unfair and not based on having a dog as a social statement. Those that live in an apartment and cannot have a dog over 20 pounds are assured that a purebred fox terrier, miniature schnauzer or dachshund will stay under that rather than getting what appears to be a small dog, getting attached and finding it grew to 30# and they can’t keep it. Landlords are often inflexible – and that can be bad for people and dogs. I know when I got my Sheltie what he would look like at maturity, what size he’d be and a pretty good idea of the grooming needed, temperement and other factors in the selection. There’s little surprise.
Contrast that to the smallish litter of mutts dumped off that also appeared small – and now are roughly 30 pounds each! When feeding multiple mouths a little adds up and, worse, no one wants them. They’ve been listed on the internet, on “rescue” lists and months later they’re still needing homes. Compounded is people often want puppies, not young adults so now that it’s apparent what size they are people don’t want them because they aren’t little puppies.
While many claim that crossbreds, or mutts, have healthier lives due to hybrid vigor this is not always true. Even crosses of two breeds – for example a purebred collie and a purebred labrador – they can carry genetics of both breeds including genetic problems from both breeds. Most producing females are not health monitored nor at the top of their level in the breed – they’re castoffs of whatever is cheap. They’re dogs left to roam and reproduce with whatever willing female they find. The above pups’ mother at best guess is cattle dog mixed with beagle, but there’s no clue who the sire of the pups was as many dogs are left to roam.
It’s said that mutts are cheaper, which may be true – or not! With the advent of “designer dogs” these mutts can cost more than purebred dogs. Without knowing for sure what the breeds are it’s a complete guessing game. This is interesting because even “experts” don’t know many breeds. Show an anatolian shepherd or puli to many “experts” and they won’t know and many would press cruelty issues on some breeds out of ignorance those “ropes” hanging on them is a breed trait. I have seen online many “redbone coonhounds” that were red with longish ears and nothing else indicated hound OR redbone. This might not be a big thing – but in some cases can be fatal! A dog that is half border collie or half sheltie but ends up with a smooth coat so no one knows can still carry the genetics to react to Ivomec drugs. There are many crosses that can “appear” ‘pitbull’ and are banned from many areas as are German Shepherds and some other breeds. I have a 10 year old mutt that every ‘expert’ who looks at him says “Shepherd cross” – he’s not! He’s Australian Cattle Dog X Border Collie – for absolute fact. This gives someone who knows the breeds a much different picture of behavior traits and other factors – and he’s bigger than either parent was. There is no predictable look when crossing breeds. When 3-4 or more breeds come into play it’s a complete unknown with no way to accurately guess what the dog is. This can result in some nasty misunderstandings. Many hounds have distinctive habits that can be unwanted – like chasing and killing cats. I know of another 15 pound mutt who’s sire was left to roam and broke *in* to the area the mother was in – and it’s claimed the sire is pitbull and chihuahua. I don’t see it nor in her but if it’s true it explains some behaviors in her! Many claim any large smooth coated black dog to be lab cross and they may not have any lab in them! I’ve seen golden retreiver looking dogs described as Pyrs – and someone wanting a Pyr would be very disappointed in a golden as a guardian dog.
This is not an insult to mutts nor am I saying don’t get a mutt. Mutts can be great dogs! If you have room to accept that cute mutt puppy if he grows double the size he is, or would be happy with him the same if he didn’t grow at all it’s an option. There are many dogs who need homes who aren’t in “rescue” or in shelters and would love a great home. The dogs of unknown heritage that just need a home may be free – and if you’re willing to address issues they may be a great choice.
ANY dog, purebred or mutt, is going to need training. They ALL need a secure yard, good food, shelter and attention. The decision can be made only by the person going to keep the dog. It’s worth noting that purebred or crossbred or mutt they can come in all price ranges from free to hundreds of dollars. I’ve seen people adopt rescues for $150-200 and they received good dogs with some training, neutered, shots, heartworm negative, delivered to or near them. I’ve seen “rescues” with controlling lifetime contract interest in the dog get several hundred dollars. I’ve seen purebreds who needed a home given to new homes – dogs with champion pedigrees and in one case a champion herself with an agreement they won’t be bred but simply live out their lives as a pet. My sheltie came to me at five months old when it was clear he wouldn’t be a show dog – for free. There are thousands of dogs needing homes right now – choose the best one for YOUR home without regard to people who argue or criticize mutts and purebreds – both can have advantages and disadvantages and what is right for one home isn’t for another. Choose the right dog for *YOU*.
