How to Choose Between a Purebred and Mixed Breed Puppy

How to Choose Between a Purebred and Mixed Breed Puppy

Purebred dogs are often considered the gold standard. They’re bred for a set of characteristics, and if you use a good breeding, you know what you’re getting. You also pay a premium for that service. Mixed breed dogs are truly a mixed bag, but they may enjoy hybrid vigor and are generally more affordable. So which option is right for you? Here are a few tips on how to choose between a purebred and mixed breed puppy.


Know What You Want from the Dog It Will Become

Purebred dogs are often born for a given skill set. They have the body type and instincts to do something. For example, golden retrievers may retrieve anything that falls into the swimming pool including your toddler. Sheep dogs will herd anything but especially sheep. Some training may still be required, but that involves teaching them commands and practicing to hone their existing abilities. On the other hand, you may not be able to train a born hunting dog not to chase anything that looks like prey.

In contrast, almost any dog can be a well-behaved companion for your family with a little training. This means that mixed breed puppies are fine if you want a dog for your kids to play with or to keep your mother company. Many mixed breed puppies could be trained to serve as watch dogs, too. In these cases, a cheaper mixed-breed dog is fine. But if you want a dog for a specific task like a hunting dog or show dog, get a purebred puppy.

Know the Risks that Come with Each Option

While not all mixed-breed dogs are healthy, they are not prone to the health problems that can come from the de facto inbreeding that comes with purebred dogs. That is why purebred dogs need to be carefully inspected by a vet before you buy them. Use this educational website when looking for a purebred puppy. You’ll want to find reputable breeders who only breed and sell healthy dogs. But learn what health problems a given breed may be prone to so that you can watch out for it. If you’re worried about the costs associated with frequent vet visits, you can look into a dog-specific pet insurance plan.

While purebred dogs are ten times more likely to suffer from conditions like hip dysplasia and kidney disease, mixed breed puppies are at greater risk of other things. They are more likely to suffer from patent ductus arteriosis and ruptured cruciate ligament. They are also more likely to be hit by cars, since they are less likely to have refined instincts.

Mixed breeds are also more likely to suffer from infectious diseases than purebred breeders. That’s because purebred breeders won’t allow infectious diseases to go untreated. On the other hand, the puppy mill owner doesn’t care.


Understand How the Dog Will Fit Your Lifestyle

Purebred dogs have better defined personalities and abilities, whereas mixed-breed dogs are literally a mix. However, you can make reasonable assumptions with any dog based on an assessment of the dog. Is the dog highly anxious? It may or may not be a good guard dog with training, but it probably shouldn’t be left alone all day. Is the dog calm and relaxed? It might be a good companion, but you’ll still need to find out if it is good with kids. Does the dog come from a large breed or have two large parents? Then you probably shouldn’t pick it if you live in an apartment. An active dog needs to be walked regularly, and it will be happier if regularly played with. If you just want to let it out to pee on the grassy patch in your backyard, you shouldn’t get a more active breed.

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