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7 Reasons to Choose a Mixed Breed Dog Over a Purebred Dog

By Kristie Leong M.D., published Jun 28, 2007
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You've finally decided to add a new dog to your family. Congratulations! A dog will give you many years of affection and devoted companionship. When you go in search of your new canine companion, why not consider adopting a mixed breed dog? A mixed breed dog offers so many advantages over a purebred. Here are just a few of the many reasons to adopt a mixed breed dog:

1.You can find them in shelters.

There are so many mixed breed dogs in shelters that need your love and companionship. Imagine how good you'll feel when you save the life of a shelter dog. It's recycling at its very best.

2. Mixed breeds are healthier.

It's well known that mixed breed dogs live longer lives and have fewer health problems overall. This is because they're not inbred like pedigree dogs. If you want your companion around for many years, consider a mixed breed dog.

3. Mixed breeds are smarter.

As a generalization, mixed breed dogs tend to be more intelligent, worldly, and savvy with more common sense and street smarts. Having had both types of dogs, this is just an observation on my part, but I've had many other people say the same. It probably depends on the breed. A friend of mine had a Border Collie who was bilingual with the ability to understand an enormous number of words in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

4. Mixed breeds are truly one-of-kind.

There are too many cookie cutter, purebred dogs in this world. Would you rather have a Picasso original or a reprint? We need to stop choosing dogs based on status and learn to appreciate the unique characteristics of a mixed breed dog.

5. Mixed breed dogs are appreciative.

If you've ever adopted a mixed breed dog from a shelter, you know how appreciative they are of your attention. Many of them have been neglected or abused in the past and are grateful for any affection you give them. They show their appreciation by guarding your home and your family, and are even willing to lay down their life to protect you.

6. Mixed breed dogs live longer.

Comments
Comments 1 - 6 of 6
 
 
Where is the evidence that mutts live longer than purebreds? I've looked, can't find it. What I do find is that dogs from a reputable breeder that does genetic health testing on their dogs are more likely to be healthy than dogs who's parents were not screened for genetic disorders. There's no evidence that mutts are smarter either. Purebred dogs were bred for certain traits. You may think a bloodhound is 'not smart' because it does it's own thing, but that's what it was bred to do, it's a different type of intelligence. Mutts are no smarter or dumber than purebreds, it's on a breed-by-breed (for mutts, depends on what breeds they're mixed with) and dog-by-dog basis. If you want to help stop pet overpopulation, don't buy from petstores and puppymills, whether mutt or purebred. (Most of the dogs in petstores now days are mutts, just with fancy made-up names slapped on them, like a "labradoodle".) Go to the animal shelter or to a responsible breeder. Nothing against mutts, they'

Posted on 08/21/2008 at 8:08:50 AM

 
Yes, I have two mixed breed dogs and they are very smart as well. I prefer mixed breeds over purebreds. They seem to have more individuality and personality. Stephanie www.chipoo.designermixes.org

Posted on 04/20/2008 at 6:04:44 PM

 
It is no surprise that purebreds have deficits, the way some breeders of dogs and cats seem to have gone extreme themselves. You've gotta quit improving a good thing at some point or it just backfires...

Posted on 06/30/2007 at 10:06:00 AM

 
WE have one of each. Though in the past I've been heard many times saying mixed breeds are smarter than pure breds. We have a lab mix, from the shelter and a pure bred yorkie, Abby. They are both VERY smart. I think the yorkie is the smartest of the two. But, I also think I have more interaction with her. She knows when I'm going to bed, she knows if I lay my glasses down on my desk I'm probably headed outside and she knows if I go to the bathroom, she goes to the bathroom. I have a cousin that has a shih-tzu that understands english and spanish. Btw, I actually have more than one yorkie and only Abby is smart, lol. Maybe it's a male thing...he's dumber than a box of rocks!

Posted on 06/29/2007 at 1:06:00 PM

 
I've had my share of mutts and purebreeds, and I'll have to agree that the mutts are healthier and appear to be smarter! Anyway, currenty I own a Shih-Tzu and he's a doll... mine was purchased in Indonesia, so, he is true to the characteristics of a Shih-Tzu as he hasn't been overbred! But, if a next dog comes along, you bet I'm searchng for one at my local pound! Nice article!

Posted on 06/29/2007 at 10:06:00 AM

 
It's interesting how mixed breed dogs can understand more than one language. Sophie

Posted on 06/28/2007 at 2:06:00 PM

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