Whether
you refer to him as a "Heinz 57",
"Mutt" or "Crossbreed", there
are hundreds of thousands of these "just a
dog" mixes throughout the United States.
Keep in mind that
choosing to add a dog, whether purebred or
"Mutt", is a significant commitment of
time, resources and money. While the return on
your investment is significant, you must remember
that this is a lifetime commitment.
Don't think that
choosing a mixed breed means you don't have to do
your "research". While a mixed breed
dog isn't as predictable as a purebred, you still
need to know what to expect from the
"shepherd" in your shepherd mix .
Now, on to the
advantages of adding mixed breed dog to your family.
They're easily
available and unfortunately, in plentiful
supply. A visit to your local humane
society will provide an overwhelming selection
of the products of random breeding. (It's
estimated that 70-80 percent of shelter
populations are mixed breeds.)
A
trip to the shelter should be a pre-requisite
for buying any dog (or cat for that matter) if
for no other reason than to see the damage not
neutering/ spaying a pet can cause.
Mixed breeds are
"affordable" to acquire. Prices range
from "free" to less than $100 if your
choose to adopt a dog at your local humane
society.
A dog from the humane society has
already had a general health exam, shots,
worming and- in better shelters- has already
been neutered. Shelter dogs are, by far,
the best bargain around.
However, being of
mixed parentage offers:
No health benefits
"Mixed breeds are healthier than
purebreds" is a myth). The
inheritance of structural problems such as hip
dysplasia is complex and can multiply through
the generations; thus mixed breed dogs are also
potential victims.
Unlike purebreds, mixed
breeds are rarely if ever screened for genetic
abnormalities, so there is no way to avoid the
painful and expensive genetic diseases that
plague pure bred dogs.
No temperament
advantages
"Mixed breeds aren't as
high-strung and are friendlier than
purebreds," is a myth. Mixed breeds
can be high-strung, laid back, friendly or
vicious.
No longevity
advantages
"Mixed breeds live longer than
purebreds," is another myth.
No promises
Mixed breeds are by their nature, very
unpredictable as to
size at maturity, temperament, or coat type.
No economic
advantages
Aside from initial cost, it's as
expensive to feed, house, medicate and maintain
a mixed breed as a purebred dog.
is still a
commitment lasting the life of the dog.
The
truth is, mixed breed dogs can be plagued by genetic
disease, be too hyper, too hairy, too smelly, too
aggressive or too hard to train just as they can be
sweet, submissive, eager to please and beautiful.
Unlike the purebred puppy from a reputable breeder
whose parentage is carefully chosen, it's just
harder to predict which mixed breed puppy will grow
up with the traits you adore.
Whether
you refer to him as a "Heinz 57",
"Mutt" or "Crossbreed", there
are hundreds of thousands of these "just a
dog" mixes throughout the United States.