Pure Bred vs. Mixed Breed

Pure	Mixed

Just three of a million examples :)

Ask five people and you will most likely get five different opinions on this subject. These are some of the facts that should help you make a decision.

PURE BRED - Advantages

• Temperament - A pure bred pet has been painstakingly bred for certain qualities. By researching a breed and talking to breed clubs and breeders, you will have a good idea of what the temperament of a breed will be.
• Size - A breeder should be able to tell you what size the puppy will be as an adult within 10%. Size is a serious consideration for most people.
• Traits - If you have specific needs, i.e. small children, watchdog, hunting etc., a pure bred pet will be easier to predict and train.

PURE BRED - Disadvantages

• Cost - Pure bred pets cost significantly more. Unless you are a breeder, papers only insure quality blood lines and offer no other value (we don't count prestige).
• Hereditary Diseases - Close breeding to produce physical and temperament traits multiplies the incidence of genetically transmitted defects (such as hip dysphasia, progressive retinal atrophy and Von Willebrands disease). The best breeders reduce these risks, but can not guarantee against them. These conditions can be painful for you and the pet and very costly.
• Pet Overpopulation - Each time a pure bred pet is purchased, one more loving homeless pet is put to sleep.
• Theft - A pure bred pet is more likely to be stolen or kept if found.

MIXED BREED - Advantages

• Cost - Mixed bred pets can be adopted at a very low cost.
• Health - There is a lower incidence of genetic defects.
• Traits - Although less predictable than pure bred dogs, mixed breed dogs often have unusual, wonderful traits.
• Life - When adopting from a humane agency, you are giving life to an otherwise doomed pet. Always consider giving a second chance to a forgotten friend.

MIXED BREED - Disadvantages

• Unpredictable - Size, traits and temperament are far less predictable (in some cases such as a lab/retriever mix, the dog is somewhat predictable). A mixed breed owner should be more open to unexpected traits and willing to train properly to control them.