MyPaws Newsletter

At MyPaws, we believe that a happy and healthy pet
is the best pet to have!

Because education is an on-going process, MyPaws is dedicated to sharing current information with pet owners and pet lovers.

Each month, we'll highlight an article of the month,
as well as retain a library on topics of interest.

If you find an interesting article, please send us an email so that we can share it with others!

 

Article of the month

Choosing Your Dog: Mutt or Purebred?
By Dr. Karen Halligan
click here to link to original article

OK, you're ready to adopt a dog . But now you can't decide whether to bring home a mutt from a local shelter or invest in a purebred pup from a breeder. Here are some things to consider as you make your choice.

A Unique Surprise vs. A Predicatble Pooch

Mixed breeds, or mutts, are combinations of different breeds.one-of-a-kind dogs with unique looks and characteristics. Mutts come in all shapes, sizes, and color and usually have quirky characteristics, such as a terrier's whiskers on a Dalmatian's face, or a pug's head on a whippet's body. As a result, their ancestry can be a bit of a guessing game. In most cases, you won't know who a mutt's mom and dad were, so you may not be able to predict what it will look like or how big it will be as an adult.

Purebreds, on the other hand, have been selectively bred to look and act a particular way. All their ancestors are members of the same breed, so you can evaluate their genetic history and predict their temperament, size, and appearance pretty accurately. Pups that come from a reputable breeder also have been screened for health problems and probably will have received pre- and post-natal care. One thing to note, however: Although genes determine personality and grooming needs, goo manners depend on good training.

Affordability vs. Pedigree

If cost is a concern, consider adopting a mutt from your local shelter. You will still have to pay, but the initial investment will be lower than with a purebred. Fees can be as little as $25 and usually include an exam, vaccinations, de-worming, and spaying or neutering. Further, when it comes to pet insurance, mutts generally face fewer exclusions for hereditary ailments. They also may be seen as less of a liability: some insurance companies will not write homeowners' insurance for households with purebreds such as Rottweilers or Doberman Pinschers.

If your priority is pedigree, however, opt for the prestige and status of a purebred. Aristocratic purebreds, such as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi made famous by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, can fetch a high price.

Availability

Mutts are easily available and, unfortunately, in plentiful supply at shelters and on the streets. It is estimated that as many as 4 million animals are euthanized annually in the U.S. because there aren't enough homes. Therefore, adopting a mutt also is saving a life. In contract, well-bred dogs take time and effort to find. Surprisingly, an estimated 25% of shelter dogs are purebreds, but there are no papers to prove it. Females can get pregnant once or twice a year at most, so you may encounter a waiting list for your purebred pup.

Form and Function