If you decide to get a dog for a pet, you can choose either a specific breed otherwise known as purebred or choose one that is a mixed breed or a mutt. There is not that much difference between dogs that are pure or mixed. One simply came from parents of the same breed while the other came from a family of two or more different breeds.
Deciding to own one whether it is big or small involves a lot of responsibility. It is not just about feeding it but includes other chores such as grooming, watching its health and diet, cleaning up after it and most importantly, giving it lots of tender loving care.
A reputable breeder carefully chooses which dogs they are going to breed. They are very concerned with keeping the breed pure and satisfying the requirements listed in the American Kennel Club. The pair is tested for every possible disease which includes having all the information regarding the pair’s ancestors and health records on file.
Should there be no problem in the history of the pair, then the breeding can begin. If in testing, the pair is not compatible due to diseases that are common in a specific breed, another dog will be selected to match with the other dog.
Mixed breeds usually occur unintentionally. Our Border Collie/Sheltie mix was a result of a family's two dogs accidentally getting together. They had a chamption male Sheltie and a Border Collie they used for producing purebred Border Collies, but someone wasn't careful while the female was in heat. All the puppies were beautiful and they had no problem finding homes, but many mixed breeds don't end up so fortunate.
I have had purebred dogs and mixed, and all of them have been wonderful. The health of the purebred was no better than the mixed breed dogs. I also have never noticed whether purebred or mixed breeds were smarter. The smartest dog I ever had was a Cockapoo, Poodle and Cocker Spaniel. He would pick up a new trick with very little effort. But I also had a very smart purebred Collie. I think it has more to do with the individual dog than whether the dog is purebred or mixed.
We tend to take in the strays and the shelter dogs that no one else wants. From shelters we have adopted a purebred Newfoundland who was old and had been abused. We also adopted a purebred Staffordshire Bull Terrier that was mislabeled a Pit Bull.
Strays we have taken in include chihuahuas, one purebred Miniature Schnauzer, several terrier mixes and two shepherd mixes. There is no shortage of purebred dogs and mixes at animal shelters that need good homes.
Dog rescues have many dogs that need good homes, too. After filling out an application and passing a home inspection (which some rescues require) you adopt a dog that fits well with your home. These are dogs that were rescued from breeders who didn't want them any more, animal shelters, dog pounds or from the street. Rescues do an important part in protecting dogs that are unwanted.
