Thinking of adding a new purebred Dog to your family? Or maybe you’ve been thinking about adopting one and want to know more about what sort of dog would fit in best with your lifestyle and home. In that case, you might be considering adopting a purebred dog as opposed to a mutt or other crossbreed. Whether you have a particular breed in mind or aren’t quite sure yet which type is right for you, there are a lot of pros and cons to consider when choosing a purebred dog.
Purebred dogs are often chosen by owners because they’re known for being friendly, energetic, loyal companions with consistent physical appearance and known health conditions. However, not all breeders are trustworthy and not every breed is the same. Some purebred dogs are prone to certain inherited conditions such as joint problems, eye issues or even skin allergies due to their genetic makeup.
On the other hand, owning a purebred dog can also have many benefits such as having an easier time finding reputable vets in your area if your dog has any medical issues and being able to find fellow owners of that breed easily should you ever need assistance or advice on how to care for them better. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of owning a purebred versus mixed-breed dog.
Pros of Owning a Purebred Dog
– Certainty of Appearance – Some breeds are known for looking a certain way and having a consistent appearance no matter who owns that dog. You can expect your Labrador Retriever to always be anywhere between yellow and brown with a short coat, long ears and stocky build. A German Shepherd will always be mostly black with tan markings and a long, coarse coat. A consistent appearance means that you can expect your dog to look a certain way no matter what and not look like a different breed of dog.
– Certainty of Health – Certain breeds are known to have certain inherited health conditions. Knowing this ahead of time can help you watch for symptoms and seek medical care for your dog sooner if needed. Certain breeds are known to suffer from hip dysplasia and eye issues, for example. Knowing what conditions to watch for can help you get treatment for your dog sooner and improve its quality of life.
– Certainty of Personality – Certain breeds are known to have consistent personalities. Labradors, for example, are known to be friendly, energetic dogs that love attention, retrieving toys and swimming. Knowing what traits to expect can help you prepare for them and even choose where to live and what you do as a family to best fit your dog’s needs.
– Certainty of Training Needs – Certain breeds are known to have consistent training needs. Border Collies are known to need a lot of mental stimulation, something to do and lots of exercises or they’ll become destructive. Knowing this can help you plan your life, your dog’s exercise schedule and what toys and activities they’ll enjoy best.
Cons of Owning a Purebred Dog
– Certainty of Appearance and Health Conditions – While you may have a breed in mind because you like its appearance, it’s important to keep in mind that every dog of that breed will look a certain way. If you choose a breed that is known for being a certain size and having certain physical characteristics, you can’t expect your pup to look like a mini version of the dog. The same goes for health conditions. Some breeds are known to suffer from certain health issues, but there are always exceptions to the rule. You might end up with a dog that is prone to certain issues, but it could just as easily not be the case.
– Higher Price – Owning a purebred dog usually comes with a higher price tag. This is because many breeders don’t let just anyone sell their dogs and charge a higher price for their puppies. In some cases, pit bulls and other “rescue” breeds can be cheaper than purebreds, but there are no guarantees.
– Lack of Certain Health Information – When you adopt a mixed-breed dog, you’re taking in a dog who is likely to have no known health issues or may only have a few. Certain breeds are prone to certain health conditions, but you may never know what your dog is genetically prone to since there is no way to know the full history of a purebred dog.
Pros of Adopting a Mixed-Breed Dog
– You Have No Idea What Their Health Issues May Be – This can be both a pro and a con, but it’s worth noting that when you adopt a mixed-breed dog, you have no idea what health conditions they may be prone to. You may adopt a dog who is a Lab mix and find out that they’re prone to joint issues and eye problems. On the other hand, you could also adopt a mixed breed who is a Lab mix and find out that they aren’t prone to any major health conditions.
– Their Personality Is Unpredictable – Some breeds are known for having specific personalities, but others are entirely too varied to predict what kind of dog you may get. Mix-breeds have unpredictable personalities, which means you may get a dog who loves to cuddle and be in your lap or one who prefers to be left alone for most of the day.
– You May Save A Life – It’s no secret that many purebred dogs are left in shelters because their owners can’t take care of them or find them a home. Their looks don’t match what many people are looking for, but they’re still amazing dogs who need homes. Bringing one into your life may save them from otherwise being put down.
Cons of Adopting a Mixed-Breed Dog
– You Have No Idea What Their Health Issues May Be – This can be both a pro and a con, but it’s worth noting that when you adopt a mixed-breed dog, you have no idea what health conditions they may be prone to. You may adopt a dog who is a Lab mix and find out that they’re prone to joint issues and eye problems. On the other hand, you could also adopt a mixed breed who is a Lab mix and find out that they aren’t prone to any major health conditions.
– Their Personality Is Unpredictable – Some breeds are known for having specific personalities, but others are entirely too varied to predict what kind of dog you may get. Mix-breeds have unpredictable personalities, which means you may get a dog who loves to cuddle and be in your lap or one who prefers to be left alone for most of the day.
– You May Get A Dog With Health Issues – While many mixed breeds in shelters don’t have known health conditions since they were never properly tested, there’s no guarantee. You may take a dog home thinking they’re perfectly healthy and only to discover they’re prone to joint issues, eye problems or something else.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between a purebred dog or a mixed-breed dog, there are some important things to keep in mind. While purebred dogs are often known for having a consistent appearance, certain personalities and certain health conditions, they also come with a higher price tag and no guarantee that you won’t end up with a dog prone to certain health conditions. On the other hand, adopting a mixed-breed dog can be unpredictable in terms of appearance and personality, but it can also save a life and be a great way to bring a new dog into your home.