Magical Mutts
Let’s make every day National Mutts Day, not just December 2.
Purebred dogs are wonderful creatures. They have been bred for hundreds of years to look and act a certain way. Purebreds are special, and the world would not be the same without them.
That said, dogs of mixed blood are also amazing in a different way. For one thing, more mixed breeds are on the planet than any other type of dog, yet each one is special.There are some good reasons to own a mixed breed dog.
Uniqueness
No two mixed breed dogs are exactly alike. Regardless of the cross, it’s nearly impossible to find two that look identical. Even deliberately bred mixes like Schnoodles (Schnauzer x Poodle) or Cockapoos (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle) are not uniform in color, shape and size. If you want a dog that looks like no other dog, a mixed breed is the pet for you.
Good Health
Due to decades of close breeding, many pure breeds suffer from common genetic illnesses. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are prone to a bleeding disorder called Von Willebrands Disease. German Shepherds have a proclivity for hip dysplasia. Standard Poodles can develop an endocrine disorder called Addison’s disease. Mixed breeds, on the other hand, are less susceptible to genetic ailments because their genes are so mixed. This notion is supported by the fact that several pet insurance companies charge lower medical premiums for mixed breed dogs than purebreds.
Availability
Because most dogs are mixed breeds, shelters are full of them. While purebreds often end up in shelters, the vast majority of dogs picked up as strays or surrendered to animal control facilities are mixes. In fact, 75 percent of shelter dogs are mixed breeds, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Many of these dogs are homeless through no fault of their own. The result of irresponsible pet ownership, these hapless dogs are in desperate need of caring owners.
Some mixed breeds are pretty hard to figure out, most likely because they have been mixed for many generations. If you are curious about your mixed breed’s background, a company called Wisdom Panel offers an inexpensive DNA test where you can have his genes tested to see what breeds went into making him. For more information, visit www.wisdompanel.com.
Living with a mixed breed can be a fun and joyful experience. Not only do you have the best of several breeds in your dog, you also have a friend who will always be thankful that you love him.
About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com.