So you want a dog? After you’ve decided if you want a small dog or a big dog, the next major question is breed, which is something many people get stumped at. With so many animal shelters and homeless dogs, many people feel that purebred dogs are only for snobs. However, just as many people value the consistency in behavior that purebred dogs can provide. Here are a few things you need to know about the two options:
Temperament & Appearance
One of the greatest things about a purebred is that the temperament is guaranteed for you. Everyone knows that Labradors are great with kids as are Golden Retrievers and that German Shepherds make excellent guard dogs. There’s a reason for this. Over the years, only the dogs that showed the best qualities have been bred creating a line that is very consistent in temperament as well as looks. For people that want a dog that will definitely be good with kids, or definitely show certain personality traits, a purebred is a great option. This is not to say mixed breed dogs cannot have great temperaments, only that when they are at a puppy stage, you do not know which way they will go.
Another thing about a purebred is that it will look exactly like the breed standard. Everyone knows what a German shepherd, a Rottweiler or a Poodle look like, and this is because the dogs are bred to look a certain way. If you want a dog that will grow up to be beautiful, consider getting a mixed breed.
Costs & Purebred Dogs at Shelters
A purebred dog can be expensive depending on the quality of the line, but there are many purebred dogs in shelters across the world that need homes. If you cannot afford to buy a purebred but definitely want one, you can always opt to adopt one from a breed specific shelter. One thing you need to avoid at all costs is a puppy mill. These are setups where dogs are bred multiple times in a year and kept in subpar housing conditions so that the owners can make profits from selling the puppies. If you are looking to buy from a breeder, buy from one who is reputable in your area.
Health Concerns
Purebred dogs have plenty ofhealth issues. These vary by breed, but since there is sometimes in-breeding dogs can have issues related to joints, eyes or even organ related problems. Research the breed you are interested in to make sure you are aware of the health concerns and can deal with them should you need to.
In the end, it is best to do plenty of research before you make your choice. Both mixed breed and purebred dogs can bring happiness for you, but the key thing is that you make the right choice so you can provide the best care to the dog.
