Trying to choose between a mixed breed and a purebred dog as your pet can be very difficult. Here is some information that may help you decide which would be best for you and your family.

Mixed Breed Dogs

Unfortunately, there is a huge selection of mixed breed dogs at your local animal shelter. You may be able to give a dog a good home and give him his only chance of being adopted. There are adult dogs, puppies, and older dogs in all sizes and variations of breeds. The advantage of a shelter dog is that they have already have been wormed, received their shots, have had a general health exam, and most shelters have already had the dog neutered. You can usually adopt one of these dogs for free to $100, depending on the shelter.

With some of the dogs that were left at the shelter by their owners, you may be able to get some information about the dog, such as their health history, temperament, and habits before you take it home. Some people may prefer an adult dog or older dog to avoid the puppy "chewing" stage, and many of these dogs are already house trained.

Many people like the individuality of a mixed breed, as they may be part shepherd and lab, and have some characteristics of both, which results in their own unique look and disposition. In each mixed breed dog there can be two or even more purebreds.

Purebred Dogs

The main reason for choosing a purebred dog is the expectation of specific characteristics of a certain breed. Most purebred dogs have certain attributes that some pet owners may be looking for. As an example, Border Collies are known for their herding skills, Labs are known to love the water and have a sociable nature.

In purebred dogs, their ancestors are members of the same breed, and usually conform to a specific breed standard, meaning you will have a good idea of their size and what general physical and behavioral characteristics they will have. They are generally very predictable in terms of what you can expect as they are growing up.

Many purebred dogs may cost from $200 to $1500, depending on the breed. Be sure to find a responsible breeder. Many puppies for sale in pet stores are obtained from inhumane puppy mills.

There are also dogs at the animal shelter that have been left because someone moved and could not take them, or they were unable to handle the responsibilities of owning a dog. Many shelters do have purebred dogs due to these reasons. Always check your local shelter before purchasing a purebred, because there may be a dog at the shelter that is the breed you are looking for, and they need a good, loving home.

In Conclusion

Some breeds of dogs, such as Labs, are prone to health problems such as hip dysphasia, but this can also be true in mixed breeds. Even though purebreds are bred to have certain characteristics, the dog you choose may not inherit these traits.

Both mixed breed and purebred dogs can have different health problems, different temperaments, and characteristics. It is recommended to take a trip to the animal shelter before choosing your new best friend to see what they have to offer.