Just three of a million examples :)
Ask five people and you will most likely get five different
opinions on this subject. These are some of the facts that should
help you make a decision.
PURE BRED - Advantages
- Temperament - A pure bred pet has been
painstakingly bred for certain qualities. By researching
a breed and talking to breed clubs and breeders, you will
have a good idea of what the temperament of a breed will
be.
- Size - A breeder should be able to tell you what
size the puppy will be as an adult within 10%. Size is a
serious consideration for most people.
- Traits - If you have specific needs, i.e. small
children, watchdog, hunting etc., a pure bred pet will be
easier to predict and train.
PURE BRED - Disadvantages
- Cost - Pure bred pets cost significantly more.
Unless you are a breeder, papers only insure quality
blood lines and offer no other value (we don't count
prestige).
- Hereditary Diseases - Close breeding to produce
physical and temperament traits multiplies the incidence
of genetically transmitted defects (such as hip
dysphasia, progressive retinal atrophy and Von
Willebrands disease). The best breeders reduce these
risks, but can not guarantee against them. These
conditions can be painful for you and the pet and very
costly.
- Pet Overpopulation - Each time a pure bred pet is
purchased, one more loving homeless pet is put to sleep.
- Theft - A pure bred pet is more likely to be
stolen or kept if found.
MIXED BREED - Advantages
- Cost - Mixed bred pets can be adopted at a very
low cost.
- Health - There is a lower incidence of genetic
defects.
- Traits - Although less predictable than pure bred
dogs, mixed breed dogs often have unusual, wonderful
traits.
- Life - When adopting from a humane agency, you are
giving life to an otherwise doomed pet. Always consider
giving a second chance to a forgotten friend.
MIXED BREED - Disadvantages
- Unpredictable - Size, traits and temperament are
far less predictable (in some cases such as a
lab/retriever mix, the dog is somewhat predictable). A
mixed breed owner should be more open to unexpected
traits and willing to train properly to control them.
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