If you’re looking to get a dog, you may be wondering whether you should go the purebred or the mutt route. Animal-rights advocates will often argue that adoption is the only way to go, while many others will tell you that purebreds are better for dog-newbies.
So which is right for you?
First off, with a million different breeds running around out there, what the heck is a purebred dog? According to Jessica Rice D’Amato, PR director for the American Kennel Club, a purebred dog is any dog whose parents were both of the same breed. Goldendoodles, however, are presently not considered to be a purebred dog, even if the parents were both goldendoodles themselves - they are instead referred to as a “designer breed,” which has not yet gained recognition as its own breed.
Purebred dogs can present the huge benefit of having predictable personalities. For example, if you’re looking for an energetic dog that’s great with kids, a purebred golden retriever is almost surely a safe bet. A mutt’s temperament, on the other hand, can be hard to gauge when you don’t know exactly who their parents were. You might think you’re getting a lab-Australian shepherd mix, but the smallest percentage of chow chow might offset the personality you were hoping for. For these reasons, purebred dogs might be better for first-time dog parents who aren’t experienced with behavioral issues.
If you’re looking for a dog that will perhaps have better health in the long run, then a mutt might be the way to go. Presently, there isn’t an official consensus among dog professionals about which will stave off diseases the best, but most veterinarians will probably tell you that mutts are less likely to deal with genetic diseases, and might therefore live longer on average.
Additionally, if money is a big factor for you, mixed-breed dogs from the shelter are almost always less expensive than purebreds, and you may end up saving some money on medical costs too.
Along the lines of personality, getting a purebred puppy will ensure that you can train and socialize your dog in exactly the way you want to, with virtually no background influences. Dogs that end up in shelters are often times subject to poor living conditions that lead to bad behaviors and aggression down the line - things that not everyone has the time or resources to deal with!
That being said, there are a whole lot of dogs in shelters that will unfortunately end up being euthanized due to overcrowding or some form of undesirability. If compassion toward animals and environmentalism are important to you, then you may have your answer right here.
Lastly, it’s totally okay to admit to yourself that you want a specific breed because of how cute they are - every dog enthusiast has done that. Just remember that with whichever route you choose to follow, the cute-factor will fade eventually, whereas personality will be with your dog for their entire life!
So when it comes down to it, there’s really no right answer - it’ll all depend on your lifestyle. If you’re looking to get a dog in the near future, let us know whether you plan to get a purebred or a mutt!
So which is right for you?
First off, with a million different breeds running around out there, what the heck is a purebred dog? According to Jessica Rice D’Amato, PR director for the American Kennel Club, a purebred dog is any dog whose parents were both of the same breed. Goldendoodles, however, are presently not considered to be a purebred dog, even if the parents were both goldendoodles themselves - they are instead referred to as a “designer breed,” which has not yet gained recognition as its own breed.
Purebred dogs can present the huge benefit of having predictable personalities. For example, if you’re looking for an energetic dog that’s great with kids, a purebred golden retriever is almost surely a safe bet. A mutt’s temperament, on the other hand, can be hard to gauge when you don’t know exactly who their parents were. You might think you’re getting a lab-Australian shepherd mix, but the smallest percentage of chow chow might offset the personality you were hoping for. For these reasons, purebred dogs might be better for first-time dog parents who aren’t experienced with behavioral issues.
If you’re looking for a dog that will perhaps have better health in the long run, then a mutt might be the way to go. Presently, there isn’t an official consensus among dog professionals about which will stave off diseases the best, but most veterinarians will probably tell you that mutts are less likely to deal with genetic diseases, and might therefore live longer on average.
Additionally, if money is a big factor for you, mixed-breed dogs from the shelter are almost always less expensive than purebreds, and you may end up saving some money on medical costs too.
Along the lines of personality, getting a purebred puppy will ensure that you can train and socialize your dog in exactly the way you want to, with virtually no background influences. Dogs that end up in shelters are often times subject to poor living conditions that lead to bad behaviors and aggression down the line - things that not everyone has the time or resources to deal with!
That being said, there are a whole lot of dogs in shelters that will unfortunately end up being euthanized due to overcrowding or some form of undesirability. If compassion toward animals and environmentalism are important to you, then you may have your answer right here.
Lastly, it’s totally okay to admit to yourself that you want a specific breed because of how cute they are - every dog enthusiast has done that. Just remember that with whichever route you choose to follow, the cute-factor will fade eventually, whereas personality will be with your dog for their entire life!
So when it comes down to it, there’s really no right answer - it’ll all depend on your lifestyle. If you’re looking to get a dog in the near future, let us know whether you plan to get a purebred or a mutt!
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