Sometimes when a family is thinking about getting a family dog, they begin to discuss the qualities of dogs that are purebreds. For example, an active family might talk about dogs like a Labrador, a German Shepherd, or even a Jack Russell. While families with a quieter lifestyle might talk about getting a poodle or cocker spaniel. The fact is, most mixed breeds, or “mongrels” as they’re often called, make just as good or better pets than purebred dogs.

No one knows why, but it seems that the best qualities of a breed are passed down more often to mixed-breed offspring than to purebred offspring, and breed problems are passed down more often to purebred offspring than to purebred offspring. to mixed-race offspring. For example, hip dyslexia is a common problem among purebred German Shepherds, but is rarely seen in a mixed breed with German Shepherd ancestors. And yet, the German Shepherd’s traits of owner loyalty and protection carry over to the mixed breed.

Think about the possibilities. In theory, a mixed breed could have the pet qualities of a poodle, the protective instincts of a Doberman, and the maternal instincts of a St. Bernard, all in one four-legged friend. Granted, the mixed breed is not going to be as “pretty” as a purebred and you will often be asked, “what breed IS that?” But you’ll probably have a better family pet than you would have with any purebred.

I’m often asked if purebreds are smarter and easier to train than mutts, and the answer is a resounding “No.” In reality, mixed breeds are often easier to train and more intelligent than purebreds because there is often a lot of inbreeding in purebred lines to achieve a particular “look.” Go adopt the family dog ​​from your local animal shelter!