Pooch Passion

Luna is my little mutt! She is a “Terrier Mix” but I sense there is more to her…

There are a lot of myths behind dog breeds. There is the belief that the perfect dog will come from a breeder or that you can find purebreds in pet stores, that mutts make messy housemates and are completely unpredictable, hard to handle, difficult to train. Well, I’m here to debauch these myths. I’m here to tell you why mutts make the very best dogs!

So what is a mutt? A mutt is a mixed breed, a dog who’s specific background is unknown. Unlike “purebred” or dogs adopted from a breeder, their family line is not monitored and their exact genetic line is usually unknown.

Don’t get me wrong; there is nothing wrong with dogs who come from breeders. They could be very wonderful dogs. But if you believe that the best dogs with the best temperaments and the least amount of health issues come from breeders, you are greatly mistaken.

Purebreds have temperaments that are specific to their breed. Did you know the Chow has an aggressive personality and male Labs are generally more over-active and difficult to train? Getting a dog from a breeder certainly does not mean a perfect personality. Because these personality issues are specific to the breed, they are, more often than not, less prominent in mixed breeds.

Did you know that certain breeds have very specific health issues? When you are getting a dog from a breeder, you must be prepared to face these health issues. That is not to say that a mutt will not have any health issues that are usually found in one of the breeds he/she is mixed with, but the effects of the health issue or even the time it takes for it to show itself will be delayed significantly. Another health issue with dogs from breeders is the problem of in-breeding which means family members mate with one another to produce more puppies. This can cause significant issues for the health and behaviour of canines and is ALWAYS a concern to keep in mind with breeders.  I once read a vet state that she would choose a mutt over a dog from a breeder without question because of health issues alone. Mutts rarely require the frequent visits that are often found with purebred dogs.

All dogs are beautiful, there is no question about that, but who can debate the uniqueness of mutts?! Every mutt has different markings, a different look, a different shape. I have never seen two mutts that look alike but I have certainly seen other canine purebred breeds look very similar. By owning a mutt, you will have your own little unique pooch pal by your side at all times and you will often get the question, “What breed is he/she!?” The beauty of a mutt is solely their own, and you’re sure to proud of it!

Whether you’re looking for a pure bred dog or a mutt, there is no right or wrong, I am just hoping my readers will consider the less prominent health issues, the dulled down behavioural issues and the unique look to be a bonus to getting a mixed breed! Mixed breeds are found in shelters everywhere, just waiting for you to take them home. Often you can find mixed breeds in pet stores but please remember: by purchasing a dog from a pet store, you are supporting puppy mills which keep dogs in unsanitary, cruel conditions meant solely for breeding and profit. Since there are so many mutts waiting in shelters right this very moment, why don’t you go have a look and see if there is one you want to adopt!?

XO
Claudia&Luna