Pet Adoption - Purebred or Mixed Breed?

Dogs and cats can either be purebred or they can be mixed breeds. The term "purebred" simply means that the parents are of the same breed, so they conform to what's called a "breed standard". You have a good chance of knowing the general characteristics of a purebred dog or cat: what they'll look like, their general behavioral traits.

Mixed breeds are a combination of different breeds. It's possible to make an "educated guess" about the size, appearance, and temperament of some "mixed breed" pets. But like with anything in life, nothing is guaranteed - every dog is an individual (including purebred dogs), and even if you can generalize about traits you'd expect to see with their breed, that doesn't mean it will accurately portray an individual dog.

Some people are absolutely set on getting a purebred pet. The reasons for doing so are varied, but one that crops up often is that purebreds are always healthy and have good temperament. This is a myth. Purebreds are only certified to have come from a certain lineage.

Mixed breeds make just as good pets as purebreds. Mixed breeds also have the advantage of more than one type of breed, making it less prone to genetic defects commonly found in certain types of purebreds.

Be sure to research your favorite breeds before deciding on one. Find out common dog breeds and their health problems. Your new pet will also need to match your lifestyle, of course; see choosing a family pet for more information.

If you choose to get a purebred, please consider adopting from your local animal shelter. It's a common misconception that shelters only have mixed breed dogs and cats. The reality is, shelters often have purebreds. Please read about why adopt from an animal shelter.