Mixed Breeds — Everything You Need to Know About These Dogs
Is it possible to determine the exact origin of the dog?
A mixed breed is a dog that was created by mixing two different breeds of dogs. The exact origin is often very difficult to determine, because their conception was generally not planned but came about as a result of a natural relationship between two dogs.
In their genetics, mixed breeds usually have genes from three or four different breeds of dogs, which further complicates the research of individual specimens.
In early 2007, genetic analysis of dogs became available in the US and some parts of Europe. The companies that deal with it claim that their tests, which are based on DNA analysis, can accurately determine from which breed a dog originates.
Such tests are still not recognized in the world, which is why it is practically impossible to confirm the genetic origin of a dog with certainty. Nevertheless, DNA analysis is still considered the most reliable method that can define a dog’s origin to a certain extent and shows a solid percentage of accuracy.
In consultation with an expert, you can do a DNA analysis to determine the origin of your mixed breed.
Are mixed breeds healthier than purebred dogs?
It is often heard in conversation among owners that mixed breeds are healthier than purebred dogs.
Is that statement just an empty story or is it based on real facts?
If we consider the theory of heterosis, dogs created by mixing different breeds will be healthier than their purebred relatives.
In purebreds, deliberate cross-breeding causes breed-specific problems to worsen over generations, which is why we’re seeing more and more joint and hip problems in some of the most popular breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and French Bulldogs.
Why are purebred dogs more prone to hereditary diseases?
Hereditary diseases and disorders are present in all dogs, regardless of their origin.
Purebred dogs have a significantly higher risk of inheriting genetic diseases because by mating two dogs that share similar genetics, the chances of transmitting disorders that match their genetic code increases.
Because of their diverse genetics, crossbred dogs have a significantly lower chance of inheriting multiple genes from just one parent.
This is precisely why hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia, spinal dysplasia, knee problems, heart problems and certain types of cancer are less likely to occur.
This is not to say that these diseases are not a common occurrence in mixed-breed dogs, but that the chances of them being genetically inherited are much lower.
How do mixed breeds fare as pets?
The dog’s behavior will largely depend on its temperament, but also on the owner himself.
When you adopt a dog with a pedigree, it is easier to predict what his temperament will be. Much can be deduced from the character of his parents and the traits of the breed itself.
With mixed breeds, it is much more difficult, because they inherit not only the characteristics of both parents, but also the characteristics of distant ancestors, and it is always a problem to predict what kind of character it will be.
In addition to the natural character of the dog, it is important to remember that early socialization and training play a big role in how your dog will be later on.
Whether the question is about a dog with a pedigree or not, the owner must be prepared to devote a lot of attention to training and socialization. Only in this way will he be sure that his dog will be happy and safe in contact with others.
You must have heard by now that mixed-breed dogs show immense gratitude to their new owners. This information is not surprising, given that the largest number of them grew up on the street and in an asylum, and that the conditions and attention you provide them are of great importance.
Recent Comments
9
I am pretty sure we have always had mixed-breed dogs. From the first when I was 5 to now that I am 61.
So far it has worked for us. Though we do have a rescue dog now that we actually got as a puppy from the street, she has always been scared of everything and everyone. We have trained her, but never hit her, but she still shys away from almost any movement.
I would really like to meet the person who made her so skittish.....
Alex
My kids got one of these fearful dogs around 5years ago, Mocha. She’s fairly normal now. It did take time. On a visit, though these could be years apart, now, after a few hours and even minutes, she will jump into my lap. She does favor women, but she will eventually let my husband pet her too.
Our dog will let me pet her, but you can tell she is not relaxed about it. It is a shame but, she leads a good life with us.
Alex
Thanks for the informative post Lady...
As a dog lover and owner for more than 30 years, I do believe that mix breeds of dog are less susceptible to disease and illness than their full breed counterparts..
Our previous canine companion (Jessiefido) was rescued from the streets in Brazil, and was obviously a mix, and I can count on one hand the amount of times she needed to visit the vet in her 14 years with us!
Now our newest pup is a pure breed Jack Russell Terrier and without having pet insurance for the last three years, I would be approaching bankruptcy!
I think Great Danes suffer from stomach issues, etc. from their breeding too, Lady. FYI, as Abie points out, this would be great for your website, because if it is on your site and you post it here, or vice-versa, Google could view it as duplicate content, and you could possibly be penalized by no indexing, etc. I would use most of these posts in my Dog site, because that builds up quality content quickly, and the Site is where you will monetize. Just a thought!
Jeff
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I have two purebreds and I must disagree with some of the things you've said here.
There are responsible breeders who
1. Will not breed dogs with eye or hip problems.
2. Carefully choose the mate to ensure that the finest characteristics of the breed are most likely to result.
Conversely, mixed breed dogs have a sadly strong chance of inheriting the weaknesses of all the breeds they contain.
I'm sick and tired of the "don't shop, adopt" crowd condemning purebred dogs. They are uninformed about the true nature of purebreds. They also probably wouldn't take the time to find a responsible breeder. We didn't buy our purebreds from some random pet store; we knew exactly who we were buying from, that the pairs had been carefully matched, and that the Mom was treated with the greatest care during both the gestation and the subsequent weeks of nursing to ensure everyone had the best start possible.
Both of our boys came from the same bloodline; their Dad/grandfather finished 2nd at Westminster.