There are generally two categories of dogs, the purebred dog and mixed breed dogs (also known as the mutt). The only true difference between the two is that the purebred dog came from a long line of dogs from the same breed. On the other hand, the mixed breed dog came from a cross of two or more different dog breeds.
All the dogs I had growing up were mutts. They held no pedigrees, no registration papers, but they were my dogs and they held a special place in my heart.
Mixed Breed Dogs – Healthier or Smarter?
Whether the mixed breed dog is healthier or more intelligent than their purebred cousins is certainly up for debate. But the mutt definitely suffers her share of illnesses and diseases that are common among all dogs.
However, there are some who claim that mixed breed dogs are generally healthier. The belief is that when dog breeds are mixed or crossed, their offspring will be less likely to exhibit extreme characteristics. For example, extreme characteristics such as the snub nose of an English Bulldog, or the long, narrow heads and bulging eyes of some other dog breeds, are lessened in mixed breed offspring.
Others point out that when you are crossing two purebred dogs, the offspring has the possibility of developing any characteristics, conditions, or disease that is common to either parent.
According to Wikipedia, the theory of hybrid vigor suggests that as a group, dogs of varied ancestry will be healthier than their purebred counterparts.
Rather than trying to debate the theory of hybrid vigor here, I think this article does an excellent job – The Myth of the Myth of Hybrid Vigor.
Mixed Breed Dogs Are One Of A Kind
There are some people whose preference is to own a purebred dog, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, for those who just love their family mutt, remember that your dog is one of kind 
. Even from the same litter, many of the pups will look differently since they can inherit characteristics from any of the breeds they are mixed with.
I think that makes a mixed breed dog truly special and unique.
Another thing to consider is that there are so many excellent mutts or mixed breed dogs just waiting for a home at your local animal shelter. They will love you no less than a purebred would, I promise.
So, does it really matter? I think not.
As always, it comes down to doing your research and making sure that whatever dog you decide on you are prepared to love them, care for them, train them, for the duration of their lifetime.
Choosing a Family Dog is a series of articles discussing several things you need to know when deciding to bring a new dog or puppy into your family. Move on to the next article, Purebred Puppies and Their Oh So High Price Tags, or go back to the previous article, Dogs for Seniors.
actually i had 2 dogs and both of them were 2 different breeds but they’re both mixed breeds and they where both sick and not healthy. we spent so much money on their vet bills, and we don’t have them anymore ): So this time we r going to get a purebred puppy. we want a very healthy dog to live with forever and hapily. i wish we can live together forever, and the dog will be playful and not bite the kids.
Hi Angelica,
I am sorry that your experience with your mixed breed dogs was not a positive one. Without knowing your story it would be hard to even consider what the problem may have been. However, I am pretty certain that it would not have been because they were mixed breeds.
There is really nothing wrong with wanting either a mixed breed or a pure breed puppy. The point I would like to stress is that no matter what breed or mixture of breeds your dog is there will still be the possibility of coming across health issues, or behavior issues for that matter.
The key is proper care and training. I wish you the best in the search for a new four-legged friend.
Omar
This is a topic that I have always been frustrated by. Having had mixed breeds AND pure breds through the years, it is even concerning which is better when it comes to health, personality, etc.
I have had mutts with no health issues whatsoever and pures with the worst problems from lung and liver disorders to hip and eye issues.
Then I have had the opposite occur. I believe it is as with humans: canines can have issues no matter the blood line.
I just take them for what they are and love, love, love!
Hi Lisa,
Well said
. The best you can do is to look beyond their breed and just love them and care for them no matter if they are mixed breed or pure breed. They are yours.
Omar
i don’ t know for sure