Purebred or Mixed Breed
There are arguments for welcoming both a purebred or a mixed breed into your home. Purebred dogs are those that have been bred “pure” over several generations. In so doing, they have certain traits that are fixed, such as the Basset Hound's long ears, the Golden Retriever's silky coat, or the Pug's corkscrew tail. Of course there are variations between individuals, but when you see a Great Dane, you should know it's a Great Dane and not an Irish Wolfhound.
After investigating breeds, you may find that no one particular purebred especially does it for you. Or maybe it simply doesn't matter to you how much you know about your dog's genetic makeup; you may just want a mixed-breed dog. Yes, a mutt! Some of them may not be the most beautiful dogs you've ever seen, and you may never be sure whether their instincts are coming from retriever blood or terrier blood or perhaps a bit of everything, but like their purebred cousins, mixed breeds can make superlative pets.
Mixed-breed dogs often marry the best traits of the dogs they're descended from. It is fun to try to guess what breeds went into making your dog. In some cases you'll know — if your Lab bred the Australian Cattle Dog next door by mistake, for example — but in many cases you won't know at all. When you don't, it's fun to guess and speculate.
In the end, neither a purebred nor a mixed breed is going to be a better dog than the other. Both are just dogs. The important considerations are, again, how well your lifestyle accommodates your dog's basic needs. If he's a big, hairy purebred or a big, hairy mix and you're a neat freak who lives in a fifth-floor walkup, things might not work out. Whether you choose purebred or mixed, you have to realistically assess the amount of time and energy you have to take care of your dog the way she deserves (and needs) to be taken care of.
For many, a mixed-breed dog has everything they want and need. Besides getting a dog whose appearance is utterly unique — like this scruffy fellow — there's the fun of trying to guess which breeds contributed to the look. Are they any less lovable? No way!
