Pros and Cons of a Purebred or Mixed Breed House Friendly Dog

You want to buy a dog but don't know which type to choose! And, besides, which is better - a Purebred or a Mixed Breed dog? 

As every breed has its advantages and disadvantages, you will have to decide which will suit your lifestyle and needs best - like how big is your garden, do you have children or how often are you away from home? Here we'll discuss the pros and cons of each type and suggest some house and family friendly dog options for you.

The Pros of Owning a Purebred Dog

1. Physical Traits are Predictable 

You will not be surprised by his size, type of hair, coat and body when fully-grown as his physical traits will be as expected. 

2.Temperament and Behaviour are Predictable

Certain breeds have known temperaments and behaviours so you will be at ease knowing how he will behave and you can comfortably choose a dog suited to your lifestyle - whether you want an active or outdoor dog or a less energetic, indoor breed.

3. Exhibit your Dog at Shows 

If you're planning to enter your dog in dog competitions or shows, then a purebred dog is the way to go as often only purebred dogs are allowed to compete.

The Cons of Owning a Purebred Dog

1. Purebred Dogs Are Usually More Prone to Disease

Purebreds are said to be more susceptible to illnesses because of the inbreeding which is done to maintain certain features or characteristics - a risk as the dog may have hereditary diseases.

2. Purebreds Can be Costlier

Buying a purebred dog is usually quite expensive.

The Pros of Owning a Mixed Breed Dog

1. They Are Usually Healthier than Purebreds

Mixed breeds, in general, are healthier, tend to live longer and have the benefits of the best traits of two different breeds which reduces the risk of hereditary diseases being passed on.

2. They Are Less Expensive

Mixed breeds often sell for more reasonable prices. If adopted from an animal shelter, then you usually only have to pay for the adoption and vaccination fees.

3. Getting to Know Them at Animal Shelters

When adopting a mixed breed from a rescue centre, you can spend time with their dogs and get to know them first before deciding on the best one for you. You might also be able to find out more about the dog's history from the shelter.

The Cons of Owning a Mixed Breed Dog

1. Risk of Surprises

Buyers of mixed breeds seldom know much about the dog's history. This does carry some risks if you get a puppy as you may be surprised at a later stage. If you get an adult dog however, then you'll already have an idea of their temperament and physical characteristics. 

Here are some types of dogs, with a few of their characteristics, which are believed to be house and family friendly. 

Popular Breeds for Family Homes
 

Beagles are calm, friendly, easy to groom and enjoy being part of everything that goes on in the household. They tend to bark, howl and shed their hair a lot, need regular exercise to burn up their high energy levels and love to dig.
 

Boston Terriers are one of the best small watchdogs, are very even tempered so get along easily with kids, shed very little and don't need much grooming. They like to chew things and tend to wheeze, snore and slobber a bit.
 

Bulldogs are loyal, friendly companions, get on well with other pets, are well mannered and calm, need little exercise and only bark when disturbed by anything strange. They tend to have problems with their teeth and drool and slobber a lot. 
 

Collies and Border Collies are affectionate, get along easily with kids, people and other dogs and are very easy to train. They are long-haired so need a lot of grooming, bark a lot, need lots of exercise and tend to be hyperactive.
 

Dachshunds need little exercise, don't shed much, make excellent watchdogs and are very loyal. They bark excessively, like digging and are prone to separation anxiety.
 

Golden Retrievers are friendly, very intelligent, very tolerant and only bark for good reason or when wanting attention. They tend to shed their hair a lot and need regular daily exercise.
 

Jack Russells are very active and friendly. They do require being trained properly, shed hair and bark a lot especially when frustrated, and they frustrate easily.
 

Labradors are very good natured, companionable, are very active, like a lot of exercise, will bark a lot if they do not get enough exercise or human attention and shed a lot of hair when the seasons change.

So, what have you decided? Will it be a purebred or mixed breed dog? In the end it may not matter which you think is best - for, if you decide to buy from an animal shelter, then perhaps that one with those imploring eyes, just begging for your love and to be part of your family, may just melt your heart and make the decision for you!!

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