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Purebred or Mixed Breed?
The Common Denominator
Call them mongrels, mixed-breeds, mutts, or random-breds-they are dogs as surely as the most meticulously bred canines. And despite the sometimes exclusionary attitudes assumed by people who just don't know any better, random-breds can offer the same measure of joy to their owners as purebred animals. The differences are slight compared to the one overriding similarity: As dogs, they exist to love and be loved. Beyond that, when showing your dog is not an issue, choosing a specific breed or none at all is a question of personal preference.
Bred to a Purpose
Throughout many centuries, using increasingly refined methods of genetic manipulation, breeders have built on the physical and temperamental qualities of antecedent breeds to design animals that would fit their needs. Many purebreds are happiest and at their best when they have a chance to perform the services to which they are bred; thus one great advantage to owning purebreds is the predictability they offer. They can usually be depended upon to exhibit behavioral patterns pedicular to their breeds. For this reason, if you are considering a purebred, it is important to keep in mind the inherited character traits that a breed will have, and to select a dog whose breeding is compatible with your way of life. Naturally, in the case of random-breeds, making such a determination will be somewhat difficult. Traits become overridden and muddled, and even the best guesses in such cases are based on the assumption that you know what has gone into your random-bred animal-which is unlikely.
Nonetheless, the purity of a dog's breeding does not always matter, and the initial cost of a random-bred is usually much less. Purebred dogs of less than fine show quality can also be had for limited funds, and rather easily at that. Virtually every pound and shelter has such animals who are desperate for homes. Occasionally we hear of people who visit a pound or shelter and carry away the sorriest, saddest-looking dog in the place. They know that they can offer that animal the gift of life and that their own lives will be made better in turn.
A Matter Of Taste
Just as some people enjoy fine examples of certain styles in art or architecture, many others take pleasure in the finest examples of specific breeds of dog. Such people are willing to expend time and money to promote the breed they fancy because it gives them pleasure. A certain benevolent snob appeal is at work here. Let it be noted, however, that, while show competition is exclusive with respect to dogs, all sorts of people are welcome. What is more, owning a show-quality animal is not necessarily an expensive venture. It certainly can be, but-as with most canine-related affairs-this is the owner's choice.
The fact that owners of fine show animals may spend more time or money on their animals than is strictly necessary does not mean that owners of mixed-breeds can't or don't do the same. Difference in breed, or lack of one, has no bearing at all.
Equals in Affection
Today, more often than not, the purpose our dogs are called upon to fulfill is that of companion. In that capacity, random-breds can stand proudly alongside purebreds in their ability to perform. So, whether your dog is a champion-caliber Affenpinscher or a slightly jumbled-looking no-name, be assured of this: It merely asks for all the love you can give, and is intent on returning it with interest.