Why mutts are better dogs

Overall, mutts are more likely to be exposed to disease in life. But they are also sturdier and have a more diverse genetic makeup , so they tend to have better immune systems. There are benefits to both pedigreed and mixed-breed dogs. So much depends on the environment of the dog and the emphasis placed on their health and well-being. Good nutrition, exercise, and consistent veterinary care contribute to a healthy adult who lives a long life.

Excellent dental care, weight management, training and socialization, and love also play center roles in what your sweetie becomes.

If you would like more information about the myths about mutts vs. The Great Debate: Mutts Vs. Purebreds There are multiple factors that go into why we choose to adopt our furry companions.

Here we separate fact from fiction: 1. Fact: Mutts are healthier. Fiction and fact: Mutts carry disease. The Bottom Line There are benefits to both pedigreed and mixed-breed dogs. Search Search for:. Thus, we may find ourselves struggling with the age-old debate of mutts vs. Inherited diseases and disorders affect all pets, regardless of breed or background, but a purebred animal runs a higher risk of suffering from one of the many damaging genetic conditions.

Although there are no hard and fast statistics on the subject, it goes without saying that breeding animals that share similar genetics is going to increase the likelihood of passing on diseases or conditions they may share.

Because of this, many mutts have a lower rate of health conditions, such as hip dysplasia, spinal diseases, knee problems, certain cancers , heart disease , and more, than their purebred counterparts. This results in less specialized care and lower veterinary costs. Pets who live in large groups, such as in a shelter, are naturally exposed to more infectious illnesses than dogs who live with a respectable breeder. The mixed genetics of mutts often increases the effectiveness of their immune systems, making them better able to overcome a variety of infectious diseases.

Many considerations come into play when making this important life decision, including:. One of the more difficult issues is the question of whether to get a mixed breed mutt or a purebred dog.

There are pros and cons to each, as well as differing opinions. There are also some misconceptions about what is available to the potential dog owner and some information out there that may not be completely accurate.

Here, we provide some information to help you get a better idea of which may be the right choice for you. There is much debate about whether purebreds carry the risk of having more genetically inherited diseases and health issues versus mixed breed dogs. This is a complicated issue due to the impossibility of collecting an accurate data set. Despite a study by researchers at the University of California-Davis , which revealed that out of 24 disorders, purebreds were more susceptible than mixed breeds to only 10 of them, it is still unclear because of so many variables in the study.

This is further complicated by the fact that, although there is much data on purebreds with genetic diseases, there are many purebreds that do live long, healthy lives without these diseases. The general consensus among veterinary professionals has been and remains to be that mixed breeds, in general, tend to be hardier and more resilient to genetic disease and experience more longevity.

That said, research is showing that good breeding practices and early screening could reduce the number of overall health issues. The importance of finding a good, reliable breeder bears some weight on the issue. You can always ask the breeder lots of questions, too. With these genetic diseases, data has shown that certain breeds are more susceptible to certain disorders.

For example, hip dysplasia , although it does occur in small breed dogs, is more common with large breed dogs such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and German Shepherds. Aortic Stenosis, a heart disease , is most commonly found in Newfoundlands, Boxers, Rottweilers, and Golden Retrievers. However, mutts may still be at risk if they have these breeds in their DNA.

Again, the important thing is early screening with your veterinarian and continued regular veterinary care.