Seven Reasons to Adopt a Mixed Breed Dog

You've finally decided to add a new dog to your family. Congratulations! A dog will give you many years of affection and devoted companionship. When you go in search of your new canine companion, why not consider adopting a mixed breed dog? A mixed breed dog offers so many advantages over a purebred. Here are just a few of the many reasons to adopt a mixed breed dog:

1.You can find them in shelters.

There are so many mixed breed dogs in shelters that need your love and companionship. Imagine how good you'll feel when you save the life of a shelter dog. It's recycling at its very best.

2. Mixed breeds are healthier.

It's well known that mixed breed dogs live longer lives and have fewer health problems overall. This is because they're not inbred like pedigree dogs. If you want your companion around for many years, consider a mixed breed dog.

3. Mixed breeds are smarter.

As a generalization, mixed breed dogs tend to be more intelligent, worldly, and savvy with more common sense and street smarts. Having had both types of dogs, this is just an observation on my part, but I've had many other people say the same. It probably depends on the breed. A friend of mine had a Border Collie who was bilingual with the ability to understand an enormous number of words in both English and Mandarin Chinese.

4. Mixed breeds are truly one-of-kind.

There are too many cookie cutter, purebred dogs in this world. Would you rather have a Picasso original or a reprint? We need to stop choosing dogs based on status and learn to appreciate the unique characteristics of a mixed breed dog.

5. Mixed breed dogs are appreciative.

If you've ever adopted a mixed breed dog from a shelter, you know how appreciative they are of your attention. Many of them have been neglected or abused in the past and are grateful for any affection you give them. They show their appreciation by guarding your home and your family, and are even willing to lay down their life to protect you.

6. Mixed breed dogs live longer.

As a generalization, when comparing mixed breed and purebred dogs of similar size, the mixed breed dog will outlive the purebred. Again, this comes down to the fact that most purebred dogs are inbred which creates health problems that shorten their lives.

7. Adopting a mixed breed helps to reduce animal overpopulation.

Breeders of purebred dogs often contribute to pet overpopulation by irresponsible breeding. When you adopt a mixed breed dog from a shelter not only are you reducing the number of homeless pets, you'll get a dog that's already spayed or neutered in most cases. You'll have a positive impact on the continuing problem of pet overpopulation and production. A great reason to feel good about yourself.

Although I'm a bit biased towards mixed breed dogs because they're so uniquely special, you can still have a positive influence on pet overpopulation if you chose to adopt a purebred dog from a shelter. Believe it or not, there are lots of purebreds at local animal shelters just waiting for someone like you to come along. Why not give them a chance?