5 Reasons to Adopt a Mixed-Breed Dog

Give a Loving Home to a Mutt

So, you're thinking about adding a dog to your family but maybe you're not sure which type of dog to bring home. A big dog? Small? Active? Maybe on the quieter side? A playmate for kids? A hiking companion for yourself? How about a dog that is uniquely yours, one that you could easily spot at a crowded dog park?

How about a mutt? Mixed-breed dog: a blend of two or more dog breeds all rolled into one unique — maybe quirky — pooch that will undoubtedly have a positive, profound affect on your life. Here are five good reasons to adopt a mixed-breed dog.

1. Mixed-Breed Dogs Can Be Healthier

Veterinary experts believe mixed-breed dogs have fewer genetic health conditions than pure-breed dogs. A study conducted using veterinary records from UC Davis revealed that mixed-breeds dogs had fewer genetic disorders, mainly citing the following conditions as being more prominent in pure-breeds:

• Aortic stenosis
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Elbow dysplasia
• IVDD
• Hypoadrenocorticism
• Atopy / allergic dermatitis
• Stomach bloat
• Cataracts
• Epilepsy
• Portosystemic shunt

While there may be a seemingly higher occurrence of mixed-breed dogs living longer life spans, it must be acknowledged that healthy pure-breeds can also live long lives — and many without health issues —just as some mixed-breeds may need treatment for medical conditions throughout their lives. Nothing is a guarantee although the general consensus through studies is that mixed-breeds may benefit healthily from their mixed bloodline.

2. All Mixed-Breeds Are Unique

No two mutts are the same! If you’re looking for a companion with a unique look and personality then a mixed-breed dog is perfect for you. Quirky patches of color and markings throughout the fur, ears that don’t quite match and a questionable lineage that just keeps you guessing.

You might even discover that your mixed-breed dog inherited some of the best characteristics of its family tree when it comes to intelligence, athleticism, intuition and affection.

3. Mixed-Breeds Cost Less Than Pure-Breeds

Most pure-breed dogs are expensive to buy, ranging in cost from $800 to $2000. Adoption fees are considerably less at shelters and rescue groups.

Keep in mind that all dogs need the same level of loving care no matter what type of breed they are: a good healthy kibble and treats, a dog bed, toys, a leash and collar, training and obedience classes, and routine veterinary care.

4. You Won’t Be Supporting Puppy Mills

Large-scale commercial dog-breeding operations make a profit selling puppies to pet stores with little regard for the wellbeing of the dogs’ lives.

By choosing to adopt a dog from a shelter or a rescue group, you’re making it more difficult for puppy mills to stay in business.

5. You’ll Save a Life

Everyone wins when you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group. Giving an abandoned dog a forever home is life changing — for everyone. Volunteers and workers at shelters and rescue groups work overtime trying to prevent the euthanasia of good pets.

In this year’s annual “Clear the Shelters,” a nationwide pet adoption initiative that took place July 23 and aims to connect animals in need with loving new families, nearly 700 shelters around the country campaigned to find loving homes for pets. According to the most recent tally on July 25, more than 46,000 sheltered pets were adopted.

You can save a pet’s life any day of the year. Let’s be real: You’ll probably benefit from that pet’s loving care just as much as he will from yours.