Mixed Breed vs Pure Breed

Posted on November 27, 2007
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There are many questions facing the potential dog owner; big or small, lazy or high-strung, pure or mixed breed. Do I want a running companion, or do I want a couch buddy? The important thing to remember is to match your lifestyle with that of the breed…or mixed breed, you choose. Whether it is a Champion Bichon Frise, or a run of the mill pound mutt, YOU are going to be momma, sleeping partner, best friend and leader of the pack all in one. And then some! This isn’t a checklist for getting a new dog in your house, the emphasis here is to showcase the mutt when considering adopting a new pooch.

How does the dog interact with others, what are the overall breed characteristics (health, temperament, size…etc). Is the place where I am adopting the pooch reputable? Should I worry about that? Why am I getting the dog in the first place? There are just as many questions to ask yourself before even considering being responsible for owning a dog. My point here is – fundamentally it doesn’t matter whether it’s a mangy Minnie Pin or a blue blood Basset Hound. We’re getting a dog for the companionship, the responsibility and because we feel we will give the dog a better life. Sure, some of us are professionals and are in the show arena. And some of us are mutt lovin’ owners who adopted our beloved breed mixers from the local shelter. Some rely on generations of true traceable bloodlines to define future adherence to breed standards, and they do everything to embrace that, and keep the history and integrity of the breed. That’s great; I love dog shows and everything they represent. But let’s get real, and give the athletes most of the credit there. The dogs are the real professionals in the show ring; they know exactly what they are doing!! And yes, their generations of pure bloodlines are represented every time they step paw into the ring. No argument from me, pure breeds are great, I own a Schnauzer and Lab, they are amazing!

Equally amazing is our crew of mutts – a Bloodhound/Ridgeback mix, and a Beagle/ Bassett mutt. Now don’t get me wrong here, these two will not be winning dog shows anytime soon. At least until we start showing mutts as their own distinction! But they are every bit as smart, athletic, and loving as their pure breed brethren. On the opposite end of the spectrum comes the normal everyday dog owner looking for some companionship, no professional or financial interest in showing or breeding the dog. For this segment of potential dog owners, the average mutt will add years of enjoyment and enrich your daily life. There is no need to go to the finest kennel responsible for 18 generations of Grand Champions when looking for a suitable companion dog. Especially if you aren’t going to be out there duck hunting, or herding sheep; but rather taking a stroll along the beach, or a jaunt through the park; the average mutt may sometimes make more sense when considering ownership. For their quality of life, and yours! We don’t need to be so ignorant as to think a pedigree would bring us more pleasure than a mixed up orphan. There are way too many animals that go unseen in all of our shelters, when considering dog ownership look local, and look at the shelters. Speaking from experience, I wish I could clone my Bloodhound mutt and register him as a new breed – he’s a shelter mutt. And a magnificent one at that! Yes, pure breeds can be more predictable to maintain certain characteristics within the breed. But only mutts can say they are truly one of a kind!

In all seriousness, both options promise a great pet – just do your homework and don’t rely on common myths out there to sway your opinion either way. From mutts living longer to pure breeds requiring a larger investment; good ol’ hands on experience, gut instinct and common sense will never lead you down the wrong road. Educate yourself before starting the process, it’s only fair to the dog, and ultimately your quality of life.
Of mutts and bloodlines…Let us not separate our dogs according to some archaic aristocratic class structure. We are a land of mutts!! Embrace it!

To be a mutt, is to be American!!!

Our dogs bring out the vitality in all of us.

Who am I?

Posted on November 25, 2007
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Hello my fellow dog lovers. My name is Wayne and I have been working hard to ensure that your experience at Muttspace is a pleasant one.  I’m looking forward to getting the chance to chat with all of you and would love to hear your feedback. Thanks!

Tes

Hello Everyone!

Posted on November 25, 2007
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