When it comes to choosing the right pup for you and your family, there are many things to think about. One consideration is what type of dog is the right fit for your lifestyle as a family. Are you the outdoorsy types or do you like a more laid back lifestyle? You will want a dog that fits in and doesn’t have the type of behavioural problems that will upset the status quo. Another consideration may be whether to get a mixed breed (mutt) or a purebred dog.
There are pros and cons as well as some misconceptions and inaccuracies about both, so it’s important to always do your research long before you go out to find your forever companion and not just go along with what happens to be the fashion of the moment.
Scamps and Champs Cardiff, have provided some information to help you get a better idea of which may be the right choice for you.
MUTTS
The general consensus among many veterinary professionals is that mixed breeds dogs, in general, tend to be hardier and more resilient to genetic disease, they also are known to have greater longevity than purebred dogs.
Vets will also tell you that many mutts have a lower rate of
problematic health conditions throughout their lives, such as hip dysplasia, spinal diseases, and knee problems, they also develop less cancers and heart problems than their purebred counterparts. This results in less specialised care and lower veterinary costs throughout their lifetime.
Due to their mixed genes, mutts are less likely to have received a high dose of any particular breed’s genes. Because of this, Mutts are generally sturdier than their purebred counterparts., and these mixed genetics often create an increase in the effectiveness of their immune system, making them better able to overcome various infectious diseases. Mutts also tend to be very laid back in temperament, they can be much easier to train, and of course they are much more adaptable to their owners lifestyle and activity levels.
PUREBREDS
The drawback to inbreeding related animals in order to select and reproduce certain desired aspects, such as specific colour, physical or behavioural traits ,or breeding for certain tasks such as hunting, herding or guarding, is that there is a risk of reproducing genetically linked unwanted effects as well. 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 other conditions.
Minor mutations can exist through generations and can cluster in some breeds without too many problems, but continual inbreeding to improve certain traits in the dog may be sufficient to cause these mutations to become prolific, and can lead to the inherited and unwanted traits spreading through the breed and becoming more dominant.
Hence, medical problems such as inherited blindness, brain disorders, and certain cancers can create a cluster effect in certain breeds.
Inbreeding can also affect behavioural characteristics of dogs if taken too far, creating neurotic or maladjusted dogs, as can be seen in the Jekyll & Hyde Syndrome which can affect certain breeds.
So unless you have a specific requirement for the assets of a particular breed you need to be aware that some of these traits can become problematic over time and can cost a small fortune in vets bills.
When it comes to considering inherited health issues, it’s important to remember that all dogs carry the risk of susceptibility to disease, both genetic and infectious. That said, research is showing that good breeding practices and early disease screening could reduce the number of overall health issues.
So once you have decided that you want a purebred pet it is of paramount importance that you find a good, reliable breeder.
Unfortunately, there are some bad, “backyard” breeders out there that you need to be aware of; but the good news is that there are many great breeders out there as well, and there are great online resources available so it’s easy to do some research on particular breeders and check credentials.
Always ask the breeder as many questions as you can and always insist on seeing the parents with the pups, and see them as many times as you can before you take them home.
A good breeder will have screened the dam and sire for specific conditions and should also have included a puppy package as part of the deal – this means that your pup should have had at least its first injections before you get it. As a result, you can expect to pay more for a pure bred dog than a mutt.
Whatever dog you have or decide to have in your life, Scamps and Champs Cardiff provides a range of services to help when you can’t be there or when you’re taking a much needed break. From a one off pet visit to holiday boarding and doggie day care and dog walks. We also cover care for puppies/kittens onto adult and elderly dogs/cats, Rabbits and all creatures furry, fishy or feathered, we have a service tailored just for you.
WE ARE ALSO PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE NOW STOCKING A FABULOUS RANGE OF ORGANIC AND SPECIALISED PET FOODS.
Call us to discuss how we can help you and your best friend either with services or pet foods.
Tel: 0333 200 5827
email : cardiff@scampsandchamps.co.uk