#ARE MIXED DOG BREEDS HEALTHIER PROFESSIONAL#

Dalmatian + Boxer = Dalmatian/Boxer cross. If both of Spot's parents are purebred but different breeds, Spot is a crossbred dog.If both of Spot's parents are purebred and the same breed, Spot is a purebred dog.There could be half a dozen breeds in his ancestry. Simply by looking at him, there's no way to tell which of those genes and traits might have come from which breeds. 'Can you look at a mixed breed dog and tell me which breeds he's a mix of?'Ī mixed breed dog has inherited a jumble of genes (and thus a jumble of traits) from ALL of the breeds in his heritage. The most common question people ask me about mixed breed dogs is. Then you can make an informed choice of which one is really best for you.Īnd the article you're reading right now: So I want to tell you the pros and cons of all three kinds of dogs. If it's been a while since your dog has seen a veterinarian or if your pet is experiencing a health problem, call us today to schedule an appointment.On a website called yourpurebredpuppy, you might be surprised to see an article about mixed breed dogs.īut many people decide to get a purebred dog without considering whether a crossbreed or mixed breed might be better for them. Regular veterinary care is the key to keeping your purebred or mixed breed dog healthy. It's crucial to ask questions about health when you consider adding another pet to your family, but it's equally important to consider the animal's temperament, personality, ability to get along with your other pets and the dog's fit with your family. The ligament helps keep the knee joints in the hind legs stable.Īlthough purebred dogs do have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, they are no more likely to develop many serious health conditions, such as cancer, heart disorders and endocrine disorders, than mixed breed dogs. The disorders include:Ĭranial cruciate ligament rupture was the only disorder more likely to occur in mixed breed dogs. For example, large dogs like Saint Bernards and Great Danes are most likely to suffer from bloat. Some disorders were more common in purebreds, although the chance that your dog will develop these disorders depends on its breed. Both hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) occurred at about the same frequency in both groups of dogs. Both groups also suffered similar rates of lens luxation, a condition that happens when the clear lens located behind the iris of the eye becomes dislocated. Patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap) was seen in both purebred and mixed breed dogs. Cancers, including osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumor and lymphoma, also occurred at about the same rate.

Mitral valve dysplasia, ventricular septal defect, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and patent ductus arteriosus occurred at about the same rate in both purebred and mixed breed dogs. In addition to hip dysplasia, they noted that a number of other genetic disorders occur equally often in both groups. Researchers reviewed the records of 90,000 dogs who were patients of the UC Davis veterinary teaching hospital from 1995 to 2010. Other Disorders with Similar Rates in Both Purebreds and Mixed Breeds Contrary to popular belief, the UC Davis revealed that hip dysplasia was just as likely to occur in mixed breed dogs as it was in purebreds. The condition, which occurs due to a malformation of the ball and socket joint in the hip, causes pain and weakness in the hind legs and can increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Hip dysplasia is often used as the prime example of an inherited health problem that primarily affects purebred dogs. Hip Dysplasia Is a Purebred Problem - Or Is It?

#ARE MIXED DOG BREEDS HEALTHIER PROFESSIONAL#

Other owners felt that purebred dogs were healthier because many start their lives in professional breeding facilities and are not exposed to infectious diseases that may circulate through animal shelters. Pet owners who thought that mixed breed dogs were healthier argued that inbreeding in purebred dogs increased the likelihood of genetic disorders. Until recently, there was no scientific data to back up their opinions, but UC Davis researchers recently helped answer the question with a landmark health study.

For years, pet owners have disagreed about whether purebred or mixed breed dogs are healthier.

Are mixed dog breeds healthier