Pedigree vs Mongrel

[Eels]

On the basis that I don't like to see threads hijacked, I thought I'd start a fresh one on this sensitive subject.

Pedigree dogs come with some assurances - you can usually view the parents, you have some idea of the eventual temperament and size of the dog, you can return it if there are any problems and you can usually rely on the breeder for some support as the pup settles in. However, there are often recognised hereditary problems which pedigree dogs are prone to, and they do cost more to buy.

Mongrels and crossbreeds often hail from unknown backgrounds, and are frequently bred by inexperienced owners as a result of mismatings. Their likely size and temperament is unpredictable, and you're unlikely to have much followup from the seller. However, they have the benefit of hybrid vigour, and although there is still the potential for health problems, hereditary illnesses are probably less common among them.

Me? Mine are scabby crossbreds. Both totally unique! �50 a piece from the dog's home, and aside from the obligatory vaccinations/worming/tick treatment they're in peak condition. Maybe I'm just lucky!

[wildwood]

Purebreeds only have one pedegree. Your crossbreeds probably have three or more pedegrees! Why pay a fortune for a mutt with only one pedegree when you can get a multi-pedegree for a song?

Really, the only purebreeds are the wild wolfs, and even there many are domestic dog crosses. All other breeds are manmade by selective breeding.

[campbellking]

My brother has the most beautiful dog successfully adopted from Battersea dogs home. She was picked up off the street, so we have no idea of her background, other than she was around three years old and had recently had puppies, and was so seriously malnourished it was not thought originally that she would survive. Their best guess is that she is a cross between a collie and a red setter, she's far more collie in type. Her only bad habit is that when you take her for a walk ( and even at twelve years old she will still run happily for two hours) other people's ball games are far more interesting than her own! Other than that she's a really gentle dog, and loves the two children that have become part of the household. She's only had very minor health niggles, anf has even converted my other brother, who's always been a bit scared of dogs, into becoming a bit of a fan

[gessoo]

We have always had crossbreeds and mongrels from animal rescue sancturaries and they have all had wonderful (but different) personalities and lived until a ripe old age.

However, three years ago, we rescued a little 'mongrel' terrier who had hardly any fur, was in a terrible state physically and mentally and had suffered abuse for years - he turned out to be a Yorkshire Terrier and now looks like a prize show dog! He is just as great as all the others and has a marvellous temperament. He is nine now and I am hoping he will go on for ever.

We will always take dogs from rescue centres in preference.

[aquilotta]

Like everyone else who's written on this thread, our family has always been adopted by crossbreeds. Apart from one who was knocked down by a car at the age of only 12, all our others have lived to ripe old ages - 16, 17, 18 - and all of them have had beautiful personalities despite most of them having previous histories of neglect before they found us. Or perhaps it was BECAUSE of their previous neglect that they showered us with so much love once they had adopted us...

On the other hand, I keep on hearing about gorgeous pedigree dogs who count the age of 8 or 9 as successful, and suffer dreadfully from ailments associated with inbreeding: back problems, breathing problems, arthritis problems...

So perhaps I'm biased - but I agree wholeheartedly with wildwood!

[burnhal]

Have always had mutts from rescue centres. They seem to be more laid back and less temperamental that pedigrees and certainly seem to be healthier and live longer. Hate going to the rescue center though- its hard to come away with only one!

[Pajama Girl]

I'm a Scottish Terrier lover and I carefully breed a few litters.

Breeding dogs is I believe a sacred relationship. Those little lives would not be in this world except for my decision.

So, when you adopt a puppy from me, you sign a contract. If for any reason, any reason at all, you cannot keep this dog I will take it back no questions asked during the enire life of the dog.

Once a year I call and ask how things are going: health, happiness, new family situations. I am a resource for the adopted families of my puppies and I am unashamed that I am so very conscientious.

I love the Scottie breed and I breed puppies for wonderful temperments and good health. That they are also beautiful is a bonus.

Life is sweet with a Scottie!

[Snappy]

My mam bred Labradors for years, there is nothing wrong with a pedigree dog, if you go to a reputable breeder and research the breed beforehand! Our dog is thirteen years old, we bred her ourselves and apart from a bit of arthritis, she is very healthy and we have had no problems