| Did you know that you can pretty much predict | | | | what you are receiving. You usually know how big |
| the size, appearance, and temperament of most | | | | your puppy will get, the type of temperament |
| mixed breed dogs? After all, mixed breeds are | | | | the puppy will have, and how much energy he or |
| simply combinations of different breeds. So if you | | | | she will require. You have a better chance of |
| can recognize the ancestry of a particular mixed | | | | matching the type of puppy you want to bring |
| breed dog, you can see how a puppy is likely to | | | | into your home, but each puppy varies. With a |
| look as an adult. | | | | mixed breed puppy, the outcome can be varied. |
| An advantage of getting a purebred is that each | | | | You're not really sure of the size it will become if |
| breed has certain health concerns linked to it. And | | | | you don't know what breeds it comes from. And |
| we talked about what behavioral traits to | | | | it may be tough to predict how a mixed breed |
| research by breed. Border Collies are intelligent | | | | dog will react with children or small animals as |
| and active, Shih Tzus are rather the opposite. | | | | you're not sure on their temperament. On the |
| Dachshunds are said to be prone to back | | | | plus size, puppies can easily adapt to distractions |
| problems, Schnauzers will bark at anything. And | | | | such as children, most puppies can be conditioned |
| just because you buy that breed doesn't mean | | | | to live in any number of situations. Know that |
| your doggy will be identical, but if you selected a | | | | you'll have a few surprises in terms of size and |
| reputable breeder there is a good chance your | | | | behavior, but a mixed breed puppy can be a |
| dog will be pretty much like the rest of the breed, | | | | wonderful companion. When faced with a problem |
| hopefully with fewer health concerns. | | | | of whining all night, we set up a string of solar |
| Your mind is set on a dog for Christmas. And it | | | | yard lights to comfort the puppy through the |
| doesn't help that every person you ask tells you | | | | night with a soft glow of light. |
| to consider their suggestion before taking the | | | | And remember, going the mixed breed route, |
| plunge into puppy ownership. Really, though, you | | | | you're making a positive difference in reversing |
| puppy doesn't have to be a purebred. Mixed | | | | the tragedy of pet overpopulation. |
| breeds make excellent loyal pets and may be less | | | | A pure bred puppy will be more expensive. A |
| expensive to purchase than a purebred. | | | | mixed breed puppy might even be free or |
| What size dog you wish to own and can handle? | | | | cheaper. Purebred often have more of care |
| Think about the size of your home, yard space | | | | associated with them. Puppy mills won't pamper, |
| and your budget. Small dogs such as schnauzers | | | | worm and give the purebreds their early shots. |
| don't need as much space inside or outside your | | | | Pure bred puppies from these mills could have |
| home and can be easier on your budget. They | | | | congenital problems from inbreeding unless care |
| eat less and their veterinary needs, such as | | | | was taken. Buying a purebred with paperwork |
| heartworm preventatives, are less expensive, too. | | | | from the American Kennel Club or other such |
| There is fun and frustration with bringing home a | | | | breed clubs helps keep track of several |
| new puppy - be ready. There is the happiness of | | | | generations of parents. The AKC offers pure |
| sharing your life with the cute thing, but that | | | | bred dog registrations for both puppies that you |
| happiness is often curbed by the new holes in | | | | will want to breed and puppies that are not going |
| your favorite pair of shoes. No matter what | | | | to be bred. Most of the time the breeder you |
| breed enters your home, it comes with the ups | | | | purchase your puppy from will charge you more |
| and downs. However, there are pros and cons to | | | | for a puppy that you want to eventually breed |
| both purebred and mixed breed puppies. | | | | and have those puppies registered. |
| With a purebred puppy, you know almost exactly | | | | |