There are several factors to consider when looking for your perfect dog.
If you live alone in a small third-floor apartment, for example, adopting a large, active Retriever mix might not be the best choice. Conversely, if you have a family of four and are looking for a companion to suit your active lifestyle, such a pet may be perfect.
A dog’s size, exercise requirements, friendliness, assertiveness, and compatibility with children should all factor into your decision.
Which dogs have the qualities you are looking for?
Information is key: learn about different breeds, visit shelter animals, and speak to an adoption counselor for advice.
Dogs fall into one of two categories: pure breeds or mixed breeds – or Mutt-i-grees®. The only difference between the two is that with purebreds, their parents and other ancestors are all members of the same breed and generally conform to a specific “breed standard”. This means that if you adopt a purebred puppy, you have a good idea of its size and general physical and behavioral characteristics.
Adopt a unique Mutt-i-gree
A mixed breed dog has a more diverse genetic makeup. Nevertheless, the size, appearance, and temperament of most mixed breed dogs can also be predicted well. After all, mixed breeds are simply combinations of different breeds. So if you can recognize the ancestry of a particular mutt-i-gree pup, you also have a good chance of knowing how it will turn out.
Mutt-i-grees also offers several other benefits. When you adopt a mutt-i-gree, you gain the combined traits of two or more breeds. The result is a dog that is less likely to be affected by genetic defects common to some purebred dogs. Pooches are often considered the most “natural” dog. When you adopt a mutt-i-gree, you adopt a completely unique companion.