This is purely a matter of personal choice...there is no right or wrong. If you've decided to get a puppy, then obviously a purebred is more predictable as to its temperament, eventual size, length of coat, etc. There's no guarantee of that, as individuals of a breed can vary widely, but the likelihood is that your chihuahua puppy will grow up to be pretty much like most chihuahuas and your St. Bernard puppy will grow up to look and act like a St. Bernard.

If you've decided on an adult dog, then what you see is what you get anyway. By a year of age, any dog will have done most of its physical growing and its temperament will usually be evident. There should be no big surprises a year down the road whether you adopt a purebred or a mix.

For competition in shows or performance events sponsored by the American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club and kennel clubs of most other countries, you will have to have a purebred dog. The United Kennel Club, however, sponsors obedience shows and other events which are open to neutered mixed breeds. The American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry (AMBOR) also organizes competitions for mixed breeds.

Are mixed breeds smarter and healthier than purebreds? It is not true that mixed breeds as a rule are smarter than purebreds, but the jury is out whether they have fewer hereditary defects as a group. Responsible breeders work diligently to breed genetically healthy purebred dogs. The laws of genetics, however, do say that the less closely related your ancestors--the larger the gene pool--the less chance that you will inherit health problems. And mixed breeds by definition certainly have a larger gene pool than purebreds.

That said, there are many genetic defects which are common in many breeds and show up regularly in mixes. A German Shepherd/Labrador mix is just as likely to have hip dysplasia as a purebred of either breed. A Poodle/Pomeranian mix is just as likely to have luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps) as a Toy Poodle or Pomeranian purebred.

In general, it stands to reason that a well-bred purebred from a responsible breeder (who has screened the parents and/or tested the puppies) is less likely to have genetic problems than a mix, but that a mix may well be genetically healthier than a purebred coming from a backyard breeder or pet shop.

Get a dog that appeals to you and will fit into your life, regardless of its pedigree. But do study the breeds. Even if you plan to get a mix, you need to know something about the types of dogs that went into making your new best friend! Get a good book and study websites. We suggest a couple of excellent books about choosing a breed on our Recommended Books page.

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