Why Mutts matter
Much has been written about why mixed breed dogs make great pets. At POA, we are dedicated to rescuing all dogs…mixed breed or pure bred. But the lowdown is that pure-bred dogs are inbred dogs – they are bred to preserve certain attributes. This means that purebreds are predisposed to a range of hereditary and congenital diseases.
Mixed breeds, on the other hand, have something called hybrid vigor. This means that when two or more gene pools are mixed, the recessive genes that carry the health problems are buried, which is why healthier animals are often the result. Simply put, mixed-breed dogs are generally healthier than purebreds and typically require fewer visits to the veterinarian.
The other issue is personality. Mixed breeds are typically less extreme in their temperament. Yes, character and behavioral traits do show up in mixed-breed dogs, but in a less intense form. And there are plenty of stories that attest to a mutt’s loyalty.
The final reason to adopt a mutt is that animal shelters are filled with them. It is also a kind and loving thing to do.