Dog People: Pure Breed or Mutt?

[Mutley]

Poll question: Dog People: Pure Breed or Mutt?

As a kid, we had pure bred Springer Spaniels. Both dogs I currently have are mixes. I would say I'd take any dog who needed me, no matter what breed. I highly doubt I would ever get a dog from a breeder just because of all the other unwanted dogs that are out there. So, what do you guys think?

[RebelOne]

1. I have a pure-bred Rottweiler with an AKC pedigree.

She came from a breeder in South Florida. But I aquired her from a friend in Florida. My friend was thinking of breeding her, but changed her mind. My other Rottie died, so my friend drove my Legend up to me in Georgia. Otherwise, I would have adopted a pound puppy. Right now, I am fostering a rescue dog, also.

[LWolf]

2. Either.

I've had both; if a pure-bred, I prefer a reputable breeder to a backyard breeder or pet store.

I had a registered springer spaniel; my ex MIL bought a puppy, changed her mind, and passed him to me. He was a loving, loyal member of our family for 13 years until he passed on. I currently have a pure-bred aussie; an accidental breeding by a retired breeder, who wanted me to take a puppy. She is an incredible partner, but not the best family dog. She's bonded so tightly to me that she doesn't listen to anyone else.

I've also had mixed labs, mixed shepherds, chow mixes, malamute mixes, and one interesting whippet/pitbull mix; some were pound puppies, some "dumped" dogs. I've loved them all, and they've all found safe secure homes with me over the years.

[BrklynLiberal]

3. I could not have said it better. My pure bred was/is German Shepherds

but other than that, you said exactly what I would have said.
Pure bred, or mixed breed, they give unconditional love, and all they want in return is love. It is a responsibility that fills the heart with joy.

[mopinko]

4. pure breds need rescue, too.

i have a complicated household, and need a reliable temperament. i have had some good mutts, but i go with pure breds now. i have terriers, because i need mousers. i just rescued a boxer from the pound. i would just as soon rescue an adult as go through puppyhood. but the breed rescue people can be nuts.
i wish the pound here would get a webcam, so you could see what they have. they list on petfinders, but they will not give info on the dogs over the phone, including if they are still available. i'm so happy with this boxer, tho, that next time i will make a couple trips if i have to.

[China_cat]

5. You need an option for 'both'

I have one rescued pure bred, one pure bred I purchased from a really good breeder and 2 pound puppies.

[wildeyed]

6. My dogs have all been rescues, both mixed and pure.

If I wanted a baby pup, I would likely go to a breeder. Some temperament and socialization problems do not become evident until a dog is a little older. But right now, my kids are so little, I just don't have the energy to deal with the needs of a furry infant, too. So I prefer adult rescues. I can usually gage there temperament accurately, and I don't worry much about them changing later, the way a pup will.

[LiberalFighter]

7. Took my first dog from a breeder...

second dog from a rescue

Both pure breds

Rescue dog came from a breeder that was finished breeding and until recently would put them down.

[auburngrad82]

8. We have two purebreds and three mixed breeds

We also work with a local rescue organization and most of the dogs we take in are mixed breeds.

If I weren't such a big fan of ACDs I'd probably have all mutts.

[ernstbass]

9. It doesn't matter as long as they are rescues

I can't fathom paying for a dog from a breedeer when thousands are killed each day for lack of a home. I have 2 purebreds from shelters and 2 mutts from shelters - fostering a fifth- purebred red tick hound

[hobbit709]

10. We have eight dogs

Most were rescues. The only one I got deliberately was our Aussie-Boo. She was a Valentine's Day present from me for my wife. There is no doubt that she is MY dog.

[Lowell]

11. I've had both

mixed breeds and pure breed. Dogs are all good people. But with a pure bred you know what you are getting. My last few dogs have all been Jack Russells and they have many common characteristics and personalities. I'm stuck on the Jacks now and can't imagine having any other kind of dog . . . unless a poor, homeless fellow showed up at my door, then who knows. They are all good.

[flvegan]

12. Mutt, hands down. Though, if one really wants a purebreed, then rescue.

Today's purebreeds are a mishmash of genetic nightmares. Ask around the veterinary community. Lots more hereditary flaws. Why? Breeding for bucks. You've got breeders, including "reputable" ones, that aren't tracking nor testing. Tons of inbreeding. They don't care, they got your money.

I do understand the draw of a particular breed. I'm a Great Dane guy. I adopted my Dane mix from the pound. Two time loser, he was. I think he's out on my couch right now, alllll spread out, waiting for dinner.

[Mutley]

13. Thanks for replying everyone.

I would take any dog that needed me.

I currently have two mutts who came to me through people I know whose dogs had puppies. I don't know if you can consider them rescues, except maybe my older dog. The owner of the mother wasn't even trying to find homes for the babies and was just going to take them to the pound. So I took it upon myself to find homes for all four of them, including the one I kept.

[blindpig]

14. any dog of course, but

hybrid vigor rules!

[fudge stripe cookays]

15. I would take any that needed me...

but we got Fargles from a Great Pyr rescue. Now that I've had a practically pure Pyr, I don't know if I could own anything else. He's my absolute bestest buddy. The most wonderful dog I've ever had.

Gratuitous Fargo shot -->

FSC

[Mutley]

16. Wow! He's gorgeous! And huge!

Look at that fluffy tail!