Cross Breeds

Cross breeding Dogs vs. Pure breeds?

I always hear that pure breed dogs are more prone to have health issue is this true? But I also have heard that cross-breeding can also be harmful? For example dogs with short snouts have a harder time breathing?

Public Comments

1. Mixed breeds tend to live longer, have fewer health problems associated with pure-breds, and be more even tempered. Edit: Spaying or neutering helps a lot with temperment also and I highly recommend it. Like someone said after me - Adopt from a shelter, you'll be saving a life. If you have your heart set on a purebred, there are plenty of breed-specific rescues all around the country. If not, go to your local ASPCA or Humane Society shelter. Remember, you are not just getting a dog, you are adopting a family member.
2. Unless you're sure about the dog's bloodlines,etc.,a mixed breed may be the best for you. When a breed in interbred, it can cause all kinds of problems, both physical and social.
3. We have had German Shepard crossbreeds for years. They are crossed with 1/12 husky. Our last one was a male and when we took it to the vet to have it neutered, he didn't want to do it. He said, "German Shepherds and other purebred dogs are so over bred that they have chronic health problems and physical defects that will disable them as they age. He said our dog would never suffer from hip problems because of the cross breeding." He also said "our dog had a much better personality than the usual Purebred Shepard that he sees." He said, "we should breed our dog to improve the Shepard breed."
4. Yes, purebreds are prone to certain problems because of irresponsible breeding, genetics, etc. For example, Rottweilers tend to have hip problems, Golden Retrievers are prone to skin problems...The smartest thing to do if you are interested in obtaining a purebred is to ask about the parents' health history and look with your EYES to spot anything that doesn't look right. Check with the breeders vet. Reputable breeders with quality dogs are more than willing to share this information with you. If a breeder doesn't furnish this info, move on. Any dog can have skin problems, hip dysplasia etc. It's all genetics. Why do some people have certain health problems and others don't? Ask a veterinarian or the local kennel club for info. Any dog with a "pug nose" will have trouble breathing regardless of breed because of the shortened nasal passages. FYI: from experience in a veterinary hospital, mixed breed dogs tend to be more even-tempered, probably because any undesirable traits get genetically "watered-down" as different gene pools mix.
5. In 20 years of working with dogs, I have seen just as many mixed breed dogs with genetic health problems as purebreds. Genetics are genetics, and "hybrid vigor" does not apply to a complex vertebrate organism the same way it does to pea plants. If a mixed breed dog has two purebred parents who are prone to a specific disease (i.e. hip dysplasia), that does is just as likely to be afflicted with the disease as any purebred. Genetic problems occur in dogs that are irresponsibly bred, regardless of whether or not they are mixed or purebred. If people breed without testing for genetic disease, the puppies' chances of having that disease increase with every untested generation. As for dogs with short snouts (brachycephalic dogs), yes, they do have a tougher time breathing, especially in the heat. This doesn't have much to do with cross breeding -- just selecting for shorter muzzles when breeding decisions are made. This could be for a purpose (i.e. the Bulldog's short snout allows it to breathe while clinging to a bull), or for a look (i.e. the Pug and Pekingese, whose short muzzles and round eyes give them the "perpetual puppy" appearance that some people find endearing). Cross breeding, while not necessarily harmful, is pointless. In modern society, where mixed breed dogs are euthanized by the thousands in shelters every day, it blows my mind that people would want to cross breed dogs on purpose. There is simply no viable reason for it. "Creating new breeds" is not an acceptable excuse. We don't need any more "new breeds" when 25% of the dogs killed in shelters are purebred. That's why I always say, if you want a mixed breed, please adopt one from a shelter!!
6. With a purebred, you have a good idea of what the temperment and size of the dog will be. If you do your research, you also know roughly what health issues to expect. Cross breeds are hardier and have just as good personalities- just less predictable. Ofcourse, a good home and healthy diet/exercise can probably overcome alot. ... still, because I have birds which I don't care to get eaten, I will probably be getting a smaller purebred non-hunting dog. I would hate to end up with a mixed breed that had strong predatory instincts or grew up to be huge!
7. The purebred will depend on the breeder.If they can show you paperwork that both parents have been tested for eye problems,hip problems,or whatever else the breed is genetically prone to,your probably going to get a healthy dog.Some breeders will even certify the health farther back than that if they had the previous generations. Mutts can be healthy too,but a mutt has parents that in all likely hood have had no health testing done.They are also able to inherit genetic problems from both breeds,or any breeds in the bloodline. Nothing is a 100% guarantee,but a responsible breeder with paperwork to back up the health of previous generations,is a pretty good bet.
8. it depends on how the dog is bred. i have a pure bred chocolate lab and his bloodline is free of hip diplaysia at least 5 generations back on both sides. does this mean that he won't get it??? of course not, it just means that he had very careful breeders and his chances are smaller. btw, hip dis is a common ailment with labs. really, the health of your dog is dependant on it's bloodlines, much like humans. some breeders and most puppy mills (horrifying places) breed close relatives, which of course will lead the puppies into health problems. that's why humans aren't allowed to inbreed. because we are smart enough to understand the health hazzards. however, many dog breeders are thinking about the profit more than the health of the dogs. really, it's a toss-up on the pure breed vs. mix breed discussion. you can't really generalize, you just have to make sure dogs are being bred in healthy environments and are being well cared for.
9. I've always had mixed breed dogs or Heinz 57 as we sometimes call them We usually have to have them put to sleep after 13 to 15 years. The vet says they last longer than any other dog the same size. We have small dogs. The only health problems are arthritis going blind or hernia's because of being old.
10. After reading the response you've gotten I would have to say i agree most with Loki, you can have health problems in ANY dog, purebred or not.I raise German Shepherd and by responsible and careful breeding, you can eliminate a lot of health problems. For those of you who are bashing German Shepherds I have quite a few, and none of them have any health problems, or temperament issues.Dogs are individuals, just like people, and should not be stereo typed.