Mixed Dog Breed Characteristics

The most commonly found dog in the world is a mixed-breed dog. They are also known as mongrels, mutts, Heinz 57 dogs or random-bred dogs. Unlike designer or hybrid dogs, mixed breeds often have more than two breeds in their ancestry, according to the "ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs." There are many advantages to mixed breed dogs over purebred dogs, besides being less expensive to buy than purebred dogs.

  1. Better Health

    • Mixed breed dogs tend to live longer and need fewer surgeries, according to the Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics. Mixed breed dogs tend to be spayed and neutered, so they are not subject to health problems like cancer of the reproductive organs. Mixed breed dogs still can get sick and still can have accidents, but they are not as prone to congenital defects that mar some breeds like the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, which often dies young from heart problems. This is because purebred dogs are restricted to a limited gene pool, so the chances of mating with another dog with a congenital defect are much higher than it is for mixed breed dogs.

    Uniqueness

    • Unlike purebred dogs, each mongrel has a unique look. While purebred dogs generally have predictable characteristics, mongrel dogs have far more varied body shapes, tail shapes, ear shapes, colors, markings and coats. Unlike purebred puppies, you never quite know how big the mongrel puppy is going to grow or how much it is going to shed.

    Temperament

    • Although each mixed breed dog reacts to training and stress differently, mixed breeds generally have a better temperament than purebred dogs, says the "ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs." This could be partially due to mongrels getting spayed or neutered more often than pure bred dogs. The wide gene pool of random-bred dogs makes it harder for two dogs with genetic behavior problems to breed. However, a mongrel owner should make every effort to discover what breeds make up a mongrel's bloodlines, since this information could give clues as to any behavior issues that may arise. For example, CanisMajor.com says that terrier mixes tend to bark and dig a lot.

    Better Legally

    • There are stigmas attached to certain dog breeds such as the German shepherd, the Rottweiler, the Doberman pinscher, the Staffordshire terrier and the American pit bull terrier. People often assume that these dogs breeds are vicious.There are also breed specific laws in some countries, cities and counties prohibiting certain breeds. For example, pit bulls, Japanese tosas, Doga Argentinos and the Fila Brasilerios are banned in the United Kingdom under the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. Because a mongrel may not look like a particular breed that is feared, they will not be subject to breed specific regulations.