Miriam Fields-Babineau - Mixed Breeds For Dummies

In recent years, though, mixed-breed dogs have become more popular. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has officially created a new grouping for mixed-breed dogs — the All-American — through its AKC Canine Partners program ( www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners ). Now mixed-breed dogs can participate in any performance event that was formerly the domain of purebred dogs, including certifications such as the Canine Good Citizen (CGC; www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen ) and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy programs ( www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/akc-star-puppy ). Mixed-breed dogs are also being put to work as service dogs, therapy dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. They’re valued as pets and companions. And in some parts of the world, owning a mixed-breed dog is considered chic.

Each mixed-breed dog is unique. Even designer dogs don’t meet any specific standard, such as those seen in purebred dogs. There’s no guarantee of the adult dog’s height, appearance, or temperament. What happens happens.

Although some designer-dog breeders claim that their mixed-breed pups are healthier due to breeding two different breeds together, this isn’t always the case. The health of the pups depends on the two individuals who are mixed. Only through careful testing of the parents — such as X-raying hip joints, testing the eyes and heart, testing blood for specific diseases, and temperament testing for overall personality — can a breeder be somewhat certain that the offspring will be healthy. Although most professional purebred dog breeders do these tests, few designer-dog breeders do so. And you can be sure that the owners of those wandering pets who crossed paths didn’t do so either.

A designer dog is a dog whose parents were both purebred dogs, of different breeds. For example, a Golden Doodle has one parent who is a purebred Golden Retriever and another parent who is a purebred Poodle. His mother may have been the Poodle, and his father may have been the Golden Retriever — or vice versa. The designer dog was bred intentionally by a designer-dog breeder. A non-designer mixed-breed dog is a dog who was bred either intentionally or by accident. One or both of his parents were not purebred dogs.

Even though you have no idea what your mixed-breed puppy will grow up to look like, there are ways to be sure he’ll still be a good pet. Your good care, training, and love will make him the ideal companion. It doesn’t matter what others might think when they see your short-legged, long-backed, droopy-eared, multicolored dog with the overshot jaw and wrinkled forehead. All that matters is your love and devotion to him, which he’ll return tenfold.

The story of mixed-breed dogs is often a sad one. Many people see them as a lower caste of animal — with no heritage and an unknown future. They overpopulate animal shelters and humane societies. They roam the streets in cities, suburbs, and rural areas, menacing wildlife and small pets. In their search for food, they raid garbage cans and alleyways. If captured by animal control, few are claimed, and most are put to sleep.

Just as people throw out old computers, or clothing that’s no longer in style, mixed-breed dogs often suffer the same consequences when their owners no longer want to be bothered to care for them. The most common scenarios:

Someone falls in love with a mixed-breed pup, but quickly tires of the pup as he grows and develops behavioral problems (because the person treated him more like a toy than a dog). Broken toys are thrown away; mixed-breed dogs are abandoned in the streets or at local animal shelters.

Someone wants to let her children experience the wonders of birth. How great is it to watch puppies being born and nursing! How cute the puppies are as they crawl around! Seeing the pups’ eyes open for the first time, watching them eat solid food for the first time, and watching them play with each other — what could be better? But when the pups’ mother no longer cares for them, the task of feeding and cleaning up after the puppies falls on the adult in the house. And if homes can’t be found for the pups, they’re abandoned.HOW TO TELL WHERE YOUR DOG CAME FROMThe best way to figure out the breeds that make up your mixed-breed dog is to look through an encyclopedia of purebred dogs. Most mixed breeds have some appearance or personality that resembles one of the parent breeds. Often, you just have to look at color, coat type, or size to have a vague idea of which section to look in. For example, if the dog is large, has a beauty mark on the cheek, and has upright ears, there’s a good chance he’s part Shepherd. If the dog is small, with long silky fur and a short nose, there’s a good chance she’s part of some Toy dog breed, likely some Pekingese.Make a list of your dog’s attributes. Compare them to those you see in the encyclopedia of purebred dogs or head to Chapter 3, where you can find an overview of the different breed groups. When you have a fairly good idea of your mixed-breed dog’s genetics, read more about those breeds to learn about their behavior, temperament, and health-related issues. Doing so will help you know your dog even better than you already do!

A dog just gets loose. The dog’s owner tried to keep him contained, but where there’s a will, there’s a way, especially if the air is carrying the odor of a female dog in season, which many male dogs can detect from more than a mile away. It’s not unheard of for a male dog to climb a high fence to escape or boldly run through an invisible fence’s electronic field.

An unhappy dog without companionship will do what he can to get loose and find company. Dogs who are tethered outdoors break their ropes; those in pens dig under the fence; many in yards jump over a fence or take advantage of open gates because they want to find other dogs. And when they find other dogs, they often procreate — and then more unwanted mixed breeds enter the world.

Rarely does breeding of mixed-breed dogs happen intentionally. Though unplanned, many mixed-breed dogs can still bring joy and love to your life. Don’t judge the dog on how he came to be, or where he was found — instead, consider how happy and fulfilling a future shared with that mixed-breed dog can be!

“Mommy, Daddy, can I have a dog?”

Many families give in to their little one’s wishes without thinking long and hard about it first. And many other people give a friend or loved one a dog for a holiday or birthday gift — not knowing whether the person really wants the dog or is prepared to care for him. Unfortunately a good percentage of these “gifts” end up at the local animal shelters just a few months down the road — much like a toy that no longer works or isn’t played with anymore.

Dogs take work. Yes, they’re adorable — as puppies and adults — but putting time and energy into the care of your dog is essential if you want a happy, healthy companion. Think seriously about how much time you have to give before you commit to getting a puppy or adult dog. If you can’t give a dog proper care, you’ll do yourself and the dog a favor by not bringing him home.