Mixed Breed or Purebred?
This is a long-standing question, and since most shelters house more than 80% “mutts,” we encourage the adoption of these unique, one-of-a-kind, mixed breeds. We believe you’ll get just as much love and companionship from a mixed-breed as from a pure bred.
Rescuing a Purebred
Many people, for numerous reasons, prefer a specific breed of dog. Shelters often have up to 20% of their space filled by purebred animals, and there are national animal groups that rescue specific breeds of dogs/cats and place them for adoption. If you are looking for a purebred, these groups can be a great resource to help you find your next family pet, and help a needy animal in the process. Some of the best resources to find a purebred rescue include:
Purchasing a Purebred
If you are still unsuccessful in finding the purebred animal you’re looking for, your next options include a professional breeder, a hobby breeder, or a commercial pet store. It’s very important that you educate yourself about this stage of your search.
Professional Breeders
All purebred dogs and cats have certain genetic (health) or temperament issues that can be problematic to their specific breed. Professional breeders are committed to improving their specialty breed by knowing any warning signs to look/test for, and determining if males and females will pass on the best traits to the next generations. Furthermore, professional breeders will be selective about the placement of their puppies and kittens to ensure they are in good, responsible homes. Your vet can guide you with the health or temperament issues particular to your breed. Be a smart consumer and ask the breeder if the parents of the litter have been screened for these potential problems.Hobby Breeder
A hobby or backyard breeder is usually someone who has a purebred dog/cat and takes a more casual approach to breeding. Their motivation might be the “novelty” of being a breeder or to make a little extra money. The hobby breeder is probably not aware of the genetic problems of the breed and may follow the principal that the mother and/or father are great animals and, therefore, the puppies/kittens will be.The puppies/kittens of a hobby-breeding situation can be fine pets, but you should follow these common-sense guidelines:
Are the housing conditions for puppies/kittens clean? AKC registration or “papers” only indicate that the animal is purebred and are no guarantee of the quality of the breeding.
Is the mother and/or father on the premises? The parents should be friendly and appropriate-looking for the breed.
How have the puppies/kittens been socialized?
Has the mother and litter been vet checked?
What happens if the animal gets sick within a week or two?
Be wary of any situation where multiple breeds of animals are being sold. This often is an indication of a breeding center run strictly for profit.Commercial Pet Store
The commercial pet store is the last option for a purebred purchase. Some, but not all, locations obtain their puppies/kittens from a supplier that breeds multiple types of dogs/cats in one facility, often called “puppy mills.” Pets are then shipped to the stores when they are young so they have a longer time to be sold while they are small. The breeding in “puppy mills” can be uncontrolled with little or no quality check. The removal of puppies/kittens when they are too young can have socialization and temperament implications. Remember that a professional breeder will not sell their puppies/kittens without directly screening the home.