Mixed Breeds For Dummies. Miriam Fields-Babineau

a standalone unit — you don’t have to read everything in order. In fact, if you already have a mixed-breed dog, you won’t need to read the chapters on where to find a dog, nor will you need the information on making sure the dog is right for you. If you get a designer dog, you might want to find out more about how to train her than solve problems that she likely hasn’t developed. Or, if you’ve had a mixed-breed dog for many years and are curious about the changes he’ll be going through as he ages, you may want to skip to the chapter about senior dogs. Use the Table of Contents and Index to find the chapters that appeal to you now, and come back to this book as your needs and interests change.

      Regardless of where you begin reading, you’re sure to discover new things giving you the inspiration to spend time with your mixed breed and enhance your lives.

      Yours is a partnership for life. Have fun together!

Part 1

      Getting Started with Mixed Breeds

IN THIS PART …

      Find out what makes a mixed-breed dog a mixed breed.

      Look at what goes into a designer dog.

      Decide which mixed breed you want.

      Meet and pick out the dog who’s right for you.

Chapter 1

      Mixing It Up: Introducing the Mixed Breed

      IN THIS CHAPTER

      

Understanding what makes a dog a mixed breed

      

Recognizing that size doesn’t matter — a dog is a dog

      

Remembering that your dog — no matter his mix — wants to be your best friend

      The offspring of purebred dogs all look alike on the outside, and have similar personalities and temperaments. You can’t say that about mixed-breed dogs. No two are exactly alike — even those from the same litter. Although their environment has a lot of impact on their future behavior, they still have specific genetic codes that are difficult to decipher.

      Mixed-breed dogs — especially so-called “designer dogs” — have recently experienced a surge in popularity. Though actually hybrids — the offspring of two purebreds — designer dogs are highly prized for their unique characteristics. Designer dogs are very expensive, because they’re in short supply and highly desired.

      Very small mixed breeds have also become very popular. They’re easy to transport, can be carried in a handbag, and offer all the affection and playful antics of their larger cousins. From 3 to 7 pounds, so-called “pocket dogs” are gaining ground, probably fueled by the fact that they’re carried by their celebrity owners down the red carpet. Many of the current, popular pocket dogs are hybrids — the mix of two very small purebred dogs.

Most dogs — regardless of their breed or size — merely want to be with their human companions. Your dog looks to you for direction, companionship, food, shelter, and understanding. In return, your dog offers friendship, trust, and love. He’ll never grow up and move away, he’s there when you need someone to talk to, and he’s always ready to join in a game. Your dog doesn’t have to be purebred to fulfill your needs. After all, your dog doesn’t know what purebred is — all he knows is that he wants to be with you.

A Mutt by Any Other Name: Defining Mixed Breeds

      A mixed-breed dog is one who has been conceived by two different purebred or mixed-breed dogs. The parentage of many mixed-breed dogs is unknown, because the breeding wasn’t planned. Two unsterilized dogs crossed paths when the female was in heat, and the rest is history.

      Mixed-breed dogs are sometimes called mutts, mongrels, or Heinz 57 dogs. No matter what they’ve been called, they haven’t traditionally been the sought-after purebred dog that people pay a lot of money to buy.

      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.

A Tale of Two Dogs: How Mixed-Breed Dogs Come to Be

      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