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Certain dog breeds enjoy steady popularity, the laborador retriever being one of the most popular. There are also trends and fads in dog breeds just as there are with clothing and music. Cerain breeds such as chihuahuas, dalmations, and Jack Russells are "in style" for a while, usually due to media exposure (think Taco Bell chihuahua and Paris Hilton, "101 Dalmations", and "Frasier"). I want to plead the case, however, for the "sooner" (sooner be one breed as another), the "Heinz 57 variety", and/or mongrel. I currently own three dogs, and not one of them is pedigreed. Mia is a dog that I "inherited" from my younger son and appears to be an Australian Shepherd mix. Elijah may be part lab and may also be part pit-bull; we're not sure. And Kylie, another dog inherited from my younger son, appears to be a Cairn Terrier mix. I love all three of my dogs. They are all

healthy, and have good dispositions, though the younger ones can still get into mischief. My dogs are "mutts", and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Purebred dogs are expensive, and can be an expensive mistake if the dog breed is not suited for your needs. Neither chihuahua, dalmation, or Jack Russells, which have enjoyed temporary popularity, are the best choice for families with small children. Many of these breeds were adopted and later returned for these reasons. They were not a good fit for the family. Many purebred dogs are also more prone to certain genetic health traits such as hip dysplasia, simply because they become "inbred", and can more easily pass those genetic traits on.

Mutts, on the other hand, are mixed breed, decreasing their chances of passing on genetic health traits. The mutts that I have had all had good dispostions, and most were

pretty intelligent. Certainly no purebred puppies could be cuter than my mutts were.

Unfortunately, many mutts, or mongrels, are unwanted. Many will be left or abandoned as strays, or taken to shelters, where the majority will be euthanized. The biggest factor in my adoping mutts is the satisfaction of knowing that I probably saved a dog from being "put down" as unwanted. I am fortunate to enjoy the companionship of my "mutts" and give them a loving home.

So, go ahead, pay the outrageous prices to buy your "toy" breeds, and other purebreed dogs. I'll still be here, happy with three of the best dogs on the planet!
About the Author

Ms. Lowe is a dog owner and lover. She is also webmaster for http://www.doggy-training.com>"doggy-training.com", a popular resource for dog care and dog training information.

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