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10 dogs with the best temperament for families

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The kids have been asking for a dog, and you’ve finally caved. What type should you get? All these breeds have good temperaments and will be a welcome addition.

Steve AugerDecember 2, 2021December 28, 2021

All kinds of families enjoy life with a pet, and for many families, a dog is the top choice. Once you’ve decided it’s the right time to add a dog to your household, picking the right kind of canine for your family is especially important to making a good match.

If you’re looking for a dog that will fit right in with your family, here’s a list of 10 dog breeds with the best temperament, courtesy of Vetstreet:

1. 

Golden retriever

If there’s one dog that typifies a friendly dog, it’s a golden. They’re loyal, fun and intelligent and love everyone they meet. They just always seem to be happy!

2. 

Collie

First and foremost, collies love children and love playing with them. They’ll love you, too, since they thrive on being around all family members. And while most collies don’t have the powers of Lassie, they are gentle and affectionate, two traits that make a great family dog.

3. 

Saint Bernard

Don’t let the size fool you. With some initial training, these dogs are gentle giants. A Saint Bernard will be calm and patient with kids. They are also big enough that little ones won’t hurt them during playtime.

4. 

Great Dane

Great Danes are also big dogs. But they have the heart to match their size. Affectionate and loving, Danes will adore your kids and get along with other family pets. They’re also very protective of their families.

5. 

Pugs

On the opposite end of the size spectrum is the pug. These fun-loving little pups were originally bred as companion dogs, and they certainly live up to that billing. Get used to having a four-legged shadow because pugs will follow you from room to room.

6. 

Boxers

Don’t let the wrinkled face fool you. Boxers love their owners (and their children, too). They’re happy and fun, and that’s reflected in their willingness to play. They’re also intelligent, so make sure they’re properly trained early or else they might outsmart you.

7. 

Staffordshire bull terriers

These dogs truly love their humans. Originally from Great Britain, they were given the nickname of “the children’s nursemaid.” They are smart and tenacious but also full of energy and enthusiasm. A Stafford thrives on being by your side while also being protective of you and your family.

8. 

Bulldog

This gentle dog is perfectly described by the word “good natured.” They love kids, are affectionate and exude loyalty. They’re also easy to train. Their even temperament makes them suitable for any age, including older folks looking for companionship of the furry kind.

9. 

Cavalier King Charles spaniel

These cute fur balls enjoy your presence no matter where you are. They might even try to follow you into the bathroom. Another breed that loves children, they do better with older kids, given their small size. So teach your little toddlers how to pet them gently. One advantage of their small size, however, is they’re perfectly suited for a quality cuddle in your lap.

10. 

Labrador retriever

No list of dogs with the best temperament would be complete without including the Labrador retriever. The typical Lab is outgoing and kind, eager to please their owner and rarely aggressive toward people or other animals. They tend to have high energy levels, which make them a perfect fit for active families. Like a bulldog, the Lab’s even temperament makes them ideally suited for older folks.

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What Dog Breed Has the Best Temperament?

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By AAAStateofPlay. com

Since 1977, the American Temperament Test Society has been conducting its Temperament Test for canine breeds. The Temperament Test measures “stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog’s instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat.” The test simulates a walk through a neighborhood or park where daily life situations occur. The dog experiences visual (sudden sights like opening umbrellas), auditory (sounds like gunshots and hidden noises), and tactile (walking on different types of surfaces) stimuli. The exercise also tests their behavior toward friendly, neutral, and hostile strangers. A dog fails the test if it shows unprovoked aggression, panic without recovery, or intense fear and avoidance. Other dogs are not present during the test, so it does not take into account dog-on-dog aggression.

As of December 2017, 34,686 dogs have been tested; 29,017 have passed and 5,669 have failed, making the pass rate 83. 7%.

Here are the top 10 dog breeds that have the highest pass rates:

1. French Bulldog — 96.2% passed out of 52 dogs tested.
2. Boerboel — 94.7% passed out of 57 dogs tested.
3. Belgian Malinois — 94.1% passed out of 440 dogs tested.
4. English Cocker Spaniel — 93.3% passed out of 75 dogs tested.
5. Labrador Retriever — 92.2% passed out of 842 dogs tested.
6. Flat-Coated Retriever — 92% passed out of 87 dogs tested.
7. German Pinscher — 91.90% passed out of 37 dogs tested.
8. Pug — 91.7% passed out of 48 dogs tested.
9. Curly-Coated Retriever — 91.7% passed out of 181 dogs tested.
10. Bull Terrier — 91.6% passed out of 83 dogs tested.

Also included in this visualization are the American Kennel Club’s Most Popular Dog Breeds rankings for 2018. The most popular dog breeds are as follows:

1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Golden Retriever
4. French Bulldog
5. Bulldog
6. Poodle
7. Rottweiler
8. German Shorthaired Pointer
9. Yorkshire Terrier
10. Boxer

As you can see, many of the most popular breeds also rank high on the Temperament Test! This may be why these breeds are so beloved, and it may also be influenced by responsible breeding practices. However, it is also important to note that mixed breeds (like most rescues) score well on the Temperament Test. If you are looking to welcome a dog into your family, consider rescuing or purchasing from a responsible breeder, do your research! Some dogs are relatively low energy and most like to laze around the house. Other breeds need more stimulation by going for longer walks, working on doggy puzzles or even going to a dog park. Every home is unique and some breeds work better than others for each individual family.

Find more about the author: Kim Hart

Which dog is easier to get along with?

Komsomolskaya Pravda

Dom. FamilyThe Living CornerThe Living Corner: news and interesting

January 31, 2008 1:00

Watchdogs, like humans, have four types of temperaments

Did you know that dogs, like humans, have four types of temperaments: melancholic, choleric, sanguine and phlegmatic? By the way, some breeds clearly correspond to a certain type of temperament.

That’s why try to find a breed that matches your own temperament. Because a calm or elderly person will be tired of an overly fussy and agile dog; and for a young and active person, the slowness of the dog will become a constant source of irritation.

Phlegmatic people: nannies and monogamous people

Perfectly fit calm, self-confident people. Dogs of this type are usually large, have strong bones. Phlegmatic people are often monogamous and will tend to protect the owner. Excellent nannies – these dogs love children and forgive them any pranks.

Virtues : will never disturb the owner, will not bark and bite in vain. Phlegmatic people rarely get lost or run away from their owners (even during mating seasons) – they prefer to keep you always in sight.

Disadvantages : slowness, and sometimes excessive independence. If it seemed to the dog that the command was inappropriate at that moment, then he would simply ignore it.

Breeds : Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Dogue de Bordeaux, Mastino, Leonberger, Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

Cholerics: learn quickly, forget quickly

Mobile, active and unbalanced dogs. Usually choleric people are thin-boned and almost never plump. Dogs of this temperament are better to have active people, often and for a long time in nature.

Virtues : choleric people are very brave, they like to walk for a long time and tirelessly, they instantly remember commands (and quickly forget them, so periodic refreshment of skills is required).

Faults : frequent and unreasonable barking, howling alone, aggression towards strangers (up to bites), such dogs are difficult to calm down.

Breeds : choleric is found in almost all dwarf, small and medium dog breeds. For example, fox terrier, poodle, toy terrier, chihuahua, dachshund. There are also large breeds, among which there are many overly temperamental individuals: for example, Dalmatian, Doberman, German Shepherd, hunting breeds.

Sanguine: Suitable for any owner

Dogs of medium build, can adapt to any owner’s temperament. These are mobile, inquisitive and balanced animals, they are easily trained and remember the learned commands all their lives.

Virtues : a sanguine person will never bite an old woman passing by – after all, this temperament and unreasonable aggression are incompatible. Such a dog will not howl and bark, left alone at home. Will tirelessly play the games you suggested.

Faults : sanguine people like to play the fool, shirking commands (often because it is not interesting), a favorite trick is to pretend to be deaf. Sanguine males are often pugnacious.

Breeds : Boxer, Great Dane, Collie, Airedale Terrier, Labrador, Large and Medium Poodle, Most Shepherd Dogs, Dachshund, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier.

Melancholics: Sleepyheads and lazybones

An undesirable type of temperament for any breed, but more often melancholics are born among very large and “folded” breeds of dogs. Melancholics are often considered “brakes” – they need time to react to a command or even their nickname, they are hard to learn. From a loud sound, a melancholic dog can easily fall into a stupor, and from the expression of the owner’s anger – get a stroke. Melancholics suffer more than other dogs from the New Year’s cannonade.

Pros : the perfect sofa pet. A lazy person will appreciate the melancholic’s dislike for walks. Your dog will lift his leg (or sit down) right at the entrance and immediately pull the leash towards the house – back on the sofa.

Faults : weak nervous system, prone to breakdowns, dislike of changing places and circumstances, poor ability to train.

Breeds : English Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Great Dane, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Dogue de Bordeaux, Saint Bernard, Cane Corso.

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Peculiarities of temperament of dogs of different breeds

Details

March 16, 2016

Author: Olga

Category: Behavior/Psychology

Views: 20680

How do people usually choose dogs? – Someone liked the charming neighbor’s dog, someone came across an interesting article on the Internet about a rare breed, and someone from childhood dreamed of a Pekingese (Toychik, Pinscher). All these desires are adjusted by the availability of conditions for a new family member and the time that you can devote to him. And another 90% of future owners dream of an obedient, playful and calm pet. And this is where the inconsistency begins.

First of all, playfulness and calmness are already different qualities. And secondly, future owners often take the external data and size of the dog as a basis, and consider the character and temperament to be something secondary, correctable and not particularly dependent on the breed.

But it happens the other way around. Faced a couple of times with a cowardly trembling toy or an evil pinscher, a person attributes these qualities to all representatives of the breed, not even being interested in what the standard says about this. Both approaches are fundamentally wrong. Yes, all dogs are different, but you can’t drink the breed temperament, but it is important to clearly understand what it really is, and what is a serious deviation and even breeding marriage.

What is temperament?

Temperament is often confused with character. They even think they are one and the same. In fact, temperament is the basis for the formation of a dog’s character. You know, like a pyramid in a children’s toy, there is a base on which multi-colored rings are strung. Well, the scientific definition of temperament is:

Temperament (lat. temperamentum – proportionality, proper ratio of parts) – a stable set of individual psychophysiological characteristics of a person associated with dynamic, rather than meaningful aspects of activity

Not very clear, is it? Well, let’s try to decipher it. Temperament rather describes the typical reactions, emotions, and displays of activity in a dog. And considers the rate of their change (dynamically), as well as their shade, “degree”. Those. not what kind of dog – evil or kind, but how quickly and easily it can be in a state of aggression and how much this aggression will be expressed.

Yes, and we ourselves often say in a nimble and lively dog ​​that he is more temperamental than the one that prefers to sleep and soak up the hands of the mistress. Those. again, we mean the speed, intensity and characteristics of the flow of certain mental reactions, actions, and not specific character traits. Well, academician Pavlov systematized all this and singled out the main types of temperament, depending on the characteristics of the organization of nervous activity.

Types of dog temperament

Everything here is like with people. Dogs also have sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic and melancholic. Only now the characteristics of temperament types will have their own, canine, features.

So, mini- sanguine is a pleasant in all respects, cheerful and curious dog. His reactions of excitation and inhibition are perfectly balanced, so there are no hysterical or vicious dogs among sanguine people. However, they are brave, courageous and smart enough. Add to this excellent trainability and we get the perfect companion and show pet.

Cholerics – also active and interested in everything, but they have some bias in the emotional sphere. These are the most “talkative” pets, and all because of increased excitability, so they strive to tell you about all their feelings. At the same time, choleric people are desperate brave men, and often bullies. Even towards humans and larger dogs. Naturally, it will not be easy to train such a baby. But he will be happy to run with you in the morning or do agility. And it is still unknown which of you will be the first to get tired!

Phlegmatic people , in the minds of many, these are such lazy bumpkins who only sleep and eat. Therefore, they are always fat and clumsy. In fact, these are very good-natured and pleasant pets. Yes, they will not enthusiastically run after a wand or frolic in the park, but at the same time they are quite obedient and rarely cowardly. In addition, such a dog will never offend your child, but will steadfastly endure all his pranks. Phlegmatic people will not get involved in fights. And they are very affectionate, often monogamous. As for training, of course, you will have to tinker with them, but they learn all the commands and rules of behavior once and for all. In fact, they become part of their usual way of life, a kind of symbol of cozy stability.

Miniature melancholic are exclusively sofa or tame dogs. Why? – All because of violent reactions to any stimuli, up to fainting or unmotivated aggression. At the same time, anything can bring them out of balance, even an insect that has flown into the room. But it will take a very long time and diligently to calm the dog. Therefore, they usually choose the quietest and safest, in their opinion, place in the house and prefer to be there most of the time. It is almost pointless to train such a baby. The maximum that you can do is to teach him to cleanliness and the basic rules of behavior in the house. And it’s better not to change them anymore.

By the way, melancholics are the only type of temperament in dogs that is classified as weak. Dog lovers also say that the pet has a weak nervous system and the standards of all breeds interpret this as a flaw or defect.

Pedigree features

Well, we have dealt with the types of temperament, and now let’s clarify which of them corresponds to the breed of your baby. However, remember that dogs with a pure type, i.e. complete sanguine, choleric or phlegmatic, do not exist in nature . It is only about the dominance of one of them. But even in a bright choleric person, in some situations, one can observe certain features of a sanguine or melancholic person.

But let’s get back to the breeds and look at any standard. What do we see there? – Most often, phrases like “live and cheerful”, “not vicious and not cowardly”, “active, mobile” or “strong balanced”. And all these characteristics refer more to sanguine people. It is this kind of temperament that is most desirable for any decorative breed, as the most suitable for companion dogs.

“But how is that? They are so different! And the neighbor’s York is not at all like my Papillon! – That’s right, there are differences. Different breeds may have more or less pronounced features of other types of temperament. For example, toy terriers and miniature pinschers often have greater mobility and excitability than classical sanguines, i.e. they have some features of choleric. The same can be said about Pekingese . It is not surprising, but their tendency to aggression and leadership is also a “gift” of choleric temperament. At the same time, at home, they can behave like absolute phlegmatic people. From morning to evening, it is important to lie on your favorite chair and wait for “imperial honors.”

But Shih Tzu, Chihuahua, Papillons and Miniature Schnauzers can be classified as classic sanguine. Representatives of these breeds rarely show significant deviations towards other types. Yes, they can also be lazy or very mobile, but all these are more character traits and an imprint of a lifestyle than the original type of temperament.

Those who consider pugs to be phlegmatic are mistaken. The owners and their habit of feeding the pet make them so. And initially they are all also typical sanguine people, inquisitive and active. Well, Yorkshire Terriers one can really observe the manifestation of choleric temperament. But, firstly, it is more inherent in young dogs, and, secondly, it is successfully corrected by proper upbringing and early socialization. But, by and large, Yorkies are just very mobile sanguine people.

Slightly more difficult to correct behavior Spitz . Many of them got the most striking feature of choleric people – increased emotionality and “talkativeness”. In all other respects, these cute “cubs” are also ordinary sanguine people, and the main proof of this is their excellent learning ability. And in good nurseries, with a serious approach to breeding, “silent” and balanced Pomeranians are very successfully bred.

This is how the true picture looks with the peculiarities of the temperament of a particular breed. Well, all the evil neighborhood chihuahuas, hysterical Yorkies or clumsy pugs are nothing but the costs of improper breeding, care and upbringing of a pet. And it’s definitely not worth making a conclusion about the entire breed based on, such, its individual representatives.

Determination of temperament when choosing a puppy

So, tomorrow you are going to get a puppy. And even if you don’t really have a choice, there are only two puppies, or you have reserved a certain baby, you should still pay attention to his temperament. And here the following observations and tests will help you:

• Puppy behavior in a pack. We look at his activity, expression of emotions and relationship with brothers and sisters. He is playful or prefers to stay away from the general “hangout”. Silent or just starts to whine. In the game, he shows himself to be a clear leader or immediately concedes. Or maybe growls and initiates “showdowns”, bites. Worn like crazy, without stopping or just “on business”.
• Reaction to a stranger, i.e. on you. A two-month-old baby without significant deviations from the sanguine type usually treats people kindly. As an option, the first minutes of acquaintance may be somewhat wary. The choleric person will be more cautious, perhaps more aggressive, or vice versa, the very first one will run up and, squealing joyfully, will fawn and lick you the most. A phlegmatic baby is also suitable, but later. And it will fit, calmly and without haste. But the melancholic will run away from you and hide.
• Puppy in your arms. The sanguine will most likely freeze for a minute, and then begin to sniff you with interest. A more choleric baby will begin to twitch and show discontent in every possible way. The phlegmatic will not care, but the melancholic will definitely get scared and start whining and / or trembling heart-rendingly, even when you have already returned him to the lair. Melancholic puppies are always seen. They are the most unfortunate and many feel sorry for them. So they buy such dogs with the desire to warm, caress and protect from everything.
• Reaction to stimuli. To do this, you can stomp your foot, throw something, click something loudly. The main thing is that the sound was unusual. Alternatively, throw some of your own thing to the kids. Bright choleric people, most likely, will begin to bark at her, growl. Perhaps with fear. Sanguine people will watch from the side for a bit, and then they will come up to sniff. In a situation with a loud sound, they will be alert, and then calmly continue to sleep or play. Phlegmatic people may never approach the new “toy” or do it later than everyone else and as if it were something completely uninteresting. Sharp sounds will also not cause a violent reaction in them. If before that the phlegmatic was sleeping, then he may not even wake up, he will just shudder in his sleep and that’s it. Melancholic – gets scared, hides in a corner or burrows into his mother’s fur and will be there until everything calms down.
• How quickly he calms down. Just after the reaction to stimuli, you can check how the inhibition mechanism works in babies. Problems with this usually occur in melancholic and choleric people. They can get so excited that the owner (breeder) will have to calm them down. While the sanguine and phlegmatic can easily cope with this on their own. Well, growled for decency and that’s enough!

Naturally, when conducting all these tests and observations, you need to make adjustments for the breed and its size. Baby minis are always a bit more cautious and can come across as cowardly. Well, the active manifestation of the philanthropy of the Zwerg should not be confused with the features of a choleric temperament. However, avoid puppies with too obvious signs of hyperexcitability and a weak nervous system.

Heredity or upbringing?

The question of what has more influence on the temperament and character of a dog is an age-old dispute between breeders and trainers. The former are 100% sure that genetics will be primary here, and the latter – that all distortions are from the inexperience of the owners and their laziness.

In fact, the truth, as always, lies in the middle. Yes, the main, especially extreme, manifestations of temperament of one type or another are largely determined by heredity . And if the doggie initially has a “reinforced concrete” psyche, then it will not work to make a hysteria out of him even with very great effort. Rather, you will develop aggression in him than make him afraid of everything and everyone. In the same way, it will not work out to turn a puppy with an “awl in the pope” into a phlegmatic person, who from the first days of life is fighting either for the milky nipple, or for the right to lie on top of the rest of the puppies. Yes, and all the fuss in the lair begins from the moment he woke up. Naturally, before everyone else.

However, cruelty, ignoring the needs of the dog and the lack of timely and correct socialization can ruin all the best qualities of a sanguine puppy. And now before you is no longer a friendly and cheerful dog, but a lethargic, sad and a little cowardly dog. And if she had the minimum makings of a choleric, then this one can bite on the sly.

The inept upbringing of a choleric puppy can lead to the fact that your ward will be afraid of everything, but at the same time believe that the best defense is an attack. As a result, you simply will not be able to let him off the leash and walk with other dogs.

Significantly distort the initial characteristics of temperament can also be a long stay of a puppy in a large kennel, when the breeder simply does not have time to engage in early socialization of litters. As a result, kids are brought up exclusively according to the internal laws of the pack, but they do not know how to communicate with people at all, they are even afraid of them. It’s just that no one developed their communication skills, so such overgrown puppies seem stupid, cowardly and even aggressive.

Thus, answering the question about the main temperament-forming factors, we can draw up a kind of formula:

Dog temperament = 50% Heredity + 25% living conditions + 25% education

Correction of temperament in dogs

extremely excitable Spitz or absolutely indifferent Pekingese. Can this be fixed?

First of all, you don’t need to jump to conclusions. Let the baby first get used to the new house and get used to it and to you. And only after that his true temperament and nuances of character will be fully revealed. Well, then it all depends on what exactly you are going to correct. It is one thing to smooth out minor manifestations of increased excitability, aggressiveness or cowardice, and quite another to radically change the dominant type of temperament. Even the most experienced trainer will not cope with the last task. Nevertheless, we will give you some recommendations.

For choleric dogs, the unconditional authority of the owner, his balance and constancy of habits are extremely important. Stability and the suppression of all attempts at aggression are the main “medicines” for such pets. And no screams and cruelty. Just confidence and perseverance. Well, outdoor games and special sports will slightly “reduce” the energy bubbling in it.

Regular, long walks will help to stir up the phlegmatic person.

Dog Tumors: Signs, Types, Diagnosis & More

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Fear sets in when you feel a lump or bump on your dog that you haven’t felt before. Thoughts of your dog having a tumor take over. But keep in mind that growths and masses are common with dogs, and not all dog tumors are cancerous.

>We’ll help answer some of your questions about the signs, symptoms, and types of tumors in dogs, as well as what to expect when you see your veterinarian — a prompt vet appointment is important with any abnormal mass or growth you notice on your dog.

Table Of Contents

1. What Does A Tumor Look Like On A Dog?
2. What Are The Symptoms That It Might Be Cancer?
3. Types Of Dog Tumors
4. How Do Vets Diagnose Dog Tumors?
5. Cutting The Cost Of Cancer Treatment
6. Learn More About Dog Lumps And Bumps

What Does A Tumor Look Like On A Dog?

Tumors come in all shapes and sizes and can be benign or malignant (cancerous). These are the most common signs of tumors that you can detect on your dog. (Some dog tumors are internal, so you won’t be able to see or feel them.)

• A raised area on the skin or under the skin
• Can be round or have irregular borders
• Can be red or darkly-pigmented and also may bleed
• Size can range from pea-size to a much larger mass
• Can be soft or hard to the touch

Dog Cyst vs Tumor: How Do I Tell The Difference?

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs under the skin that are usually easy to move around, while tumors are typically more solid. A cyst also may drain a white, yellow, or green discharge. But it can be challenging to determine the difference. The only way to know for sure is by seeing your veterinarian.

What Are The Symptoms That It Might Be Cancer?

Several signs indicate that your dog may be dealing with cancer. It helps to be aware of cancer’s physical and behavioral signs, especially if the tumor is internal.

• Large growths
• Growths that are constantly growing and changing
• Abnormal swelling in the body
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Sores that won’t heal
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Strong odors
• Coughing or difficulty breathing

Learn more about these cancer signs in this video:

Types Of Dog Tumors

There are many different types of tumors in dogs that can occur in any area of the body, but here are some of the most common.

Mast Cell Tumor

Mast cell tumors are one of the most common malignant tumors in dogs. They most commonly grow on the skin but can also form in the internal organs. The most common locations are the limbs, chest, and lower abdomen. This type of cancer produces tumors that release the chemical histamine, which causes the tumor to be red and itchy.

These tumors originate in the mast cells and can range from low grade, where treatment is to surgically remove the tumor, to high grade, where the tumors have spread, and treatment goes beyond surgery to also include radiation and chemotherapy.

Lipoma

Lipomas are a very common benign fatty tumor that feels soft to the touch and can be moved around under the skin. This type of tumor usually isn’t a problem and is only removed if it’s bothersome to the dog. In rare cases, lipomas can be a malignant tumor called a liposarcoma.

Histiocytoma

Histiocytomas are benign tumors that mostly affect dogs under three years old. These “button tumors” are hairless, red, raised lumps that often resolve on their own within a few weeks. But some can grow quite large rapidly and become irritated, so your vet may recommend removal if this occurs.

Melanoma

Melanoma is as much of a risk to dogs as it is to humans, although there are both benign and malignant forms. These tumors in dogs occur most often on the lips, mouth, skin, eyes, or nail bed. This tumor appears as a dark spot but can sometimes be pink, and it can be either raised or flat. Malignant melanomas can spread quickly, requiring a combination of surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system and is often first noticed in swollen lymph nodes behind the knees, under the shoulders, and in the jaw. A swollen lymph node can feel like a fairly hard lump that moves easily under the skin. Chemotherapy is the most effective treatment for lymphoma in dogs.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a painful malignant bone cancer that most often affects dogs’ legs but can occur in the hips, pelvis, or jaw. Signs include limping, swelling, and general lethargy. It’s more common in larger breeds than in small dogs.

Treatment typically includes amputation followed by chemotherapy. Sometimes amputation can be avoided by bone grafting or metal rod placement once the dog tumor is removed. This can be costly and invasive but may be worth it when considering how your dog will deal with amputation.

Mammary Gland Carcinoma

Mammary gland carcinomas are tumors that grow in the mammary (breast) tissue. They occur most frequently in female dogs, especially those who aren’t spayed or weren’t spayed until after their second heat cycle. They can feel like firm, nodular lumps underneath the skin on the abdomen, often close to the nipples. Not all mammary gland carcinomas are malignant, but surgery is required to determine whether it’s cancerous or not.

Hemangiosarcoma

Hemangiosarcomas are most often cancerous tumors on a dog’s spleen, heart, or skin. This cancer grows in the cells that line blood vessels, so there’s a high risk of rupture, which causes internal bleeding. It’s often treated by removing the tumor and then prescribing a chemotherapy regimen to reduce the risk of the cancer spreading.

Papilloma

Papillomas are benign tumors caused by a virus known as papillomavirus. They look like warts and appear around the eyes, on the lips, and inside the mouth. It can take weeks or months for these warts to go away, and your dog may be contagious during this time. Treatment is often just trying to make your dog more comfortable but may also include removal.

How Do Vets Diagnose Dog Tumors?

Your vet will perform a physical examination to determine whether your dog’s growth is a cyst, some other type of skin growth, or a tumor. In the case of internal tumors, blood work and other diagnostic tests can often point toward an organ that needs closer examination.

However, vets can’t definitively diagnose a dog tumor without taking a sample to inspect under a microscope. Sampling involves either a fine needle aspiration or a biopsy, and in some cases, surgery is required to obtain a sample.

Cutting The Cost Of Cancer Treatment

If you’re worried about the cost of treatment, you may be thinking about how to treat dog tumors at home. Though there may be some holistic ways to try and treat noncancerous tumors on dogs, that’s not the best choice. You need to see your veterinarian to determine what kind of tumor your dog has so they can recommend the best treatment. The best way to defray the high cost of diagnostics and treatment is by having pet insurance.

Pet Insurance Claim & Story

Below is a real-life pet insurance claim from a Healthy Paws customer.

• Pet: Dixie Mae (7-year-old American Staffordshire)
• Diagnosis & Treatment: 23 growths removed, not all benign
• Total Vet Cost: $15,880
• Plan Options: 80% reimbursement with $500 deductible (some pre-existing conditions not covered)
• Reimbursement: $9,577

“A couple of months ago, I noticed a small bump on her backside to the right of her tailbone,” says pet parent Susan. When the growth began to get bigger, they decided to get it checked out. The vet decided to remove the growth, but before that happened, a few more growths became noticeable. “It ended up that three of the four growths were malignant and the other one was a benign growth.”

Sometimes, when you find a growth on your dog, it can be a simple procedure to remove it. However, that’s not always the case. You may find that you need to have tests, biopsies, and surgeries to deal with the situation.

Susan says, “Given Dixie Mae’s history of skin issues, I have come to realize it is better to be proactive than reactive.” Susan inspects Dixie May regularly to stay on top of growths that arise. Over the past two years, she has had 23 growths removed, some malignant and some benign. “Having Healthy Paws Pet Insurance has enabled me to truly be proactive and have Dixie treated by the best veterinarians,” says Susan.

Learn More About Dog Lumps And Bumps

We all want to make sure we keep our pups happy and healthy. So remember, if you see or feel something abnormal, it’s always best to get your veterinarian to check it out. Dogs can develop so many different types of lumps on or underneath their skin. Some are harmless, but others require prompt treatment. Being informed and prepared will help you get the best care for your precious pup.

Tagged With: Aging, Cancer

Tumors, Growths, and Cysts in Dogs

It’s common to find lumps and bumps on all types of dogs. Growths, tumors, cysts, and masses can appear on dogs at any age, but they are among the most common health issues seen in older dogs. As a dog owner, it’s helpful to understand the different types of growths you may encounter. Any persistent, unusual mass, or growth should prompt an immediate call to your veterinarian.

What Are Tumors, Growths, and Cysts?

Most veterinarians will call any unknown lump or bump a growth, mass, or tumor. In general, the terms can be used interchangeably, but most vets avoid the word tumor unless the mass has been determined to be a type of cancer.

The Spruce / Kelly Miller

Symptoms of Tumors, Growths, and Cysts in Dogs

Abnormal growths can occur anywhere on the body or in the mouth. Warning signs include:

Symptoms

• An abnormal skin lump or a bump ranging in size from very small to very large
• A swollen area (particularly within the body)
• An oral growth
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Lameness or swelling affecting a bone

Abnormal Lump or Bump

• Sebaceous cysts, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas are common types of skin cysts that contain sebum, a thick, oily material normally found in the skin around the hair follicles. These masses may be found anywhere on the body. Sebaceous cysts are benign but can also be mistaken for a malignant tumor called a sebaceous gland adenocarcinoma or a benign mass called a sebaceous gland adenoma.  If the cyst does not bother your dog, your vet might leave it alone, but a cyst can be surgically removed if necessary. Once removed, the cyst should be sent to a lab so a veterinary pathologist can determine that it is, indeed, just a sebaceous cyst or an adenoma or adenocarcinoma that may require more treatment.
• Histiocytomas are red bumps that can appear quickly on your dog’s skin and tend to go away on their own over the course of a few months. Although they are benign tumors, some can grow rapidly and really bother your dog. Your vet may recommend the removal of large or irritated histiocytomas. Unlike other common skin masses, histiocytomas are most frequently diagnosed in younger dogs.
• Skin tags on dogs are similar to those humans get. Some can get quite large and pendulous, hanging off the skin by a narrow stalk. Skin tags are benign and are usually not removed unless they bother the dog or get very large and irritated.
• Malignant melanoma can occur on the skin and/or in the mouth and is thought to be caused by sun exposure. Many of these tumors have a black color but not all will look the same.
• Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of tumor that may be caused by sun exposure. This type of cancer can occur on the skin and/or in the mouth. These tumors can have a pink or reddish color and misshapen, “raw” appearance.
• Mast cell tumors may occur as skin bumps or internal tumors. These masses may release histamine when disturbed, which can have a negative effect on your dog’s body. If your vet suspects a mast cell tumor, your dog may be treated first with diphenhydramine to minimize the histamine release. Once the mass is removed, a pathologist will grade the tumor as I, II, or II. This grading indicates how malignant the tumor is and how likely it is to metastasize (spread to other parts of your dog’s body).

Swollen Area in the Body

• Internal masses develop within the chest or abdomen, especially in some senior dogs. Internal masses may be found due to the symptoms they create (difficulty breathing or vomiting, for example) or during a routine physical examination. Internal masses may be benign or malignant and are usually definitively diagnosed through a combination of radiographs, ultrasound, lab work, and biopsy. Treatment depends on the location and type of tumor.
• Mammary tumors are more common in female dogs, particularly in those that are not spayed but can sometimes occur in spayed females as well. Though some mammary masses may be benign, many are cancerous. Prognosis improves when the masses are diagnosed and surgically removed when they are small.
• Lipomas are common types of tumors seen in dogs. A lipoma is a benign fatty mass that can be found anywhere on a dog’s body, typically under the skin. They usually feel soft and moveable and rarely cause pain or discomfort for the dog. Lipomas can be surgically removed if they interfere with your dog’s mobility or comfort, grow rapidly, or rupture (causing skin damage). In rare cases, an apparent lipoma is actually a malignant tumor called liposarcoma. Diagnostic testing can differentiate the two.

What Is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a fatty tumor just below the skin. It is a benign (non-cancerous) lump made up from fatty tissue.

An Oral Growth

There are many kinds of growths that can develop in your dog’s mouth. Some growths cannot be easily seen but will cause signs like bad breath, trouble chewing, difficulty holding things in the mouth, oral pain, and pawing at the face or mouth. Of course, these signs could also indicate dental disease and should not be ignored.

• Papillomas are warts caused by the papillomavirus. They can appear on the dog’s lips, face, and inside the mouth. Papillomas are benign but very contagious. They can be removed if they cause problems for your dog, but in many cases, they will resolve on their own.
• An epulis is an oral growth that usually forms on the gum tissue around a tooth. Many epulides are benign, but some can be malignant, so further diagnostics are necessary.
• Gingival hyperplasia is a benign overgrowth of gum tissue that may look a little bit like a tumor in some dogs. This excess gum tissue can be removed if it’s affecting the teeth or is bothersome to the dog. The removed tissue may be sent to a veterinary pathologist just to make sure there are no cancer cells present.
• Oral melanoma can occur in the mouth and may be black in color.
• Squamous cell carcinoma and fibrosarcoma are other common types of cancer that can develop within the mouth of dogs.

Some oral tumors can affect the teeth and bone in the mouth and face. If your dog has an oral mass, your vet will likely recommend putting your dog under anesthesia so a thorough examination and radiographs can be done.

Enlarged Lymph Nodes

Lymphoma is not actually a tumor; it is a cancer of certain cells within the immune system. However, the first sign of canine lymphoma is often an enlargement of the lymph nodes, which can look and feel like tumors.

Pet owners most often notice lumps in the neck area, but they may also be found in the axillary area (armpits), the inguinal area (lower abdomen near thighs), and the back of the knees. Lymphoma is often diagnosed with a fine needle aspiration or biopsy. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for lymphoma.

What to Do if Your Dog Has Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lameness or Swelling Affecting a Bone

If you notice that your dog is walking with a gait, favoring a leg, or is behaving otherwise lame, it could be a swollen growth affecting a bone that you can’t feel. Regardless of whether it’s a tumor, growth, or cyst, the area is likely tender and your dog is in pain, which requires a visit to the vet for diagnosis.

Causes of Tumors, Growths, and Cysts

As with humans, it’s tough to pinpoint the direct cause of a tumor, growth, or cyst in an animal. However, the environment or an illness is thought to possibly cause skin problems in dogs. Genetics can also play a major role in the development of other types of tumors, growths, and cysts.

Diagnosing Tumors, Growth, and Cysts in Dogs

When a lump has been discovered, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination. If the lump is very new and potentially temporary (like the result of a bug bite or an injection), the veterinarian may recommend a period of observation, but in most cases, they will perform additional diagnostics to determine the type of cells that comprise the mass. This usually means collecting a sample of the material from the mass and analyzing it under a microscope.

A veterinarian typically collects these samples via fine needle aspirate or biopsy. Evaluation of the samples (often performed by a pathologist) can indicate whether the mass is cancerous, and if so, what type of cancer is present.

If your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with cancer, additional diagnostics will most likely be recommended, including:

• Lab tests such as blood chemistry, complete blood count, and urinalysis
• Radiographs (X-rays) that can reveal signs of metastasis or other problems
• Ultrasound, which can offer a better view of internal organs and look for metastasis
• CT scan or MRI, which will help vets get a closer look at the structure of your dog’s tumor and some internal organs.

Some advanced diagnostics and treatments must be performed by a veterinary specialist.

Treatment

If a fine needle aspirate is not effective (or if your vet thinks it’s not the best option) the next recommendation is usually a biopsy. A biopsy is often performed with the dog under general anesthesia or sedation, but local anesthesia may be used instead depending on the size and location of the mass.

The biopsy may be performed by using a special large needle. Or, the vet may cut into the mass surgically. In some cases, the entire mass is removed surgically and sent to a laboratory for identification.

Prognosis for Dogs with Tumors, Growths, and Cysts

If you and your veterinarian can be proactive with the treatment of your dog’s tumor, growth, or cyst, the prognosis is often good. The smaller the tumor, growth, or cyst, the easier it will be to aspirate or remove, and often results in no additional treatments.

How to Prevent Tumors, Growths, and Cysts

Many lumps, bumps, and growths cannot be prevented, but some can. For example, spaying your dog before her first heat cycle virtually eliminates the chances that she will develop mammary tumors.

In all cases, maintain a healthy diet and an active lifestyle for your dog and see your veterinarian at least annually for preventative care. Adhere to a regular grooming schedule and take note of any lumps or bumps that are new. A photo and a written record can help track growth and if you see rapid change, speak to a vet right away.

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet’s health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.

Lumps, Bumps, and Cysts on Dogs

The overall health of a dog is often reflected in their skin. Dogs can get lumps, bumps, and cysts from normal aging, or they can be signs of a problem.

There are two major types of lumps and bumps on dogs: malignant (cancerous) and benign (not cancerous). However, you can’t tell the type or severity of a growth just by looking at it. A veterinarian can take a sample of cells to give you a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.  

Types of Lumps and Bumps on Dogs

Here are several common skin growths found in dogs, along with info on what they look like and what to watch for:

Benign Tumors

Tumors that are benign are not invasive or likely to spread to other body areas.

Histiocytoma

A histiocytoma is a benign skin growth that usually occurs in dogs less than 2 years of age. They are found on the front half of a dog’s body, usually on the head or legs. Rarely, they can be seen in older dogs or on other areas of the body.

Histiocytomas are pink and fleshy but may get bigger and seem more irritated before improving. These tumors usually regress spontaneously over time without treatment and arise from the skin’s immune cells. They can be diagnosed through microscopic examination of a sample of cells from the growth.

Lipoma

A lipoma may show up anywhere on a dog’s body but is common on the trunk and legs. Lipomas come from fat cells under the skin or are found in muscle tissue. They usually develop in older, overweight dogs. They may become quite large or appear in multiple locations.

A vet can diagnose a lipoma by taking a small sample of cells from the growth to look for fat droplets. No treatment is needed, but these should be monitored for rapid changes. They will gradually enlarge with time, and may bother your dog if they’re located in an area that interferes with motion. When lipomas start to bother your pet, you can consider surgical removal.

Papilloma

A papilloma in young dogs is a contagious, wart-like growth that usually occurs in and around the mouth. In older dogs, they might be seen around the eyes or on other areas of the body. Papillomas are caused by a virus that can be spread through direct contact with an infected dog or contaminated items, such as toys or feeding bowls.

They appear small, fleshy, and round with a cauliflower-like texture to the surface. Many will dry up and fall off within a few months as the dog’s immune system matures. Severe cases may make eating or swallowing difficult and require treatment by surgical removal. Medications and other treatment methods are also available, including crushing of the warts to stimulate the immune system.

Another type of papilloma is a skin wart that is more common in older dogs. These are usually solitary and not caused by a virus. These bumps may have a hardened surface that looks like a cauliflower. An inverted papilloma may also be seen in young adult dogs, especially on the lower abdomen. If the growth bothers the pet, surgical removal is an option.

Skin Tag

A skin tag grows in places where a dog’s skin rubs together. They are overgrowths of the connective tissue in the skin. They are the same color as the skin but extend out from the surface on thin stalks.

Skin tags are common in older dogs and certain breeds. No treatment is needed, but these can be surgically removed if they are bothersome.

Sebaceous Gland Tumor

A sebaceous gland tumor is commonly found in older dogs. They are typically smaller than a pea and may develop in any location. Some will bleed or secrete a material that forms a crust. Large breeds often form these on their head, specifically their eyelids, and they may be black in color. Treatment is not necessary, but surgical removal may be considered when the growth is bothersome.

Meibomian

A meibomian gland tumor is a slow-growing benign lump that forms in the meibomian gland at the edge of the eyelid. The tumor can stick out or grow into the eyelid. They may become inflamed, irritated, painful, or ulcerated. They may also cause inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva.

Large tumors may cause problems when your dog blinks, because they cause extra tearing and tear staining. They are diagnosed by their appearance and location, and they can be removed with surgery, or the tissue can be frozen for removal. They rarely grow back after removal, but  regrowth is possible.

Epulis

An epulis is a common benign growth found in the mouth of dogs. They may form when a tooth rubs against the gums, as with an underbite in brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds.

These smooth, fleshy, pink bumps grow on the gum tissue near the outer surface of an incisor, canine, or premolar tooth. They can appear to grow on a stalk of tissue, like a mushroom, or as an unmoving mass, and they may have a bony interior. Certain types can invade surrounding bony tissue.

Diagnosis of an epulis is made by recognizing it from appearance and confirming with a biopsy. An x-ray of your dog’s head will show if it has invaded surrounding tissues. These growths should be removed surgically, along with the adjacent tooth and any bony tissue that may be affected. They do not usually regrow if the entire tumor is removed. Radiation therapy may help cases where the growth is inoperable.

Follicular Cysts

Follicular cysts are large, benign bumps on the skin that grow up from the hair follicle. They may release a thick material that is white, yellow, or brown when you push on them. As they get bigger, they can become itchy or painful.

These types of cysts are diagnosed on physical examination and may be confirmed with microscopic examination of a small sample of cells aspirated with a needle. Follicular cysts may become infected and require antibiotic treatment. If they are growing or become painful, they may be surgically removed and should not regrow.

Perianal Adenomas

Perianal adenomas are benign growths common in older, unneutered male dogs. They grow from oil glands near the anus but can also occur in similar glands along the abdomen, on the back, and near the tail.

These commonly show up as multiple small lumps. Larger tumors may develop bleeding ulcerations and can compress the anal canal, making it difficult for your dog to poop.

Almost all male dogs are cured by castration alone, but large or ulcerated tumors may also be surgically removed. Females improve with surgical removal, but the growths often recur. Laser surgery or freezing the growth may be necessary to avoid fecal incontinence when surgery involves the anal sphincter.

Hemangiomas

Hemangiomas are benign tumors that occur in adult dogs and closely resemble blood vessels. You usually see them on a dog’s legs and trunk. They may be single growths or multiple, compressible, reddish-black circular lumps that can resemble a blood blister. Some may become large and even ulcerate. The recommended treatment is surgical removal.

Nevus

A nevus is a dark raised or flat benign growth on the skin, commonly called a mole. These are found on areas prone to trauma, such as the legs, head, and neck, usually in older dogs. Treatment is surgical removal.

Trichoepitheliomas

Trichoepitheliomas are small, benign lumps that pop up from the hair follicles of adult dogs. They are cyst-like and filled with condensed, yellow, cheesy, granular material. They can occur anywhere on the body, but especially on the face and trunk. Treatment is surgical removal, but they are likely to continue to form at other locations, even after surgery.

Cornifying epitheliomas

Cornifying epitheliomas are benign growths that stick up from the skin surface and look like horns. They arise from hair follicles and may form anywhere on a dog’s body, but they are more common on the back, tail, and legs of adult dogs. No treatment is necessary unless there is evidence of self-trauma, ulceration, or secondary infection. Surgical removal is the ideal treatment.

Basal Cell Tumors

Basal cell tumors are benign growths that develop on the head, ears, neck, and forelimbs of older dogs. They are raised swellings that are typically firm, solitary, dome-shaped, and small. Some may be hairless, ulcerated, and stick out like stalks from the surface of the skin. They are dark in color and may form cysts that break open and drain fluid or pus. Treatment is surgical removal, especially when the dog is uncomfortable.

Malignant Tumors

Malignant tumors are cancerous growths that can invade tissue and spread to organs.

Angiosarcomas

Angiosarcomas are highly malignant blood vessel tumors that may vary in appearance. One or more red lumps in the skin or underlying soft tissue are commonly seen, but they may also appear as a poorly defined bruise.

All types grow rapidly and destroy surrounding tissue. They also spread to the lungs and liver. Angiosarcomas may occur in response to sun exposure in dog breeds with short, white coats, but dogs with dark, thick coats can develop them as well.

They usually form on the underside of the trunk, hip, thigh, and lower legs. A biopsy is required for a diagnosis. Freezing and laser surgery can help control smaller surface tumors. Surgical removal is needed for tumors below the skin’s surface. Chemotherapy may also be recommended to treat any remaining tumor cells.

Basal Cell Carcinomas

Basal cell carcinomas are flattened or raised growths that appear anywhere on the body of an older dog. They may spread to surrounding skin, forming new ulcerations, but they rarely spread to other organs. Surgical removal is recommended, including enough skin around the tumor to ensure that no tumor cells remain.

Liposarcomas

Liposarcomas are rare but may develop in older male dogs on the chest and legs. They can be soft or firm lumps that are slow to spread to other locations. Treatment is surgical removal, but recurrence is common. If this happens, radiation treatment may also be required.

Lymphosarcoma

Lymphosarcoma rarely develops directly on a dog’s skin but may be seen as a surface tumor or along with internal tumors. It can look like flaky skin, red patches, raised and ulcerated areas, or lumps deep within the skin.

There are two forms of skin lymphosarcoma that differ in their expected progression and response to treatment, so it is important to determine which type your dog has early on. Treatments include surgical removal, chemotherapy, and radiation, done separately or combined. These treatments may improve the signs of the disease but do not lengthen the dog’s life expectancy.

Mast Cell Tumors

Mast cell tumors are the most common malignant tumor seen in dogs. They often affect older dogs but can occur in dogs of any age.

They develop solitary growths anywhere on the body, especially the limbs, lower abdomen, and chest. Larger or rapidly growing tumors and those in certain locations are more likely to spread. Their appearance can greatly vary, but most are raised and either soft or firm to the touch.

Your vet will need to examine a sample of cells from the growth under a microscope to confirm a diagnosis. There is variation on how aggressive these tumors are. Surgical removal is necessary. If the tumor regrows or spreads, other treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, may be used.

Malignant Melanomas

Malignant melanomas are another type of skin tumor of older dogs. They commonly develop on the lips, mouth, and nail beds of male dogs. They appear as raised, ulcerated lumps and may be dark, light gray, or pink. If they appear in the nail bed, the toe is often swollen.

These tumors grow quickly and may spread quickly to other organs. Complete surgical removal is the preferred treatment, but it may be difficult and involves removal of adjacent tissue to prevent recurrence. Chemotherapy and radiation are not effective treatment options. A vaccine is available that helps shrink the size of the tumor, which may prolong your dog’s life expectancy.

Fibrosarcomas

Fibrosarcomas are common, fast-growing malignant tumors in dogs. Most are on the trunk and legs and vary in appearance and size. Those under the skin’s surface appear lumpy, while those deep under the skin may be firm and fleshy.

They can invade underlying muscles, but most do not spread to other areas of the body. Treatment consists of surgical removal, though complete removal may not be possible, and regrowth is common. Fibrosarcomas may also be treated with radiation and chemotherapy.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinomas can be found in two places on a dog: on the surface of the skin or under a nail. Most appear as firm, raised, irregular, and ulcerated areas. Many are solitary, but areas of prolonged sun exposure may produce multiple tumors. These growths invade surrounding tissues. Some are slow to spread, while others grow more rapidly. Treatment involves complete surgical removal of the tumor along with some normal tissue.

What to Do If You Find a Lump or Bump on Your Dog

When you find a growth on your dog, have your vet do a physical exam. It’s helpful to note the location of the lesion, how long it’s been there, any changes that have occurred since you first noticed it, and whether your dog seems bothered by the growth.

How Vets Diagnose Lumps, Bumps, and Cysts on Dogs

A sample of cells may need to be taken and evaluated under a microscope for a diagnosis. This can come from taking an impression of the surface of the growth, using a syringe and small needle to withdraw a small sample of cells in the exam room (fine needle aspiration), or surgically removing a small tissue sample (biopsy) while your dog is under local or general anesthesia.

Most veterinarians evaluate impression smears or fine needle aspirates by staining the slide and examining it under a microscope in the veterinary office. Trained veterinary pathologists are available to analyze these same samples or small tissue samples to determine a diagnosis. Then your vet can determine the appropriate treatment recommendations and explain the expected outcome.

Treatment for Dog Lumps, Bumps, and Cysts on Dogs

Options for treatment of a growth on a dog may include:

• Monitoring for changes

• Removal by freezing or laser treatments

• Surgical removal of the lump with or without also removing some normal tissue

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation

How to Monitor Your Dog’s Lumps and Bumps

Keep a log where you write down when you first noticed the lumps and/or bumps, how many there are and where they are located, the size, color, and texture, whether it’s moveable or seems to be fixed to underlying tissue, and whether there is any discharge present. Take pictures and note any changes from day to day in any of these factors.

Make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible and bring your log and photos along with any questions you may have.

FAQs

What does a sebaceous cyst on a dog look like?

A sebaceous cyst is a smooth, raised swelling that contains sebum from the oil glands associated with hair follicles. They can become infected and inflamed and may rupture, secreting a thin, yellowish discharge.

What can you do for a dog with a sebaceous cyst?

A sebaceous cyst should be observed for changes in size or material within the cyst. The cyst may break open from being scratched and release a fluid-like material. This should be gently cleaned with warm water and then allowed to dry. Any sign of infection or sensitivity in the area should be evaluated by a veterinarian for treatment recommendations and possibly surgical removal.

How do I get rid of bumps on my dog?

The safest way to remove bumps from a dog’s skin is to have a veterinarian diagnose the type of bump. Then they will determine an appropriate plan for surgical removal using local or general anesthesia.

Can a bug bite cause a bump on a dog?

Yes, a bug bite may cause a temporary swelling on a dog. These may be itchy as well. Growths are usually more defined and rarely regress but remain the same or grow larger over time.

Is a belly lump normal after a dog spay?

No. A belly lump may indicate a reaction to a buried suture, or rarely, a hernia of the abdominal wall. Contact your vet if your dog has a lump in their belly after being spayed.

Should I have my dog’s lump removed?

This would depend on the type of lump that it is. Many benign growths do not need to be removed. However, if the growth changes in appearance, bothers the dog, or interferes with movement, then a veterinary exam is needed to determine the appropriate treatment. For malignant growths, your vet can determine the appropriate treatment.

Featured Image: iStock.com/Elayne Massaini

Treatment of breast tumors in domestic animals

What is a tumor?

An overgrowth of abnormal tissue that looks like normal tissue in the body. Tumors or neoplasias or neoplasms can grow from any tissue.

How often do you encounter breast tumors in animals?

20% of all animals who applied to the clinic are animals with neoplasms, most often with tumors of the mammary gland (MT), less often – tumors of the spleen, liver, skin, bones.

Which animals are more likely to have AMF, at what age?

More common in cats over 4-5 years of age, in non-neutered cats, and in those whose owners used hormonal drugs to suppress estrus. In dogs – females older than 5 years, not sterilized, but most often their tumors are not associated with the use of sex hormones, they are given to dogs extremely rarely.

Are there stages in breast tumors?

Of course, there are, like any other tumors. The stage that the doctor will put at the appointment will depend on the size of the tumors, the involvement of regional lymph nodes in the process, and the presence of distant metastases.

What examinations should be performed on the animal before the operation?

It is obligatory to take general and biochemical blood tests, ultrasound of the heart, ultrasound of the abdominal organs and chest X-ray before the operation. It is also necessary to do a histological examination of the tumor after the operation. Blood tests are needed to know how the body works in general, whether there is kidney failure. An ultrasound of the heart of a dog or cat is necessary to detect hidden congenital or acquired pathologies. Ultrasound of the abdominal organs – to detect tumors or metastases in the internal organs. X-ray for animals in the chest area – to exclude metastases to the lungs. If there are distant metastases on these studies, the operation is not advisable. If there are no metastases, everything is fine according to analyzes and other studies, then it is necessary to tune in to surgery with subsequent examination of the tumor.

Is surgery always necessary?

Yes, always. The operation is performed so that the tumor does not increase and does not grow. Because the tumor tends to mature and open like an abscess. Even if the owners do not agree to the operation due to the fact that the tumor is small and has been in one place for more than one year, it still needs to be removed. Such a seemingly harmless tumor can metastasize to the lungs, and changes will be noticeable only in the last stages. A cough will appear, or the animal will refuse to eat, and only on an ultrasound or x-ray can one detect the presence of metastases.

When is chemotherapy administered to a dog or cat?

Chemotherapy is carried out only after the results of histological examination. It is advisable to do this always if the tumor turned out to be malignant. Even after a successful operation, tumors can grow in the same place. Chemotherapy will not give a full recovery, but with the help of these drugs we will be able to stop the process of further appearance of malignant cells.

Does spaying of cats and dogs affect the development of AMF?

Cats and dogs spayed before their first estrus have a 70% reduced risk of developing mammary tumors compared to non-spayed cats. If a cat or dog was neutered after the first estrus, the risk is reduced by 30%, if after the second, the risk remains the same for neutered and non-neutered.

What to do if a breast tumor has opened?

It is necessary to come to the clinic so that the doctor can assess the nature and localization of the wound, its extent. It is also necessary to assess the condition of the animal in order to decide with the owner whether it is possible to operate the animal in this condition. If not, then the doctor will prescribe antibiotic ointments or antibiotics for systemic use.

What is inoperable AMF?

The tumor is large and there is not enough healthy tissue to close the wound after surgery. An extensive tumor that has grown into muscle tissue, bone tissue, and if there is damage to internal organs.

What determines the operation area?

From the location of the primary tumor. In cats, regardless of location, all milk bags on one side are removed. In dogs, the location of the tumor plays a role. sometimes it is possible to remove half. The area of ​​the operation can be assessed by the doctor at the reception. If the cat does not have neoplasm nodules on the second side of the mammary gland, in order to improve the quality of life and health of the patient, it is still recommended to remove the second side of the mammary gland packets one month after the first operation. In dogs, most often half of the packages with neoplasms are removed.

What is a mastectomy? What is it like?

Mastectomy – removal of the breast. When performing a local mastectomy, the tumor itself is removed directly. This is done only if the animal is old, mainly such operations are performed to improve the quality of life of the animal, and to be able to take material for histological examination.

Regional mastectomy is only possible in dogs. Remove 3 milk packs out of 5 on one side. Unilateral mastectomy removes one side of the breast, bilateral mastectomy removes both sides

Is it necessary to sterilize the animal together with the removal of AMF?

Optional. Except for the presence of a cyst or neoplasm of the ovary and with inflammatory processes in the uterus.

Do males have AMF?

Very rare. The treatment is the same as for self – removal of tumors with subsequent research.

What is the prognosis after AMF removal?

The prognosis will depend on the type of tumor. If the tumor is benign, the prognosis is good. If malignant, the prognosis is doubtful or unfavorable. In the presence of a malignant tumor, we can prolong the life of an animal for a short period of time – from 3 months to 2-3 years. However, we have cases where animals lived 6-7 years after the operation. For an animal, this is almost half of life.

For example, a cat is 16 years old. Is it possible to have surgery at this age?

Possible. In our clinic, several dozen operations were performed on cats over 15 years old, 6 operations on cats aged 20-23 years. All operations ended favorably, we extended the life of the animal by an average of 2 years.

What postoperative complications can develop?

During the removal of the mammary gland, a large amount of tissue is removed, and such wounds heal longer than from castration or spaying of dogs and cats. Most often, the owners do not fully understand the type of operation. The occurrence of extensive hematomas (which is the norm) is perceived as a critical situation. Also, postoperative seroma – the accumulation of fluid in the groin area is also the norm.

What tests should an animal undergo after AMF removal?

Obligatory every 3-6 months to do ultrasound of the abdominal organs, chest X-ray for early detection of metastases. In the presence of metastases, we will not be able to help the animal, however, the owners will be mentally prepared for an unfavorable outcome.

Is a histological examination always necessary?

This study will help us to identify whether the tumor is benign or malignant. If it is malignant, then we need to know what type of tumor it is so that we can select drugs for chemotherapy.

The owners took a biopsy to remove the tumor. The tumor turned out to be benign. Should it be removed or can it be left on?

It is better to remove such a tumor, because benign tumors can also continue to grow, or become malignant after some time. This moment of transition cannot be tracked by any analysis other than a biopsy.

What is palliative surgery?

These are operations that are aimed at improving the quality of life of the animal, but do not have any therapeutic effect. For example, we can remove an open tumor from an old animal with metastases. This tumor will not cure the animal, but it will make life much easier for both the animal and the owners.

Veterinary surgeon Alexander Stanislavovich Vasilkin

Castration of dogs (male) in Minsk in the AibiVET veterinary clinic.

Canine brain tumor: treatment and care

Published in
Private Oncology

Author
Mikhail Shelyakov

May 14 2018

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Brain tumors occupy only a small percentage of the total number of neoplasms.

But at the same time, they are distinguished by the extreme severity of the symptoms and the direct threat to life.
There is a big diagnostic problem. Clinical signs that allow suspecting a tumor process are mainly due to the symptoms of increasing intracranial pressure.
In the initial stages, these may be short-term epileptiform seizures, then they become more frequent and more severe.
With further growth of the tumor, there is a change in consciousness, prolonged erratic movements, convulsive tension.
Alarms – blurred vision, falls, loss of consciousness, chaotic eye movement.
The leading diagnostic method for suspected brain tumors in cats and dogs is MRI, but doctors observing the patient do not always understand the severity of the animal’s condition, delaying the study. It can be difficult for an inexperienced doctor to suspect a dog’s tumor in the head, even with obvious symptoms. Therefore, animals usually come to us in poor condition, having undergone more than one course of ineffective treatment. As a result, we often have to go for broke, limiting ourselves to a diagnostic minimum that allows us to establish a brain tumor and its exact localization. And try to remove it surgically if technically possible. And here comes the second big problem.

The second big problem. Technical difficulties of the operation. In order to remove a diagnosed brain tumor, we perform a craniotomy to access the brain. The size of the trepanation window depends on the volume and location of the neoplasm. Through the window, the tumor is removed (if possible) and intracranial decompression is provided.
In the vast majority of cases, meningiomas are found. These are benign tumors located outside the brain. They can be removed completely. The difficulty lies in the fact that it can be difficult to visually determine the boundaries of the neoplasm in situations of restricted access.
Intraoperative ultrasound can be performed to assess the morphological state of the brain. Moreover, if the operation is successful, the trepanation window does not close immediately. For some time, the state of tissues is monitored through it. As a rule, if re-growth is not detected within three months and the patient’s condition is satisfactory, then an additional operation is performed to close the skull defect. Usually the trepanation window is closed by its own bone lid. She, before the second operation, is sewn under the skin next to the surgical wound. The method of preserving one’s own bone fragments in this way is called “biopreservation”.

Trepan window. Wide access. The tumor was diagnosed by MRI with contrast. Operation stage.

There are situations when a tumor on the head is visible from the outside, as a dense bone painless formation. It does not necessarily mean that it is a brain tumor. Most often, these are third-party tumors that grow in all directions, while deforming the bones of the skull. The latter “pressing” into the cranium, in turn, create compression of the brain with all the symptoms similar to those of a true brain tumor.
Such situations also require surgery – removal of the tumor and decompression of the brain.

There are cases when not a tumor, but a cyst forms in the brain. It’s like a vial of liquid. And this cyst occupies the volume and puts pressure on the brain, akin to a neoplasm and can cause all the same symptoms that make it possible to suspect a brain tumor.
But a cyst is removed much easier than a tumor. It is only necessary to carefully determine its coordinates and find out how accessible it is for a surgical operation. If everything is done and everything is available, then a small trepanation window is formed in the bones of the skull and the cyst is removed through it. The window can be of any shape. The choice of configuration depends on the tasks. But its dimensions are usually insignificant, which allows not to close the bone defect after the operation, as is done after a wide trepanation.

Our personal statistics: satisfactory outcome after removal of brain tumors in about 10% of cases (good quality of life, survival over a year). The third part dies during the operation or immediately after it. In another third of the operated animals, the lost neurological deficit is not restored. Or, in other words, the operation does not bring results. Everything remains as it was.
The statistics could be improved many times over. But, as mentioned above, almost all animals come to us deeply healed and in poor condition.

We wish you to avoid terrible diseases. But if a misfortune has already happened, we will apply all our experience and strength.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine M. Shelyakov

Mikhail Shelyakov

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Wen in dogs: causes of lipoma in dogs, treatment, photos

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Bumps, cysts and growths in dogs

This article will tell you:

How to identify a dangerous seal on the body of an animal;

In what case should you urgently go to the veterinarian;

What are the causes of bumps and growths in the mouth or on the body of a pet;

Is it possible to prevent the formation of cysts or something more serious in your dog.

And now more. ..

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Dogs often have growths, cysts and bumps. They can appear in dogs at any age, but they are one of the most common health problems seen in older dogs.

As a dog owner, it’s good to know what growths you may encounter. Any persistent, unusual bump, cyst, or growth requires a visit to the veterinarian.

01. What are bumps, cysts and growths in dogs?

Most veterinarians will refer to any unknown lump or tumor as a growth, cyst, or mass. In general, these terms can be used interchangeably, but most veterinarians avoid the word “tumor” unless the tumor is defined as a type of cancer.

02. Symptoms of Tumors, Neoplasms and Cysts in Dogs

Abnormal growths can occur anywhere on the body or in the mouth.

Warning signs include:

• Abnormal or very small to very large lump
• Discolored, itchy or irritated skin over the lump
• Swollen area (especially inside the body)
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Lameness or tumor affecting bone

03.

Sebaceous cysts, adenomas and adenocarcinomas

Sebaceous cysts are common types of skin cysts that contain sebum, a thick oily material commonly found in the skin around hair follicles.

These growths can be anywhere on the body. Sebaceous cysts are benign, but they can also be mistaken for a malignant tumor called sebaceous adenocarcinoma or a benign growth called sebaceous adenoma.

If your dog is not bothered by the cyst, the veterinarian may leave it alone, but the cyst can be surgically removed if necessary.

Once removed, the cyst must be sent to a laboratory so that a veterinary pathologist can determine that it is indeed just a sebaceous cyst, adenoma, or adenocarcinoma, which may require additional treatment.

04. Moles on the skin

Moles on the skin of dogs are similar to those on humans. Some can become quite large and saggy, dangling from the skin on a narrow stalk.

Moles on the skin are benign and are not usually removed unless they bother the dog or become very large and irritated.

05. Histiocytomas

Histiocytomas are red bumps that can appear quickly on your dog’s skin and usually go away on their own within a few months. Although these are benign tumors, some of them can grow quickly and really bother your dog.

Your veterinarian may recommend removal of large or irritated histiocytes. Unlike other common skin lesions, histiocytomas are most commonly diagnosed in young dogs.

06. Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of tumor that can be caused by sun exposure. This type of cancer can occur on the skin and/or in the mouth. These tumors may be pink or reddish in color and have a misshapen, “raw” appearance.

07. Malignant melanoma

Malignant melanoma can occur on the skin and/or in the mouth and is thought to be caused by sun exposure. Many of these tumors are black, but not all of them will look the same.

08. Mouth Growth in Dogs

Your dog’s mouth may develop a variety of growths. Some growths are difficult to see but cause symptoms such as bad breath, chewing problems, difficulty holding objects in the mouth, pain in the mouth, and scratching on the face or mouth. Of course, these signs can also indicate dental disease and should not be ignored.

Papillomas are warts caused by the papilloma virus. They can appear on the lips, face, and mouth of the dog. Papillomas are benign but highly contagious. They can be removed if they are causing problems for your dog, but in many cases they resolve on their own.

Epulis is an oral growth that usually forms on the gum tissue around the tooth. Many epulides are benign, but some may be malignant, so further diagnosis is needed.

Gingival hyperplasia is a benign growth of gum tissue that may look a bit like a tumor in some dogs. This extra gum tissue can be removed if it affects the teeth or bothers the dog. The removed tissue may be sent to a veterinary pathologist to ensure there are no cancer cells.

Oral melanoma may occur in the mouth and may be black.

Squamous cell carcinoma and fibrosarcoma are other common types of cancer that can develop in the oral cavity of dogs.

Some oral tumors can affect the teeth and bones in the mouth and face. If your dog has a mouth mass, your veterinarian will likely recommend placing it under anesthesia so that a thorough examination and x-rays can be taken.

09. Lipomas in dogs

Lipomas are a common type of tumor in dogs. A lipoma is a benign fatty mass that can be found anywhere on a dog’s body, usually under the skin. They are usually soft and movable and rarely cause pain or discomfort to the dog.

Lipomas can be surgically removed if they interfere with your dog’s mobility or comfort, grow rapidly, or rupture (causing skin damage). In rare cases, an apparent lipoma is actually a malignant tumor called a liposarcoma. Diagnostic testing can tell them apart.

10. Fat cell tumors in dogs

Fat cell tumors can occur as skin bumps or internal tumors. These growths can release histamine if disturbed, which can have a negative effect on your dog’s body.

If your veterinarian suspects a fat cell tumor, your dog may first be treated with diphenhydramine to minimize histamine release.

After removal of the mass, the pathologist grades the tumor as I, II, or II. This score tells you how cancerous the tumor is and how likely it is to metastasize (spread to other parts of your dog’s body).

11. Mammary tumors in dogs

Breast tumors are more common in bitches, especially those that are not neutered, but can occasionally occur in neutered bitches.

Although some breast masses may be benign, many are malignant. The prognosis improves when the growths are diagnosed and surgically removed when they are small.

Breast cancer in dogs

12. Internal tumors

Some dogs develop internal masses in the chest or abdomen, especially older dogs. Internal growths may be discovered because of the symptoms they cause (such as difficulty breathing or vomiting) or during a routine physical examination.

Internal masses can be benign or malignant and are usually definitively diagnosed by a combination of radiographs, ultrasound, laboratory tests, and biopsy. Treatment depends on the location and type of tumor.

Lymphoma is not actually a tumor; it is a cancer of certain cells of the immune system. However, the first sign of lymphoma is often swollen lymph nodes, which may look and feel like tumors. 4

Pet owners most commonly notice lumps in the neck, but they can also be found in the armpits (armpits), groin (lower abdomen near the thighs) and the back of the knees. Lymphoma is often diagnosed by fine needle aspiration or biopsy. Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for lymphoma.

14. Causes of tumors, neoplasms and cysts

• Sebaceous cysts, adenomas and adenocarcinomas
• Moles on the skin
• Histiocytomas
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Malignant melanoma
• Canine oral growth
• Lipomas
• Mast cell tumors
• Breast tumors
• Abdominal weights
• Canine lymphoma
• . .. and more, including cysts (not sebaceous glands), hematomas, infections, inflammatory reactions, and tumors resulting from trauma.

15. Diagnostic process

When a tumor is found, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination. If the tumor is very new and potentially temporary (for example, the result of an insect bite or injection), a veterinarian may recommend an observation period, but in most cases, they will perform additional diagnostics to determine the type of cells that make up the mass.

This usually means taking a sample of material from the mass and analyzing it under a microscope.

The veterinarian will usually collect these samples by fine needle aspiration or biopsy. Evaluation of the specimens (often performed by a pathologist) can indicate whether the growth is malignant and, if so, what type of cancer is present.

If your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with cancer, additional diagnostics will likely be recommended, including:

• Laboratory tests such as a blood chemistry test, complete blood count, and urinalysis.
• Radiographs (x-rays), which may show signs of metastases or other problems.
• Ultrasound, which allows you to better view the internal organs and identify metastases.
• CT scan or MRI to help veterinarians better understand the structure of your dog’s tumor and some internal organs.

Some advanced diagnostics and treatments must be performed by a veterinarian.

16. When your dog needs a biopsy

If fine needle aspiration is not effective (or if the veterinarian believes it is not the best option), a biopsy is usually the next recommendation.

Biopsy is often performed on the dog under general anesthesia or sedation, but local anesthesia may be used instead depending on the size and location of the lesion.

The biopsy can be performed with a special large needle. Or the veterinarian may cut the mass surgically. In some cases, the entire mass is surgically removed and sent to a laboratory for identification.

These 29 Amazing Mixed Dog Breeds Will Make You LOVE Mutts (BUT #5 Will Freak You Out)

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I love watching purebred pups strut their stuff at dog shows, but when it comes to picking a pet, I don’t care about pedigrees. I know from experience that mutts make some of the best family pets, so I picked 29 of my favorites to share!

This list of mutts shows that they’re just as smart, sweet, and doggone cute as purebreds. Be careful! They’re enough to steal your heart. They certainly took mine!

#1 Alusky: Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute

Aluskies have beautiful, wolf-like markings, and they love to be kept busy. You can train them for all kinds of activities like tracking and rescue work. Hmm… I wonder if I could teach one to carry in my groceries.

#2 Taco Terrier: Chihuahua and Toy Fox Terrier

Hold the salsa! The teeny taco terrier, or “Chitoxy,” is feisty enough, but you’ll have no trouble training these smart pups. They love to learn new tricks and commands.

#3 Chiweenie: Chihuahua and Dachshund

Depending on its parents, a Chiweenie can be long- or short-haired. If you love to run or walk, a Chiweenie makes a great partner because they’re so active.

#4 Pitsky: Pitbull and Husky

Some people are scared of pitbulls, but I think if they met a few of these sweet, goofy-looking mutts, they’d change their minds! Pitskies have the greatest facial expressions.

#5 Pugapoo: Pug and Poodle

Pugapoos, whether tiny or mid-sized, have a poodle’s swagger and are pretty sure they’re the center of the universe. You, know, when you’re that cute, I think they might be right a lot of the time.

#6 Puggle: Pug and Beagle

What a cutie! These guys look a little like mastiff puppies that never grow up, and they’ve got that puppy attitude to go with it. Make sure you’re consistent when training your Puggle so that stubborn streak doesn’t cause problems.

#7 Beagleman: Beagle and Doberman Pinscher

I like that these mutts, also called “dobeagles,” don’t just look like miniature pinschers. The beagle coloring makes them much more unique!

#8 Pomsky: Pomeranian and Husky

So fluffy! If you opt for one of these adorable mutts, be prepared for lots of brushing since both Pomsky’s parents have thick coats. They’re smart, devoted, and make great guard dogs. Just… don’t tell them they’re tiny. They haven’t noticed yet.

#9 The… Um… What Would You Call It?: Corgi and Dalmatian

There may not be a good name for these little mutts, but their cuteness factor is off the charts! Like little Dalmatians, they’ve got spotted coats that Cruella DeVil would love, but they’re the size and shape of corgis!

#10 Shepherd Chow: Chow Chow and German Shepherd

These guys are killer guard dogs… that is if you want intruders to die of cuteness. At heart, shepherd chows are adorable balls of fluff.

#11 Okay, Corgi Crosses Are Hard to Name: Corgi and German Shepherd

Imagine a big sturdy German shepherd with stubby little Corgi legs. Yep, that’s pretty much what this cross looks like. These guys have a special place in my heart because they love to snack as much as I do! Check out full Corgi German Shepherd Mix review here

#12 Horgi: Corgi and Husky

This is another mutt that looks like a puppy even when grown. With husky coloring and the corgi’s build, they’re loving and energetic. Like most corgi crosses, they’ve got a strong herding instinct and will even try to herd you!

#13 Golden Dox: Dachshund and Golden Retriever

 

These lovable pups tend to be bigger than dachshunds, but smaller than the average golden. They’re super smart and have a fantastic sense of smell. They’ve even been trained as tracking dogs and to detect drugs.

#14 Cocker-Pei: Shar-pei and Cocker Spaniel

Look at all the wrinkles! Who can resist that big shar-pei nose and wrinkled skin, and those curly cocker spaniel ears? Me, hopefully, or I’m going to have to explain the mysterious appearance of another dog!

Want to see another Shar-Pei crossbreed with these adorable wrinkles? Take a look at the Shar Pei Lab mix.

#15 YorkiePoo: Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle

Topping out around 15 pounds, the yorkiepoo (or “yoodle”) is the perfect lap dog if you’ve got allergies. Thanks to their poodle ancestry, yorkiepoos don’t shed, and their fur is hypoallergenic. Thanks to their Yorkie ancestry, they’re unbelievably cute.

#16 Yet Another Corgi Conundrum: Corgi and Sheltie

Cross a corgi and a Shetland sheepdog, and what do you get? I’m not sure, actually, except that it’s adorable. Some have suggested “Pembroke shelties” as a name for these mutts, but Pembrokes aren’t the only corgis. It’s a conundrum.

#17 Corgipoo: Poodle and Corgi

Source

All the sweetness of a corgi with hardly any of the shedding! Corgipoos are great with kids, rarely bark, and, if you’re into dog agility competitions, these little fellows are smart and quick out on the course.

#18 Sharp Asset (or Ba-Shar): Basset Hound and Shar-Pei

It’s hard to imagine a dog that’s as wrinkly as a shar-pei and as droopy as a basset hound, but that’s what you get with a sharp asset. The name’s great too, don’t you think?

#19 Labsky: Labrador and Husky

A mix of two of my favorite breeds! The color of a labsky typically depends on whether their lab parent was black, chocolate, or yellow.

#20 Siberpoo: Siberian Husky and Poodle

Though these mutts are independent, they love to be active and play with you. They’re great on the agility course, and do best with room to run.

#21 Chug: Pug and Chihuahua

Scoot over, couch pug-tato! Chugs are much livelier dogs, but not as obnoxiously hyperactive as Chihuahuas can be. Tire them out with a good game of fetch, and a chug will be ready to cuddle with you for the rest of the night.

#22 Jack-A-Ranian: Pomeranian and Jack Russell Terrier

With two high-energy parents, it’s no wonder the Jack-a-ranian is a dog that loves to play! Their coats require less work than Pomeranians’, and they’re very smart, so don’t try to pretend you don’t know where the treats are.

#23 Goberian: Siberian Husky and Golden Retriever

Another gorgeous fluffball. I just love the combination of golden fur and icy blue husky eyes. Goberians are really friendly mutts and love to play with you, your family, other dogs… just about anything that moves!

#24 Fourche Terrier: West Highland White Terrier and Yorkshire Terrier

These teeny terriers are great if you live in an apartment. They seldom bark, and though they love to be active, it’s easy to meet their needs with a daily walk.

#25 Schnoodle: Poodle and Schnauzer

These great companion pups are pretty sure they’re the cutest thing on four legs, and you’ve got to admit they have a point. They love attention, and while they’re always up for a walk or game of fetch, they’re rarely hyperactive.

#26 Chusky: Chow Chow and Husky

These mutts are like really, really fluffy huskies, so I’d recommend you invest in some serious summer air conditioning. Or, you know, move to Alaska and take up sled dog racing!

#27 Bullpug: Pug and English Bulldog

Sometimes called miniature bulldogs, these little cuties are laid back and independent. They’re great if you have a busy family on the go because they’re not anxious or needy.

#28 Dalmachsund: Dachshund and Dalmatian

I can’t believe how beautiful these sweeties are! Because of the variety of colors found in dachshunds, dalmachsunds aren’t limited to just Dalmatian black and white. You can find spotted pups in all kinds of different shades, from chocolate brown to almost golden.

#29 Cheagle: Chihuahua and Beagle

Combine a high-energy Chihuahua and an affectionate beagle, and you get a family friendly pet: the Cheagle! Though they can be a little excitable, they’re also devoted lap dogs that love to play with you.

Okay, I’ll be the first to admit it. I. Love. Mutts. I can never understand why anyone would choose a purebred when there are so many loveable crosses in the shelters. What do you think? Won over yet?

Share with your friends, and if you think of good names for those corgi crosses, let me know in the comments!

21 Interesting Mixed Dog Breeds (Weird Mutt Dogs)

One of the most fulfilling events you can have in your life is to raise a dog. Most owners will agree. In fact, dog ownership has only been rising in the last decades. From the year 2000 to 2017, pet dogs in the USA have increased from 68 million to 90 million dogs.

But for some reason, most people who are looking to raise a dog are looking specifically at purebred dog breeds. Whether its because they want a “guaranteed look” or think less of mutt dogs, this unfortunate phenomenon is indeed happening.

But here’s the truth. Other than certain physical traits, there is absolutely no difference between a mutt and a purebred dog. Rather, I would even argue that it may be better to get a mixed breed.

RECOMMENDED: 57 Best Hypoallergenic Dogs

Table of Contents

• Why Get a Mixed Dog Breed?
  • 1. Mutt Dogs are (Often) Healthier
  • 2. You Can Literally Rescue a Dog
  • 3. Mixed Dogs are Smarter Than Purebreds
• 21 Unusual & Weird Mixed Dogs
  • 1. Horgi
  • 2. Pitsky
  • 3. Gerberian Shepsky
  • 4. Cavachon
  • 5. Goberian
  • 6. Chiweenie
  • 7. Pomsky
  • 8. Yorkipoo
  • 9. Border Aussie
  • 10. Bernedoodle
  • 11. Boxador
  • 12. Morkie
  • 13. Bullmatian
  • 14. Corgidor
  • 15. Beagador 
  • 16. Shi Chi
  • 17. Corgimatian
  • 18. Chusky
  • 19. Chug
  • 20. Golden Dox
  • 21. Chow Shepherd
• Where to Find a Mixed Dog
  • 1. PetFinder
  • 2. PetCo Foundation
  • 3. Adopt a Pet

Why Get a Mixed Dog Breed?

There are way too many reasons why you should get a mixed dog breed instead. I don’t want to spend a lot of time making my case, but here are my three favorite reasons:

1. Mutt Dogs are (Often) Healthier

This is a long-standing argument among scientists, researchers and veterinarians. But, the theory is very simple. More gene diversity in mutt dogs means they’re less likely to develop hereditary diseases and/or disorders.

The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association did a study in 2013, involving about 90,000 dogs. They found that purebred dogs were more likely to develop 10 different genetic disorders, such as cataracts and hypothyroidism, compared to mutt dogs.

On the other hand, it can be argued that most of these genetic disorders are caused by recessive genes. This means that both parents would need the rarer recessive gene for the offspring to inherit these type of disorders.

2. You Can Literally Rescue a Dog

According to the ASPCA, roughly 70 – 75% of all dogs in shelters are mutt dogs. If you don’t give these mixed dogs a chance, then you’re essentially eliminating the vast majority of dogs in shelters. Needless to say, all dogs deserve a loving family.

Often times, they need a better situation even more. There’s nothing better than bringing home a dog you had just rescued from a difficult situation. They could have been abused, abandoned or severely neglected in the past.

Whatever the reason, you will be providing the rescue dog with another chance to be a dog in a loving and warm environment. And, you can bet they’ll love you even more for rescuing them.

3. Mixed Dogs are Smarter Than Purebreds

Surprise, surprise! Despite popular belief, mixed dog breeds are considered more intelligent than their purebred counterparts. At least, according to the scientific study conducted by Aberdeen University.

Researchers tested 100 dogs, both mutts and purebreds, using seven intelligence and psychology tests. These trials included complex mazes, spatial awareness tests and various problem solving tests. In the end, mutt dogs performed much better on these tests.

However, the breeds in the mutt were a significant factor. The best performing mutt was a collie-spaniel mix. Both of which, are highly intelligent dog breeds on their own.

21 Unusual & Weird Mixed Dogs

There’s essentially an infinite number of possible mixed dog breeds. It’s impossible to list them out. But, these are our favorite mixes. Everything from the Gerberian Shepsky to the Yorkipoo – we think you really need to see these 21 dogs!

1. Horgi

Parents: Welsh Corgi x Husky mix

The Corgi and Husky are perhaps two of the most popular dog breeds, at least among internet dog jokes and dog puns. It only makes sense to crossbreed the two, right? Call them the Horgi, Siborgi or even the Corgsky – whatever you prefer.

They’re energetic, affectionate and have lively personalities. There is never a dull moment with a Horgi. And although they can be a bit difficult to train, novice owners should have no problem with firm positive reinforcement during training.

A Horgi often has the body shape of the corgi – short legs and long body – but have facial features of the Husky. The most notable husky characteristic is the unique colored eyes, which appear in some Horgis, but not all.

What makes this crossbred so popular is that they retain most of the best physical characteristics from both breeds. The iconic short stature and legs of the Corgi paired with the fluffy curly tail and coat of a Husky, make this mutt such an adorable dog.

RECOMMENDED: The Guide to the Horgi

2. Pitsky

Parents: Pit Bull x Husky mix

Pit Bulls are often listed on top of the most dangerous dogs list. On the other hand, Huskies have a rep for being humorous dogs. Is there a combination of dog breeds more interesting than this?

The logical reasoning was to crossbreed the two and get a less serious (and potentially vicious) Pit Bull mix. And sure enough, the Pitsky being the combination of these two popular dog breeds achieves just that.

These mutt dogs retain the head shape, body physique and tail of the Pit Bull. However, the most striking husky features are the long propped ears and blue-ish white husky eyes. The ears may vary from dog to dog, but the eyes are usually noticeably unique.

Pitskies aren’t recommended for non-active owners or those who “don’t have much time.” Given their high energy levels, expect them to want to play play play. And despite all the talk of the “dangerous Pit Bulls,” Pitskies are more loving than you think.

RECOMMENDED: The Energetic and Playful Pitsky

3. Gerberian Shepsky

Parents: German Shepherd x Husky mix

The Gerberian Shepsky combines two of the hardest working dog breeds: the German Shepherd with a Siberian Husky. So it’s safe to say the Gerberian inherits this characteristic as well.

Gerberians are highly intelligent dogs that can thrive with a variety of roles. They have a sturdy frame with lightning-quick agility, making them excellent police dogs or companions for those with active lifestyles.

Despite their fierce looks, they’re quite affectionate, loyal and sociable. A Gerberian is an outstanding family dog and can even do well in an environment with children.

However, owning a Gerberian Shepsky is no easy task. Be ready to exercise as these dogs require a ton of physical and mental stimulation. You can try obedience training and fun dog games, such as frisbee.

They’re great pets for large families because everyone can participate in the responsibilities of these wonderful dogs. It makes keeping one much easier and manageable.

RECOMMENDED: The German Shepherd Husky Mix

4. Cavachon

Parents: Cavalier King Charles x Bichon mix

Among all mixed dog breeds, the Cavachon is by far the most sweet-tempered. A crossbreed of the Cavalier King Charles and Bichon Frise, the Cavachon is happiest in the lap of a loving owner. They are the ultimate lap dogs.

For owners that just want to cuddle all day with their dog, the Cavachon is for you. Highly adaptable, these dogs can thrive in any environment. The only thing they need is love and attention.

In recent years, Cavachons have quickly become one of the most popular mixed dog breeds. It’s because living with a Cavachon can be a life full of rewarding moments. They’re calm, quiet, sensible and optimistic – all the right traits for the ultimate companion dog.

Cavachons get along great with both children and adults. There’s not a single aggressive bone in these dogs. In fact, i’d probably worry more about the kids mistreating this dog than the other way around.

RECOMMENDED: The Ultimate Cavachon Guide

5. Goberian

Parents: Golden Retriever x Husky mix

Combining two of the most popular family dog breeds gives you a Goberian – the Golden Retriever Husky mix. They’re highly intelligent, extremely friendly and a little wacky. There’s just so much to love with a Goberian.

However, there are a few things to consider with the Goberian. Because of their double coat, a hot climate is not ideal for these mixed dogs. Plus, they need a good amount of exercise on the daily basis with a decently large backyard.

There can be a lot of variations in mixed dog breeds, including the Goberian. But one thing that is certain is their immense loyalty. They love their family and will always have their back.

Goberians are some of the best family dogs – mixed or purebred. If you’re looking for a companion dog, they can literally fit perfectly into any family.

RECOMMENDED: The Magnificent Goberian

6. Chiweenie

Parents: Chihuahua x Dachshund mix

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. In addition, the Dachshund isn’t much bigger. As a result, this awesome mixed breed weighs just 5 to 10 pounds and stands 12 inches tall at most.

If size is what you’re looking for in your mutt dog, the Chiweenie is not the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a lap dog with a bright personality, consider the Chiweenie.

When playing with kids, keep in mind how fragile the Chiweenie actually is. They’re small, so they may not appreciate playing with rowdy kids. Younger children that don’t understand how to interact with animals may not be best interacting with these dogs.

A Chiweenie is protective by nature. With that said, it’s especially important to provide socialization at an early age. Without any, they can develop into an aggressive dog in adulthood.

RECOMMENDED: The Fun-Sized Chiweenie

7. Pomsky

Parents: Pomeranian x Husky mix

There’s a lot to love with the Pomeranian Husky mix, or the “Pomsky” for short. They’re adorable, playful and a little bit silly. But most importantly, they love to be around people. Pomskies are the happiest with family and in the center of attention.

The one drawback of the Pomsky mix is grooming. You see that fluffy glamorous coat? Well, it takes quite a bit of time to groom as they shed like no other. Expect locks of fur around the house, especially during shedding season (spring, fall).

On the plus side, they highly adaptable. In fact, they’re perfect for apartment living given their small size. Obviously they’ll do fine in cold weather but they can also tolerate warm climate better than you think.

With a Pomsky, early socialization and obedience training is necessary. They can be aloof with strangers and may even develop aggression towards them without socialization. They aren’t the best with children, but can manage with proper training.

Still, the Pomsky is one of the best and most popular mixed dog breeds. With a fluffy coat and an affectionate temperament, it’s easy to see why.

RECOMMENDED: 35 Perfect Pomeranian Mixes

8. Yorkipoo

Parents: Yorkie x Toy Poodle mix

The Yorkipoo is truly a designer dog with some of the best qualities you can ask for. A cross between two of the most beloved toy dog breeds, the Yorkie Poodle mix is a playful and affectionate dog perfect for nearly any situation.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in an apartment or a large house, the key to a Yorkipoo’s happiness is a loving family/owner. They love to play and will play hard. On the other hand, they’ll be perfectly content relaxing from the comfort of your lap.

The only downside of this mixed dog breed is its tendency to bark. A Yorkipoo will often bark at anything and anyone. They’ll bark to communicate, bark to alert and bark when they’re happy. If you can’t stand this, then this breed may not be for you.

For those that don’t mind the barking, you’ll need the energy to match these dogs. Though small, Yorkipoos seem as if they have unlimited energy.

RECOMMENDED: 31 Terrific Terrier Mixes

9. Border Aussie

Parents: Border Collie x Aussie mix

What happens when you mix two of the best herding dogs in the world? You get the Border Aussie – the ultimate mixed breed for herding. Lazy owners be wary, this will be one of the hardest working dog breed you’ll ever meet.

Unless you live an active lifestyle or run a farm with animals, the Border Aussie is not the best choice for most people. They need a huge amount of daily exercise, which may not be easy for the average owner. And don’t even think about sticking them in an apartment!

Border Aussies are social dogs and are very affectionate with people. They can be the best versions of themselves when they have a specific task (or job) to do. This can be herding (duh) or even daily obedience training.

As long as they’re stimulated mentally and physically, the Border Aussie will be happy. However, these dogs really get more joy when they’re doing the activity with the owner. Still, I wouldn’t recommend this mixed breed for first time owners or novice trainers.

RECOMMENDED: 27 Amazing Aussie Mixes

10. Bernedoodle

Parents: Bernese Mountain Dog x Poodle mix

Big and fluffy, the Bernedoodle is one of the most loving companion dogs with a goofy personality. Not only are they intelligent and clever, but also calm. As a result, they’ve become popular mutt dogs among families all over the world.

The best part of these dogs is their ability to befriend anyone. They’ll be cautious around new strangers, but in no time, they’ll be playing with any friendly human. Bernedoodles are perfect for both children and elders, as they have a gentle side to them.

As for dog training, the Bernedoodle is easy to deal with, even for new and inexperienced owners. The Poodle side is probably where they get their smarts. However, the Bernese Mountain Dog side makes them very eager to please and learn.

Considering how much hair they have, they don’t really shed much. However, they still do especially during shedding season. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog, the purebred Poodle may be a better option.

RECOMMENDED: 50 Adorable Poodle Mixes

11. Boxador

Parents: Labrador x Boxer mix

The Boxador is truly a unique blend, combining two very different yet amazing dog breeds. On one hand, the Boxer is playful and full of energy. On the other, the Labrador Retriever is loyal and affectionate. The Boxador gives you the best of both worlds.

It’s no surprise the Boxador is one of the most popular designer dogs in the world. In fact, both parent breeds consistently make the list of top ten most popular dog breeds.

Though athletic and energetic, the Boxadors are extremely friendly and affectionate towards people. Like many breeds, they love to be the center of attention and appreciate being involved with family activities.

Despite their friendly temperaments, the Boxadors play best with older children. They’re not aggressive by nature but their excitement can lead them into unintentionally knocking over a small child. Always supervise your kid’s play time with them.

For a family, Boxadors are some of the best mixed dog breeds on the market. You can’t go wrong and you’ll be lucky to own such a caring dog.

RECOMMENDED: 40 Loving Labrador Mixes

12.

Morkie

Parents: Yorkie x Maltese mix

The Morkie mix breed is a combination of two very popular toy dog breeds – the Yorkie and Maltese. The combination of the two gives you a small dog with a huge personality.

Originating from the United States, this mixed breed can vary greatly in appearance. Some may look more like the Maltese, while others more like a Yorkie. In addition, ears can be erect or floppy depending on which side the dog takes more from.

Despite the variance in looks, majority of Morkies come in a brown, black or white coat. Plus, they all have long, curly and soft hair. With that in mind, a Morkie requires daily brushing and it’s recommended they get a haircut every 2 months or so.

If you’re okay with grooming, a Morkie is a top choice for a designer toy dog. They tend to get attached to the owner(s) and have a playful and affectionate personality. They’re a little bundle of joy.

However, they can be a little stubborn at times, which is common among dogs in the Terrier group (Yorkshire Terrier side).

RECOMMENDED: 27 Adorable Yorkie Mixes

13. Bullmatian

Parents: Dalmatian x Bulldog mix

It’s not every day you run into one of these. The Bullmatian is the uncommon mix between a Dalmatian and Bulldog. Although rare, the Bullmatian deserves more publicity than they actually get.

As you can see, the Bullmatian takes the physical body shape of a Bulldog. However, their coats tend to always be spotted like a Dalmatian. They’re easy to identify if you ever come across one.

The best thing about these mixed dogs is their mild temperaments. They’re less aggressive than you think while having a charming personality once you get to know them. They can be loving and social creatures as well.

For some owners, the amount of energy they come with may be a turn off. Bullmatians are always filled with enthusiasm and demand a lot of attention from the owner.

However, if you can provide affection and plenty of play time, the Bullmatian is an excellent choice for a companion and family dog. They do great with both individual owners and families.

14. Corgidor

Parents: Corgi x Labrador mix

The Corgidor combines America’s most popular dog breed, the Labrador, with one of the internet’s most popular dog breed – the Corgi. What could go wrong? Absolutely nothing!

Corgidors have an unusual physical appearance. They’re not as small as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, but often retain their signature short and stumpy legs. But everything about the head, from the droopy ears to the snout, resembles that of a Labrador Retriever.

The Corgidor is an excellent worker and often needs an active lifestyle to stay happy. Don’t mistake their short legs for lack of athleticism. They can run and jump with great agility.

Personality can vary and depends on how you train them, especially in puppyhood. Corgis tend to be a little protective and territorial, whereas Labs are affectionate and friendly to a fault. It’s likely a Corgidor will be somewhere in between.

RECOMMENDED: 32 Cutest Corgi Mixes

15. Beagador 

Parents: Labrador x Beagle mix

The Beagador is a hybrid of the Labrador and Beagle. For the most part, they look similar to a normal Lab. However, they tend to have larger ears, which is inherited from the Beagle side. In addition, they’re slightly smaller than purebred Labradors.

The “special skill” of the Beagle is tracking with its keen nose. And according to owners, that nose tend to carry over to the Beagador in most cases. Likewise, the friendliness and charm of a Labrador is usually seen with this mixed breed.

Beagles are often listed as one of the 10 least intelligent dog breeds. However, they’re just misunderstood because they’re so caught up with their sense of smell. The Beagador, on the other hand, is a bit more balanced.

Beagadors can be very affectionate and eager to please. For this reason, they’re usually much easier to train than a purebred Beagle.

RECOMMENDED: 30 Bizarre Beagle Mixes

16. Shi Chi

Parents: Shih Tzu x Chihuahua mix

A hybrid of the Shih Tzu and Chihuahua, the ShiChi has quietly become one of the most popular designer dogs in America. With its adorable looks and bright personality, the ShiChi has been winning the hearts of people all over the world.

Bred from two toy dogs, the ShiChi weighs between 5 and 12 pounds and stands no more than 11 inches tall. They have round heads with large almond-shaped eyes that’ll make any dog lover fall in love.

These dogs can vary in coat colors, as they come in black, white, cream, fawn, brown or a combination. In addition, length of the coat will depend on the parentage – some will have long hair and others short. As for long hair ShiChis, double coats with curly hair are typical.

Due to their small size, they are fragile dogs. And although they’re always down to play, small children can unintentionally hurt these dogs. Constant rough play can mentally affect these dogs, as they tend to have low tolerance for such play.

With proper socialization and obedience training, the ShiChi will be the perfect complement to any family.

RECOMMENDED: 30 Special Shih Tzu Mixes

17. Corgimatian

Parents: Corgi x Dalmatian mix

Of the all the hybrid dog breeds on this list, the Corgimatian may take the cake for the rarest. Blending the Dalmatian with the Pembroke Welsh Corgi will get you an unusual looking spotted Corgi. Still cute as any other mixed dog.

Because there are so few Corgimatians, there is little information on these dogs. However, we do know that the Corgi Dalmatian mix is good-natured with a playful attitude. In other words, they make fantastic companions for households.

These dogs are brimming with energy and eagerness to play. Depending on the parentage, Corgimatians can have herding instincts, coming from the Corgi side. If that’s the case, small kids should not play with this dog unsupervised.

If you’re lucky enough to find this unique mixed dog, consider the Corgimatian.

18. Chusky

Parents: Chow Chow x Husky mix

Often referred to as the Chowski, the Chow Chow Husky mix is one of the most unusual crosses in the dogdom. But similar to the savory sweet taste of peanut butter and jelly, it just somehow works.

The Chusky weighs up to 65 pounds and can be as tall as 23 inches. A large fluffy mixed dog is not a big surprise as both parents are the same. The main difference is the coat color, as the Chusky can come in brown, red, white, pied, cream or a combination.

Chuskies are also fantastic companions because they tend to develop a strong bond with the owner(s). Plus, they play well with older kids, especially those in the family. The downfall of their affection is their tendency to be overly protective.

To prevent an aggressive adult Chusky, make sure you provide a ton of socialization with both people and other dogs at an early age. They’ll grow up to be a much more balanced dog.

Like the parent Husky, this mixed dog breed has a ton of energy. Make sure you have the time to provide daily exercise for these dogs. Without sufficient play, they can become destructive.

RECOMMENDED: 30 Handsome Husky Mixes

19. Chug

Parents: Chihuahua x Pug mix

The Chug is a hybrid of two of the most amusing small dog breeds – the Chinese Pug and the Chihuahua. Both parent dogs are a little quirky in their own right, but shower the owners with a ton of love. The same can be said about the Chug.

Temperament and personality with this mutt can vary depending on factors. For the most part, these dogs can be a little hostile towards larger dogs (small dog syndrome). But with people, they’re fantastic companions.

Depending on parentage, a Chug can be a little stubborn when it comes to training. Even so, it’s still very important you properly train this dog. If they take more from a Chihuahua side, you could potentially see an aggressive dog in adulthood.

Chugs don’t require as much physical activity as other mixed dogs. Instead, they’ll be perfectly fine on an owner’s lap. However, they are playful by nature and would appreciate daily playtime. If Pugs are your thing, the Chug is a nice twist from your typical purebred Pug.

RECOMMENDED: 34 Classic Chihuahua Mixes

20. Golden Dox

Parents: Golden Retriever x Dachshund mix

Energetic and playful, the Golden Dox is the odd combination of the Golden Retriever with the German Dachshund. By crossbreeding a small dog with a large dog, you end up with huge variations in physical appearance.

For instance, a Golden Dox can be anywhere between 10 and 23 inches tall. Furthermore, they can weigh 30 to 60 pounds. It really depends on which side the mixed dog takes more from.

Regardless, these designer dogs are crazy active and demand a lot of physical activity and play time. But with their good-natured and spirited temperaments, it’s easy to find time to play with these dogs.

Although Golden Retrievers are furious shedders year round, the Golden Dox isn’t so bad. Grooming won’t take up too much time as daily brushing with occasional trimming is enough.

When you’re with a Golden Dox, it’s easy to fall in love at first sight. They’re adorable with a even more attractive personality.

RECOMMENDED: 40 Dashing Dachshund Mixes

21. Chow Shepherd

Parents: German Shepherd x Chow mix

Despite being a hybrid, the Chow Chow German Shepherd mix does not vary as much in appearance as other mutt dogs. However, the weight can range anywhere from 45 to 90 pounds depending on gender and parentage.

In almost all cases, the Chow Shepherd will inherit the coat from the Chow Chow. In other words, a Chow Shepherd will likely have fluffy yet dense hair. On the other hand, the tail, ears and body shape tend to be more like a German Shepherd.

Like the parents, the Chow Shepherd has a dominant personality and requires firm yet consistent training in the household. For this reason, they aren’t suited to play with smaller dogs (or pets) and kids.

They can be aloof at times and will be cautious around unfamiliar people due to their protective instincts. Chow Shepherds can make amazing guard dogs for your home in time. However, you’ll need a strong personality to keep up with them.

RECOMMENDED: 31 Great German Shepherd Mixes

Where to Find a Mixed Dog

Are you convinced yet? As mentioned, the best place to find a mixed dog breed is probably at your local animal shelter. More than half of dogs held in those facilities are mutts!

Still, with animal shelters you may be limited on choice. Not to worry, there are other ways to find mixed dog breeds.

1. PetFinder

PetFinder is one of the largest dog adoption platforms (they have cats and other animals too!) on the internet. The best part is that most of the dogs on PetFinder are mixed dogs.

Easily sort by location and breed – including mixed breeds. The benefit of being one of the top pet adoption platforms on the internet means they’ll provide a huge selection of dogs. There’s much more than you’ll find at your local shelter.

2. PetCo Foundation

Live near a PetCo store? The PetCo Foundation is a non-profit organization that regularly organizes adoption events at local PetCo stores. Sure, it’s similar to local shelters and you’re limited on choices, but if you’ve already checked the shelter then this is another option.

Currently, there are roughly 1,500 PetCo stores across the country, so you’re more than likely to find one near you. Also, check their website for adoption event schedules.

3. Adopt a Pet

Adopt a Pet is an online listing / database for pets (especially dogs) in both rescue groups and local shelters. It’s an easy and convenient way to look for dogs before driving to their temporary home.

This platform is highly reputable and big enough where you’ll find a great selection of dogs. Best of all, it’s filled with beautiful mixed dog breeds waiting for you to take them home.

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Did we miss any great mixed breeds? Leave your favorite mutt dog in the comments section below!

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Mutt (Mixed) Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Breed Characteristics:

Adaptability

Adapts Well To Apartment Living

Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.

• See Dogs Not Well Suited to Apartment Living

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Good For Novice Owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.

If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!

• See Dogs Who Are Good For Experienced Owners

Sensitivity Level

Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.

• See Dogs Who Have Low Sensitivity Levels

Tolerates Being Alone

Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.

• See Dogs Poorly Suited To Be Alone

Tolerates Cold Weather

Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!

• Click here to see Dogs Poorly Suited For Cold Weather

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Tolerates Hot Weather

Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.

• See Dogs Poorly Suited For Hot Weather

All Around Friendliness

Affectionate With Family

Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.

See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family

Kid-Friendly

Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.

• See Dogs Who Are Not Kid Friendly

**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.

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Dog Friendly

Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.

• See Dogs Who Are Not So Dog Friendly

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Friendly Toward Strangers

Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!

• See Dogs Who Are Less Friendly To Strangers

Health And Grooming Needs

Amount Of Shedding

If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!

• Click Here To See Dogs Who Shed Very Little

Drooling Potential

Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.

• See Dogs Who Are Not Big Droolers

Easy To Groom

Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.

• See Dogs Who Require More Grooming

General Health

Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.

If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.

• See Dogs More Prone To Health Problems

Potential For Weight Gain

Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.

Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.

Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!

• See Medium Dogs
• See Small Dogs

Trainability

Easy To Train

Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.

Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.

• See Dogs Who Are Challenging To Train

Intelligence

Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.

• See Dogs Who Have Lower Intelligence

Potential For Mouthiness

Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.

Prey Drive

(Picture Credit: Haydn West – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)

Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.

• See Dogs Who Have Low Prey Drive

Tendency To Bark Or Howl

Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.

• See Dogs Who Are Mostly Quiet

Wanderlust Potential

Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.

• See Dogs Less Prone To Wander

Physical Needs

Energy Level

High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.

Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.

• See Dogs Who Have Low Energy

Intensity

A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.

• See Dogs With Low Intensity

Exercise Needs

Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.

Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.

• See Dogs Who Don’t Need Tons of Exercise

Potential For Playfulness

Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.

• See Dogs Who Are Less Playful

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More About This Breed

• Choosing a mutt is a lot like dating: you may meet a few dogs that seem interesting, and then fall in love with one for reasons that make sense only to you. (Choosing a purebred, on the other hand, is a little like saying, “I only date blondes.” You can still find a love match, but you may end up overlooking someone who’s even more perfect for you.)

  The truth is, heritage matters very little. You’ll get along well with your dog because you both love to run, for instance, not because a piece of paper says he comes from a long line of dogs originating on the coast of Croatia.

  When you adopt a mixed breed you learn to think in terms of personality, rather than breed. This can have the effect of stripping away expectations and so you appreciate even more deeply the surprises and joys that come from living with a dog.

  Finally, since about 75 percent of the dogs in shelters on any given day are mixed breeds, choosing a mutt usually means giving a home to a dog who really needs one, and that’s nice, too.

• Highlights

  • Your mixed breed, as with all dogs, is an individual. Don’t prejudge his temperament according to his looks, or expect him to act a certain way just because he resembles a dog you once had as a kid. Love him on his own terms, and your love will be rewarded.

• History

  Once upon a time, before man imprinted his preferences on the canine population, there wasn’t much difference between one dog and the next. They were of medium size, brown, and most had short coats.

  Even today, semiferal dogs who live on the edge of human life look somewhat alike. Climate doesn’t seem to have much of an impact since similar-looking dogs show up from Australia to North America to Asia — though some have longer coats than others.

  When it’s hard to figure out a mutt’s heritage it may be because they draw directly from this line of non-breeds who were never selectively bred. That is, they’ve never had a purebred ancestor.

  But a lot of mixed breeds truly are mixed. That is, you can see a smattering of Australian Cattle Dog, or Beagle, or Collie in their coat or shape or size. Being able to identify contributing breeds can help give you some insight into their personalities, though of course it’s only a partial story.

• Size

  Size and weight range from tiny enough to sleep inside your jacket with you in it, to humongous enough to break your foot when he steps on it.

• Personality

  Mixed breeds boast personalities as unpredictable and varied as those of their human owners. As with purebreds, the mixed breed’s temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and early socialization.

  Some mutts’ heritage is impossible to decipher. If you find one particularly baffling, it may be because he comes from a long line of dogs who were never selectively bred. These mystery dogs are more accurately called non-breeds, than mixed breeds.

  But a lot of mixed breeds truly are mixed. That is, you can identify a smattering of Australian Cattle Dog, or Beagle, or Collie. This means it’s likely some of those breeds’ traits are carrying through.

  Sometimes that can work in your favor. A dog that appears to be a mix of Labrador and Border Collie, for instance, may have the easygoing friendliness of the first and the whip-smart agility of the second.

  Or not.

  With any blend, there’s no guarantee you’ll get the best traits of the contributing breeds. The only guarantee is that whatever you end up with is something unique and inimitable.

• Health

  Mixed breed dogs are generally considered healthier than purebred dogs because they draw from a broader gene pool. Producing a mixed breed, in other words, is the opposite of inbreeding.

  But you can’t assume your mixed breed will be the healthiest dog you’ve ever had. Having a fresh bloodline makes little difference if the parents aren’t healthy.

  If you can determine one or more of the breeds that went into your mixed breed’s heritage, it’s worth researching the health concerns common to that breed or breeds. And like all dogs, mixed breeds are prone to certain conditions and diseases.

  • Allergies: Allergies are a common ailment in dogs. There are three main types of allergies: food allergies, which are treated by eliminating certain foods from the dog’s diet; contact allergies, which are caused by a reaction to a topical substance such as bedding, flea powders, dog shampoos, and other chemicals; and inhalant allergies, which are caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and mildew. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes.
  • Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but others don’t display outward signs of discomfort. (X-ray screening is the most certain way to diagnose the problem.) Either way, arthritis can develop as the dog ages. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred — so if you’re buying a hybrid puppy, ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and are free of problems.
  • Cancer: Cancer can develop in dogs as well as humans. There are many different types of cancer, and the success of treatment differs for each individual case. For some forms of cancer, the tumors are surgically removed, others are treated with chemotherapy, and some are treated both surgically and medically.
  • Ear Infections: These are most common in dogs with long ears. You may be able to prevent many ear infections by keeping the ears clean and dry. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate ear care products.

• Care

  Everyone knows that dogs must have adequate food and water, shelter from the elements, and medical attention when needed. His other requirements may be harder to quantify, but they are just as crucial: mental stimulation, physical exercise, and plenty of positive contact with his owner.

  A leashed walk around the block is usually a sufficient bathroom break, but it isn’t enough exercise for most dogs. The majority need 30 to 60 minutes a day to stay in good shape. For some pups, this means off-leash, full-out running to burn off steam; some dogs enjoy a good long walk; others want to go play fetch in a lake. Whatever form of exercise your dog likes the most, he’ll be healthier for indulging in it.

  A dog’s mind needs exercise as much as his body does — the same “use it or lose it” philosophy applies to us all. Training is a mainstay of canine brain workouts. It could be as simple as playing games with you and learning to sit, or as complex as training for agility or obedience competitions.

  And whether it’s through playing, training, hiking, or petting, your dog needs a substantial daily dose of attention from you.

• Feeding

  Keep your mixed breed in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day, rather than leaving food out all the time. How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. As a general rule of thumb, you can estimate how much he needs each day based on how much he weighs:

  Less than 10 pounds 1/4 to 1/2 cup
  10 to 15 pounds 1/2 to 1 cup
  20 to 30 pounds 3/4 to 1.5 cups
  30 to 40 pounds 1.5 to 2 cups
  40 to 60 pounds 1.5 to 2.5 cups
  60 to 70 pounds 2.5 to 3 cups
  80 to 90 pounds 3 to 4 cups
  100 to 150 pounds 4 to 5 cups
  More than 150 pounds 4.5 to 6 cups

  Of course, dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you’ll need to shake into your dog’s bowl.

  It’s a good idea to consult with your vet if you’re not sure how much to be feeding your mixed-breed dog. And if you’re unsure whether your dog is overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test.

  First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs, without having to press hard. If you can’t, he needs less food and more exercise.

  For more on feeding your mixed breed, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.

• Coat Color And Grooming

  Mixed breeds come in all colors of the dog rainbow, and their grooming needs depend on what type of coat they have. Bathing should be done as needed for all breeds.

  • Long, low-shedding coat: This is hair, not fur, and unless you cut it, it continues to grow just like yours. Brush a few times a week with a pin brush, and trim or clip the dog every five to eight weeks or so. Yorkie/Westie mixes tend to have coats of this type.
  • Long, shedding coat: This is fur, because it sheds. Brush weekly, ideally with a pin brush, or more as needed (especially the armpits, which can mat). Golden/Lab/Australian Shepherd mixes tend to sport this kind of coat. (Make sure you have a really, really good vacuum cleaner.)
  • Short coat: Brush weekly in the direction that the fur grows. You can use one of those rubber curry brushes or a hound glove that fits on your hand — then your dog is fooled into thinking he’s being petted instead of brushed. Dalmatian/Boxer/Doberman mixes tend to have this kind of coat.
  • Curly coats: Again, this is usually hair, not fur — and it can be relatively high maintenance because of its fine texture. It must be clipped regularly. It’s easy to learn to clip a curly coat because the mistakes don’t show up much. (Go ahead — it grows back. And that’s what dog sweaters are for.) Use a slicker brush. Most Poodle mixes, including the Doodles and Cockapoos, have curly coats.
  • Wire coats: These coats shed. The shorter the coat gets, the more likely it is to mat and knot up, so leaving it longer means less matting. Use a slicker brush. Some wiry coats belonging to Terrier mixes need to stripped.No matter what the heritage of your mixed-breed dog, check his ears once a week for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. Also wipe them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent problems.

  Brush your dog’s teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

  Trim his nails regularly if your dog doesn’t wear them down naturally. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep your legs from getting scratched when your mixed breed enthusiastically jumps up to greet you.

  Accustom your dog to being brushed and examined when he’s a puppy (or as soon as you get him, if he’s an adult). Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you’ll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling down the road.

  As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin and feet or in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.

• Children And Other Pets

  Some mixed breeds are great with kids and other pets, and some aren’t. Much of any dog’s relationship with children and animals depends on early exposure and socialization.

  Heredity is also part of the picture. If the mix is predominantly terrier, don’t bother trying to get him to live peaceably with small mammals such as rats and gerbils.

  But even if your dog is a Golden Retriever mix, that doesn’t mean he’ll automatically love everyone and every other dog. And just because your dog is a mix of big, intimidating breeds doesn’t mean he’s going to eat the neighborhood children. It also doesn’t mean he’s going to be okay around them.

  Who knows? Keep a watchful eye and a tight rein (not to mention a short leash) until you know for sure.

• Rescue Groups

  Dogs are often obtained without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. Many dogs are in need of adoption and or fostering. If you want a mix involving a certain breed, contact the local chapter of that breed club, and they’ll be able to point you toward a rescue organization.

  Many times a purebred group such as an Irish Setter rescue will also take in Irish Setter mixes, if the dogs appear to be predominantly and identifiably Irish.

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These Mutts Will Win Your Heart

Did you know that just over half of the dog owners in the U.S. chose a mixed breed over a pedigree dog to be their canine companion?

Mutts have been working alongside pure breeds in essential roles such as the U.S. Coast Guard, and they now make up a large percentage of the country’s assistance dogs. So beloved are mutts that they now have their very own National Mutt Day that’s celebrated on both 1 July and 2 December. National Mutt Day is aimed at encouraging potential dog owners to consider taking a dog from a shelter.

In this article, we look at why you should give a mutt a forever home. Some mixed breeds are of uncertain parentage, but we’ve included ten of the most popular crossbreeds that are deliberately created for their temperament, character, and looks.

Contents

• 1 Adopting a Mixed Breed
• 2 Why They Are Called Mutts
• 3 Popular Mixed Breeds
  • 3.1 The Puggle
  • 3.2 The Maltipoo
  • 3.3 The Labradoodle
  • 3.4 The Goldendoodle
  • 3.5 The Maltese Shih Tzu
  • 3.6 The Cockapoo
  • 3.7 The Schnoodle
  • 3.8 Peekapoo
  • 3.9 The Yorkipoo
  • 3.10 The Goldador
• 4 Parting Thoughts

Adopting a Mixed Breed

1. You love surprises!

Every mixed-breed dog is one of a kind. Your dog will take some of his personality from both his parents but not necessarily in equal amounts. If you take on a puppy, you can enjoy watching him growing up and developing his unique character.

That’s great in an adult home, but if you have kids, it’s a good idea to find out as much as you can about your new puppy’s parents. Ideally, you should look for both parent breeds that are known to be good around children generally. You can even have your dog DNA tested to find out precisely what breeds have contributed to your pup’s makeup by checking out the SPCA’s “Who’s Your Daddy?” program.

2. Mixed-breed dogs enjoy good health and a longer life

It’s often said that crossbreed dogs enjoy better health than their pedigree cousins. And thanks to the diversity in a mutt’s genes, the “hybrid vigor” theory bears that out. A 2013 study published by the Journal of the AVMA involving 90,000 dogs found that some pure breed dogs are known to be at risk of ten hereditary health disorders.

That said, it’s important to remember that a puppy will inherit part of his genes from each parent. If both the parent dogs have the same inherent health problems, there’s a very good chance that your pup will have them too.

However, many pure breed dogs have a relatively short lifespan compared with that of mixed-breeds.

3. Mutts are more intelligent than purebreds

Now, you may think that a pure breed dog is bound to be smarter than a mutt. Well, according to a scientific study by Aberdeen University, that’s not the case! In the study, researchers tested 100 dogs, using tests that included having the dogs navigate their way through a maze! The results showed overwhelmingly that crossbred dogs are better at solving problems and have superior spatial awareness when compared to pedigree pups.

Interestingly, intelligence is heavily influenced by the parent dogs that make up the crossbreed. For example, the most intelligent crossbreed, according to the study, was the spaniel-collie cross. Golden retrievers, poodles, and Labradors are also among those breeds that get a gold star for coming top of the class!

4. Insurance for mixed-breeds can be cheaper

Pet insurance is usually less expensive for crossbreeds than it is for pedigree dogs. That’s for a couple of reasons. Firstly, as we’ve mentioned above, mixed breeds tend to be less susceptible to inherited disorders than their pure breed cousins.

Also, pedigree dogs have a value. For example, a purebred bulldog puppy could set you back anything from $1,500 to $5,000. That value can make pedigree dogs of all breeds a target for thieves, which is why insuring them can be so costly.

5. Rescue centers and shelters are full of mixed-breed dogs

According to statistics produced by the ASPCA, around 75 percent of the dogs currently living in rescue centers and shelters are crossbreeds.

But why?

Well, it’s not because mixed-breeds aren’t popular. After all, 53 percent of U.S. dog-owning homes have a crossbreed dog. Unfortunately, mixed breeds are much more likely to be born thanks to an accidental mating. Puppies from liaisons such as these are almost destined to finish up in shelters.

Because these unwanted pups’ origins are usually unknown, prospective owners don’t want to chance taking one on in case the dog’s temperament proves to be unsuitable. Tragically, that means that around 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year. Did you know that euthanasia is the most common cause of death in dogs under two years of age?

6. Crossbreeds live longer than purebred dogs

When a much-loved family pet reaches the end of his life, it can be heartbreaking to say goodbye. According to a Purdue University study of 23,000 dogs, the average age at death was much lower for purebred dogs than it is for mixed breeds. A crossbreed dog can live for an average of 14 years, while a purebred’s life expectancy is only around ten years.

Why They Are Called Mutts

Did you ever wonder where the word “mutt” comes from? Well, mutt comes from the old Middle English word, “mouton,” meaning a sheep. Mouton eventually mutated into the word, “muttonhead,” which was used as a derogatory term for a person of limited intelligence.

By the late 1800s, muttonhead had been shortened to, “mutt.” Since then, the word “mutt” has been used as an insult to a person and also to describe a dog of unknown breeding.

Popular Mixed Breeds

In recent years, so-called “designer” breeds have become extremely popular. Designer breeds are actually just mixed-breed dogs that have been deliberately created by using two purebred animals.

Here are ten of the most popular designer mixed-breed dogs around today:

The Puggle

The adorably cute puggle is a cross between a pug and a beagle. Puggles are small dogs, standing just over a foot tall and weighing in at around 18 pounds. These pups have a life expectancy of between ten and fifteen years. Puggles make great dogs for families, as they love children and other pets.

The puggle is intelligent and trainable, although they can be prone to barking, which could be an issue for you if you live in an apartment or have close neighbors.

The Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is a cross between a poodle and a Maltese. If you have limited space, a Maltipoo could be perfect for you, as they are small dogs, standing only eight to 12 inches at the shoulder and weighing from five to 20 pounds.

Maltipoos are smart little dogs that are also very affectionate and great fun. These pups love children and make ideal pets for elderly folk too. You can expect to enjoy up to 13 happy years with your Maltipoo, as they are quite long-lived.

The Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is about the most popular mixed-breed dog worldwide. The Labradoodle is a cross between a poodle and a Labrador retriever.

Labradoodles vary in size, but they are usually large dogs, standing up to two feet tall and weighing anything up to 65 pounds. Labradoodles have short, curly coats that don’t shed much, making this breed an excellent choice for a household that has allergy sufferers.

The Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle is another large crossbreed that has a super personality and stunning good looks. The Goldendoodle is the result of crossbreeding a Golden retriever with a poodle.

You can expect to enjoy up to 15 years of love and devotion from your Goldendoodle. These are happy-go-lucky pups that thrive in a busy, active household.

The Maltese Shih Tzu

The Maltese Shih Tzu or Malt-Tzu is a beautiful crossbreed that grows to stand around 10 inches at the shoulder, weighing in at six to 12 pounds. These delightful mixed-breeds usually live to approximately 14 years.

The Maltese Shih Tzu is small and full of vigor. These pups love playing with kids and their short coats that don’t shed much, which makes them a good choice for folk with allergies.

The Cockapoo

The Cockapoo is a cross between a poodle and a Cocker spaniel and has the distinction of being the world’s first “designer dog.”

Cockapoos can be up to a foot tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 19 pounds. These charming dogs are highly trainable and very people-oriented. The Cockapoo can live up to 15 years and makes a superb family pet, being easy to train, loving, and loyal.

The Schnoodle

The Schnoodle is the result of crossing a schnauzer with a poodle. Schnoodles are quite small dogs, measuring up to a foot at the shoulder, and weighing anything from 20 to 75 pounds.

The Schnoodle is an ideal family pet, being bright, easy to train, affectionate, and full of life. Schnoodles are sturdy too and will happily join in games with your kids for hours. Like most crossbreeds, the Schnoodle can live for up to 15 years.

Peekapoo

The peekapoo is a cross between a poodle and a Pekinese. These cheeky little dogs are well-established as mixed-breed dogs, having been around for about fifty years or so.

The peekapoo is the ideal dog for you if you have limited space at home, as they stand under a foot tall and weigh from four to 20 pounds. Peekapoos are best-suited to singles, as they can be very much one-person dogs and are fiercely protective of the people they love. Your devoted little canine companion has a life expectancy of around 14 to 15 years.

The Yorkipoo

The Yorkipoo is a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a miniature poodle.

If you’re looking for a tiny dog that loves to play but will sit happily on your lap too, the Yorkipoo could be just the pup you’re looking for. Yorkipoos grow up to a foot high and can weigh from four to 14 pounds. You can expect your Yorkipoo to live up to 15 years.

You’ll find the Yorkipoo to be a friendly, intelligent little dog that loves to play but is very gentle too. The one drawback to this breed is that they can be barkers, which may be an issue for you if you live in an apartment or a condo where you have near neighbors.

The Goldador

The noble, faithful goldador is the result of crossing a Labrador retriever with a golden retriever. The result of that crossbreed is a large, good-natured dog that can measure anything up to two foot tall at the shoulder and weigh from 60 to 80 pounds.

You’ll need plenty of space for a Goldador, as they’re much more suited to life in a large house with a big backyard. Goldadors are wonderful with kids and other pets, making them the ideal choice for an outdoorsy family who loves to spend time walking in the countryside. Your goldador will most likely be easy to train and quick to learn, but he will need plenty of exercise too.

Parting Thoughts

You don’t need to buy a pedigree dog to find your canine friend for life. Mixed-breed dogs are the most popular choice for American families for all the reasons we’ve outlined in this article.

If you want a mixed-breed dog, you could save a life by giving a forever home to an unwanted pup from a shelter, or you could buy one from a breeder if you prefer to know exactly where your puppy came from. Remember that every dog has his own unique personality, regardless of his parentage. However, you can gauge the likely temperament of most dogs from their parents, which is an essential consideration if you have young children in your family.

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The Difference Between a Mutt, Mixed Breed, or Designer Dog

By

Amy Shojai

Amy Shojai

Amy Shojai, CABC, is an animal behavior expert and award-winning writer with over 25 years of hands-on experience training and caring for cats and dogs. She has written 27 books on animal care, been named CWA Friskies Writer of the Year, and appeared on Animal Planet as a pet expert.

Learn more about The Spruce Pets’
Editorial Process

Updated on 06/08/22

Reviewed by

Juliane Evans

Reviewed by
Juliane Evans

Dr. Juliane Evans is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist currently working as a relief veterinarian in general practice, treating companion animals. She is a licensed veterinarian in three states and is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA).

Learn more about The Spruce Pets’
Veterinary Review Board

There are so many types of dog breeds out there and lots of definitions that get thrown around. Many definitions actually mean the same thing, they just have different connotations (both negative and positive).

Understanding the Difference

To start with a basic understanding of dog breeds, it can be helpful to begin with purebred dogs. These are simply dogs that have registration papers that indicate both parents were registered and of the same breed. It has no bearing on the quality of the dog but simply means that particular canine is only one breed of dog.

Mixed breed or a designer dog is a different name for what is essentially a mutt. While the word mutt can have a negative connotation, it simply means that the dog’s parents were not registered and both parents are not of the same breed. These types of dogs come in a variety of coat types and colors, shapes, and sizes that rival any purebred dog.

Mixed Breed Dog Qualities

These dogs result from breeding different purebreds or other mixed-breed dogs together. Mixed breed dogs have no pedigree, and usually are the result of accidental matings. They’re usually not registered, although there are mixed breed registries that may offer some sort of documentation. Mixed breed dogs often superficially resemble a purebred. They can inherit all the best, or the worst, traits of their parents. It’s difficult if not impossible to predict what a mixed breed dog’s puppies will look like or how they’ll behave. Mixed breed dogs make wonderful pets, though. They are a popular choice for pets all over the world.

What’s a Designer Dog?

The term “designer dog” refers to an intentional mixing of breeds and is sometimes called a “hybrid” dog. These types of dogs are created by intentionally combining existing breeds to form new ones. Most existing dog breeds were created in this way and likely are hybrids. Many are so ancient, though, their origin is obscure.

A recent example of a designer or hybrid dog is the Labradoodle, purposely bred to take the low-shedding qualities of a poodle along with a Labrador’s temperament for a guide dog. Because Poodles come in three sizes, Labradoodle pups also vary in size and may be more like the Poodle or Labrador side of the family. Hybrid breeders are dedicated to establishing the variety as a true breed. They work to create a predictable type, working with generations of dogs.

The designer dog label today is used to market hybrid dogs, which may (or may not) be more healthy, cute, trainable, or other fill-in-the-blank claims. Shelters sometimes label mixed breeds as a designer breed to promote adoptions. Puppy mills jumped on the designer dog bandwagon to create boatloads of interesting mixes they sell for high prices.

A True Hybrid Dog

A rarer type of “true hybrid” is a dog that has been crossed with a wild animal, such as a wolf or coyote. These can be intentional pairings or may occur naturally in the wild. These types of animals are not usually recommended as pets, as they are a half-wild animal. Sometimes special permits are required if an owner is planning to keep one as a pet. Some breeders will charge inflated prices for these types of hybrids. Be wary of being scammed or ending up with an expensive and potentially dangerous animal in your home.

How to Select a Dog

The health and temperament of a puppy should weigh more heavily than any cute factor and marketing ploys. Don’t let a designer label or popular puppy fads get in the way of choosing a healthy companion—whether pedigree, mutt or designer breed, listen to your head as well as your heart. Any hybrid or designer dog is a mutt, but don’t let that connotation make you shy away from a pet that is a good match for you, your lifestyle, and your family. Certain dog breeds (for example, working breed dogs) have been bred historically for their behavior and skills to do certain jobs, and these traits may or may not be helpful for companion animals. Some breeds require more exercise, training, and time to keep healthy and happy.

Consider your lifestyle and how much time you can commit to a new puppy before making the decision to buy or adopt. If you work long hours, you may have to make arrangements for someone to let your puppy out for bathroom breaks, help in house-training, and exercise your puppy as he/she grows. Certain breeds also require more extensive and ongoing grooming care, which could require additional budgeting to prevent health issues. Consulting with your veterinarian and/or a dog trainer may be worth your time to help determine what kind of dog may be a more ideal fit for your lifestyle and environment.

Learning About Your Dog’s Genetics

If you do have a mixed breed or mutt dog and are curious about what breed or breeds your dog originates from, you may want to use a canine genetic test for your dog. With a simple saliva sample, the tests can provide information about your dog’s ancestry and the potential breeds that make up your dog. Some tests can also provide health information, especially as it relates to genetic markers that may be related to specific breeds that are in your dog’s DNA.

Mixed Breed Dog Dog Breed Profile

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2. Dog Breeds

Form and Function

Sometimes called a hybrid, mutt or crossbreed, the mixed-breed dog is a beloved member of the canine family. Mixed-breed dogs run the gamut in size, shape, color, coat and pattern. Unlike purebred puppies that are the offspring of one breed of dog, mixed breeds are the kaleidoscopes of the canine world.

 

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Breed Traits

Breed Attributes

Type

Mixed

Weight

Varies

Height

Varies

Family

Varies

Area of Origin

Worldwide

Date of Origin

Ancient times

History

Mixed breeds are steeped in history. With more than one breed in its bloodline, their ancestors are often a variety of two or more dogs. While a mixed breed dog’s lineage might be unknown, a designer dog’s line can generally be traced back, such as a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle combined to produce a Labradoodle.

Public perception of mixed breeds has evolved over the years. Some people believe they are less prone to certain illnesses. Due to their mixed breed lineage, the perception exists that less purebred genetic material may mean less genetic problems such as heart disease, hip dysplasia, and kidney disease.

The largest-ever DNA study of 330 breeds including 83,000 mixed-breed dogs and 18,000 purebred dogs revealed fewer mixed breeds are affected by disease-causing mutations versus purebred dogs.^[1] The study did show that although mixed breeds are less likely to develop certain disorders they “may still be carriers.”^[2]

Pride and enthusiasm for mixed breeds are evident with online and in-person celebrations of #NationalMuttDay, which calls attention to mutts while helping to save lives.

^[1] https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2018-06-15/study-reveals-genetic-diseases-mixed-breed-purebred-dogs

^[2] https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2018-06-15/study-reveals-genetic-diseases-mixed-breed-purebred-dogs

 

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Temperament

Variation in genes means, like their purebred counterparts, each mixed-breed dog’s personality is unique. They may gravitate more strongly to certain qualities if one of their breeds is more dominant. For example, two Puggles (a mix of Pug and Beagle breeds) similar in appearance may behave differently. One can be laid back like a Pug while the other is driven by a sense of smell like a Beagle.

Depending on their parental lineage, one particular breed may dominate the dog’s personality and temperament. Like human beings, dogs can take on the personality of one parent more than the other. Each mixed breed is one-of-a-kind, including puppies from the same litter.

Demonstrating both athletic prowess and skill, they compete in agility, disc dog events, dock diving, flyball and are trained as service or guide dogs. Challenging both mind and body, mixed breeds need an outlet to keep them happy and healthy.

The way they behave towards people, other animals and situations is a combination of environmental factors as well as inherited traits. Whether a mixed breed dog will behave more like their mother or father is a combination of pot luck and gene pool. Additionally, a dog’s personality often flourishes and changes once removed from a shelter environment.

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Upkeep

Like all dogs, mixed breeds should receive adequate exercise, veterinary care, a healthy diet, access to clean water, and regular bathing with nail clipping, brushing and coat maintenance.

Depending on the breeds in their gene pool, some mixed dogs may be couch potatoes while others are more athletic. They all should have some form of mental and physical activity that can be coordinated with a veterinarian’s guidance. A DNA breed test may help pet parents determine which diseases can affect their dog. Genetic screening can help determine a dog’s ancestry and provide further insight into breed-specific health, behavior and more.

Mixed breed dog coats range from thick and dense to short and sparse, and from shedders to non-shedders. Because their breed makeup is a mixed bag, appearance and temperament are diverse. Their uniqueness may help them adjust to a variety of home environments including city living, country life and everything in between. Whereas mixed breeds were historically viewed as less-desirable to some human societies, the creation of “designer dogs” has brought increased popularity to crosses not recognized as classic dog breeds.

As the mixed-breed dog is incredibly diverse, we’ve indicated a 3 on all highlights below. Keep in mind a mixed breed may be a 1 or a 5 in any of these – it just all depends on the dog!

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Health

Major Concerns: N/A

Minor Concerns: N/A

Occasionally Seen: N/A

Suggested Tests: DNA salivary testing to determine breed lineage to help in guiding veterinary care and testing.

Lifespan: Varies

Notes: Some rescues and shelters may have knowledge of the dog’s health history or any pre-existing conditions.

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Disclaimer

Note: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.

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Do you have a dog?

No breed (mutt) – description of the dog breed: character, behavior, size, reviews and photos

Traditionally, mongrels were not allowed to participate in dog shows, but in recent years, separate rings for mongrel dogs have begun to appear at some shows.

Your pet of unknown origin will bring you no less joy than a thoroughbred dog, and will be your devoted friend until the end of his days.

Character

The behavior of all dogs has been shaped by millennia of contact with humans and their way of life. As a result of this physical and social evolution, dogs, more than any other animal species, have acquired the ability to understand and communicate with people, to capture the mood of a person and read his emotions. Those who grew up on the street, these abilities are especially well developed. The ability to understand the mood of each person is the key to peace and physical well-being.

They are amazing empaths who can approach a crying stranger to comfort them or accept a game offer from someone they just met.

It has long been noticed that mongrels are well trained, able to build longer logical chains and have a better memory than most purebred dogs. Many mongrel dogs raised on the street are great at tricking or pretending to get treats.

The nature and temperament of any mongrel is determined by two things: origin and living conditions. If in the recent past a dog had a representative of a certain breed in the genus, this dog is more likely to show the qualities of that breed. For example, if one of its ancestors was a setter, most likely, this dog will have an increased interest in hunting and other activities where the sense of smell is most involved.

The conditions in which a dog grew up also play a huge role in its further behavior. A mongrel that grew up on the street will have a very different type of behavior than one that grew up in the master’s house.

Street dogs are usually characterized by distrust of people, well-developed ingenuity, the ability to quickly adapt to changing conditions and independence.

A domestic dog from birth will consider a person as a friend and its socialization will not take much time.

Breed standards

The size and appearance of mongrel dogs is very variable and completely unpredictable in puppyhood. You can’t know exactly what size a puppy will be until it grows up. Sometimes this creates some problems in the future: your small apartment may be too cramped for a pet that has suddenly grown to the size of a dog.

However, there is a way to determine the approximate size of your dog by measuring the puppy’s feet. The larger the puppy’s legs compared to its body, the larger it will become when it grows up. By four months, the dog will usually grow to about two-thirds of its final adult size.

Although mongrel dogs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, they all belong to the same species, are genetically identical and have the same anatomical structure.

All dogs have two sets of teeth. The 28 milk teeth erupt at 6-8 weeks of age, and by the time the puppies are 6-7 months old, all of the milk teeth have been replaced by 42 adult teeth. Permanent teeth include incisors for biting, canines for tearing meat, and premolars and molars for grinding food.

Dogs are animals that can run well (with the exception of some breeds bred specifically for certain purposes). The design of the bones of the shoulder and pelvis and the way they articulate with the bones of the legs and spine make it easy for most dogs to run and jump.

Outbred dogs have all three basic coat types: short (like a Pointer or Doberman), medium (like an Irish Setter or Siberian Husky) and long (like a Maltese). Within these categories, coarse or soft wool is found.

Mongrel dogs come in a wide variety of colors: plain, with spots of various colors and shapes, mottled, tan, etc.

Everyday care of your dog is essential to his health and well-being. The dog’s coat forms a barrier between the environment and the skin.

Grooming improves the beauty and well-being of the dog and gives the owner the opportunity to assess the general condition of the dog.

Care for the coat, eyes and teeth is just as important for a purebred dog as it is for a purebred dog. What’s more, it often helps to build a faster and closer bond with the dog, providing a pleasant and relaxing means of communicating with him through touch.

Most dogs (and yard terriers are no exception) shed seasonally: in spring and autumn. This is a natural phenomenon, which is largely dependent on the amount of daylight. In autumn, when the days get shorter, the dog’s coat will become thicker and longer. In the spring, after molting, the coat grows thinner and shorter. Dogs with long and thick coats need more frequent grooming than short-haired ones.

The temperature of keeping has a strong influence on the amount and thickness of the dog’s coat. If a dog lives in a warm climate or is indoors throughout the year, its coat will be much sparse and with less undercoat than those living outdoors or in cold climates.

Many dogs, especially taken from the street in adulthood, are very afraid of bathing. To get your dog used to this process, find a way to make it fun and enjoyable. You should not drag your dog to the bathroom on a leash, as it will be even more scared and may dislike this procedure forever. Play with your dog, treat him to something tasty and wait until he enters the bathroom on his own.

Outbred dogs often have hanging ears, which need to be cleaned somewhat more often than erect ears. Regardless of your dog’s size and appearance, he also needs to have his nails trimmed and his teeth cleaned regularly.

For a purebred dog, as for a purebred dog, regular grooming is an important part of maintaining good health. Weekly grooming of ears, coat and nails gives owners the opportunity to examine their pets and identify possible diseases in time.

Conditions of detention

If you are going to get a purebred dog, you must understand that you take on exactly the same responsibility as when buying a purebred dog. Dogs live an average of 10-13 years (small dogs a little longer), and you should be prepared to take on the role of owner throughout that time.

Think carefully about the amount you are willing to spend on a dog every month, estimate the amount of free time, the size of your house or apartment, readiness for long walks and physical activity. After that, it will become much easier for you to understand what type and size of a mixed breed dog you can take in order to provide it with the necessary conditions for keeping it.

It doesn’t matter if you choose a huge stern dog or a small touching mongrel, any dog ​​will need everything that its purebred fellows need: proper nutrition, regular grooming, visits to the veterinarian, education, training, long walks and, of course, communication with your owner.

Many mongrel dogs are so attached to the owner that they are almost unable to be alone. Provide your dog with enough toys, a good walk with him before leaving for work, and in time he will learn to be alone at home, calmly waiting for your return.

Weaknesses of health

As a rule, due to the diversity of genes and passing through harsh natural selection, purebred dogs are much less susceptible to many hereditary diseases. But mongrels also have health problems.

First of all, these are external and internal parasites that can greatly weaken the dog’s body. Animals that have lived on the street for a long time can have injuries and injuries, diseases of the digestive tract, liver and kidneys, as well as mental problems. You should be prepared to take your pet to the veterinarian immediately if you have taken it outside.

Large mongrel dogs may experience the same musculoskeletal problems as their purebred counterparts. All dogs, regardless of their size and type, can have skin and eye diseases, cancer, heart disease, etc.

If you have a purebred dog, this does not mean that it does not need to be regularly examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated and, if necessary, tested. A healthy dog ​​will repay you with boundless love and be a source of joy for years to come.

The life expectancy of mutts is also generally higher than that of purebred dogs.

Nutrition

Feeding a purebred dog should be based on the same principles as feeding a purebred dog. No leftovers from your table, boiled bones, salty, sweet or fatty foods. Don’t let your dog bite you, begging for food between meals. Give her either high-quality ready-made food, or cook food yourself, after reading how to do it right.

An active adult dog is usually fed in the morning and evening. If you have a not very athletic dog that mostly lies on the couch, one of the feedings can be replaced with kefir or yogurt.

History of the breed

Archaeological sites in England dating back 500,000 years show a close relationship between the ancestors of humans and dogs. Homo heidelbergensis, from which the Neanderthals and later modern man descended, trained wolves to hunt and protect them from the lions, hyenas and bears that roamed the earth. In return, the wolves were given food and shelter. Thus began the symbiosis of man and dog.

With the advent of the Stone Age, Neanderthals spent their free time teaching wolves how to hunt and guard their homes. They carefully selected wolf cubs to breed the most intelligent and least aggressive helpers.

This selective breeding eventually led to the animals we now call dogs.

By the Bronze Age, which was around 3000 BC, there were five different types of dogs: sheepdogs, hunting dogs, spitz-dogs, greyhounds and great danes.

The Romans were the first to have dogs as pets. The relationship between man and dog became so close that people began to take their dogs on hikes in Europe. Traveling around the countries, they collected all kinds of breeds of these animals and brought them to their cities.

But soon after the fall of the Roman Empire, interest in dog breeding and training waned, leading to a lot of uncontrolled mating. So there was a huge number of mongrels who roamed the streets of cities.

During the Crusades, rats were a huge problem, and to prevent the spread of disease, the peasants began breeding small breeds of vicious dogs that could chase and kill these pests. They were the ancestors of modern terriers, hounds and spaniels.

Then came shepherd dogs, sled dogs, a huge number of hunting, decorative, service breeds. With the development of civilization, the number of breeds of dogs has constantly increased. But along with this, the number of mongrels also increased, the reproduction and number of which no one followed.

Most often, mongrel dogs served to protect dwellings, but sometimes they could be seen hunting, and in a team, and next to a shepherd.

With the development of science, mongrel dogs began to be used as experimental animals, and it is to them that mankind owes many discoveries in various fields.

• The common mongrel Laika is the first animal in the world to be put into Earth’s orbit. The design of the apparatus was such that it excluded the return of Laika to Earth. When selecting candidates for this flight, the designers set a maximum dog weight of 6-7 kg, but small breed dogs were not suitable for this purpose: they lacked stamina, many were spoiled and demanding on food. Therefore, for the flight, it was decided to select small mongrels from animal shelters. In total, more than 50 outbred dogs participated in the conquest of space.

• In the middle of the last century, a monument was erected in Florence to the outbred dog Fido, who every day for 14 years came to the bus stop to wait for his master, who died during the bombing in World War II. The inscription on the monument reads: “Fido – the model of devotion.”

• Actor Orlando Bloom brought the black mongrel dog Saydi from filming in Morocco. He was walking around the local market, saw a little hungry puppy in a box and immediately realized that he needed to be rescued. After going through a long process of all the necessary paperwork, Bloom brought the puppy to America. Now the actor can be seen with Saydi not only on a walk and in a cafe, but also at concerts.

A bit about mongrels | Shelter for homeless animals SWAD

1. Health.

Less painful. Has innate immunity.

In pedigreed dogs, one can often find certain hereditary diseases characteristic of this breed, this, unfortunately, is a fact. For the most part, mutts do not suffer from this, unless one of their parents is close to thoroughbreds.

2. Intellect.

Each breed was bred FOR SOMETHING, that is, those instincts, those characteristic features that justify the existence of this breed are initially laid down in it. Therefore, based on these underlying mechanisms, training proceeds for the most part almost like a scenario, which is adjusted to the characteristics of a particular dog, but in general, for each type of breed, this scheme exists. The mongrel does not have this laid down scheme. A mongrel is a tabula rasa, that same blank slate on which you can write whatever you like: what you mold from it is what you get in the end. Plus to this (in many respects, for the same reasons) training is based largely not so much on conditioned reflexes, but on the dog’s understanding of the current situation. Why are shepherd dogs the smartest of all purebred dogs? Yes, because it has historically developed in such a way that the dog should be able to make decisions on its own. And no reflexes will help here. The same with the mongrels, and they really occupy a deservedly high place in terms of intelligence.
Most of the surveyed owners of purebred dogs (53%) assess the trainability of their pets as significant and very strong. But in terms of intelligence, outbred dogs are ahead of everyone – 84% of respondents say that their dogs are very smart. In terms of independence of behavior, mongrels and mestizos are second only to Caucasian shepherd dogs, leaving far behind other thoroughbred dogs. Outbred dogs very quickly learn the rules of “behavior at the table” – good habits. In this they are second only to Caucasian Shepherd Dogs and Giant Schnauzers.

3. Security qualities.

Excellent watchdogs. Large mongrels make excellent watchdogs. It is better to take a mongrel to a private house, they are more hardy.

Watchdog qualities of outbred dogs: barking at a stranger or noise outside the door is less pronounced than in most service dogs, but still more significant than in Dobermans, Boxers and collies. 53% of mongrel owners described this trait as very pronounced.

In terms of their ability to protect the owner or protect the territory, purebred dogs are also inferior to many working dogs, but they turn out to be better than collies and boxers. Nevertheless, 23% of the mongrels are good bodyguards, and 45% are good and excellent guards of the apartments and cottages entrusted to them.

4. Devotion.

Devotion is a separate issue. Any dog ​​with the right upbringing is devoted to its owner to the last. Her love is something that a person can be 100% sure of, it’s something that you can’t buy for any money. It doesn’t matter if it’s a purebred dog or not. If you are one family, if you are a leader in your relationship, strong, wise, fair and understandable to a dog, you will be adored until the end of your days, no matter whether it is a small lapdog or a huge wolfhound.

5. Character, soul.

As for sociability, outbred dogs are just gossips. Only East European Shepherds are more sociable. Mutts are more fun and more playful than Giant Schnauzers, Rottweilers, Shepherd Dogs. In addition, mongrels and mestizos are more affectionate than Giant Schnauzers, German Shepherds, Black Terriers and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs. Feeding outbred dogs is cheaper for their owners than for many pedigreed dog owners.

6. Uniqueness and uniqueness.

Mongrel is a unique dog. Those who love originality can be sure that you won’t find another one like it!..

Who are the mutts?

This group is the most numerous, perhaps more than all other breed groups combined. Biologists call the representatives of this order “complex polyhybrids”, and we, the townsfolk, are simply mongrels. They do not have any laws and standards, they are big and small, long-legged and squat, shaggy and smooth, funny and sad … They are so different from each other, because they are not a breed, cynologists do not care about their exterior, they do not participate in dog shows, do not receive diplomas and medals. But they live next to us and many of us would not exchange them for any of the most beautiful thoroughbred dogs. And if you think about it, we create the mongrels ourselves. Often people take a baby puppy into the house – pretty, playful, affectionate. The puppy is growing up and, like any living creature, requires time, attention, mental and material costs. It was so nice to play with a puppy, but an adult dog is no longer amusing, sometimes even annoying, requiring time, which is already short. The easiest way to get rid of an unnecessary dog ​​is to kick it out into the street, especially if it got for free. And it happens that in the summer they take a puppy to the country. But the summer ends, and the city apartment is not a dacha, all the necessary things are packed, and the dog, as an unnecessary thing, remains at the closed porch. And she waits, waits, waits … She does not believe that those whom she loved so much, to whom she was so devoted, could cruelly deceive her. There are other reasons why homeless animals appear, but they are all alive, capable of both feeling and experiencing. Finally, they just want to eat, they need warmth in winter.

Not everyone treats mutts the same way. Many outbred dogs live in houses and city apartments, are considered family members, love their owners, are loved by them and want to be useful, doing everything that their canine capabilities are capable of. And people do not regret that they keep mongrels, they are also a “complex polyhybrid”, they have the features of many dogs, even high-breed ones. Over the years, the mutts developed stamina, acquired endurance, became unpretentious, independent and resourceful; the blood of noble ancestors gave them their qualities. In Siberia, outbred dogs – the so-called Laykoeds – are excellent hunters, in the North they are wonderful sled dogs, in the Caucasus, along with sheep dogs, they are good shepherds. And as artists, mongrels perform in many circuses. The mutts are perfectly trained, easily attached to a person and are very grateful to him for showing attention and affection, they are smart and no less noble than canine aristocrats.

Of course, mutts can be dangerous. But the point here is not even whether it is a mongrel or a thoroughbred dog, it’s just that the former often find themselves in a hopeless situation and are forced to defend themselves. United in flocks, they live in wastelands, a feral flock is aggressive and uncontrollable. Since all dogs are predators by nature (they have the blood of their ancestors of wolves), without a person they regain their ancient predatory instincts, and the qualities brought up in dogs by people over the centuries – quick wits, courage, resourcefulness, dexterity, etc. the benefit of man. In addition, such dogs are not afraid of people, they know their temper and habits well, which allows them to calculate his actions. But this is a dog’s way of dealing with a heavy lot, to which, again, a man has doomed them. If he treats the mongrels as they deserve, they will respond with loyalty. The mutts proved this during the war, serving as excellent signalmen and orderlies, mine detectors and sled dogs. A mongrel is a dog. And the dog is real! And she, too, is a “worthy member of society” if society does not throw the dog overboard. As for the fear of many that mongrels spread the infection, this is an exaggeration. There are no more infections in them than in any other dog, you need to follow the rules of personal hygiene when communicating with any dog. But the danger is still there. A betrayer of a dog can become infected with the most dangerous disease of the soul, it is called callousness, selfishness, cruelty. The consequences of such a disease can be very severe.

Read online Gerda. The story of a mongrel, Vladimir Valeryevich Zemsha – LitRes

In the bloody glow of sunset,

In the agony of death,

Dead puppies are lying,

Cruel will of the people.

Fluffy lumps lie down,

Their souls howl and whine.

Mother and little daughters are here

We pressed the skins row by row.

They do not frolic on the lawn.

The sun will not rise over them.

And the voice of a loving hostess,

They will never be called

Electrocuted and forgotten.

Among the tires burned

But one day there will be evens,

And evil for evil avenged!

Sorry, dear friends,

Murder is fierce!

Weeping over you with howling blizzards

And the evil crow is circling.

V. Zemshha, December 2014

© Vladimir Valerievich Zemsh, 2021

ISBN 978-4474-0663-9

Created in the intellectual publishing system Ridero

Vizg of Vizg. apartment skyscrapers, echoing off the gray concrete walls.

There was a low scolding, stomping, some kind of fuss.

– Hold her!

– Why are you grinning, you bitch tribe!

– Come on, come on! Don’t rip!

– Get her!

Two men in blue overalls with orange accents were dragging a stubborn, beige, or, as dog breeders say, fawn, dog, on whose head strangleholds were thrown.

These two smelled distinctly of some mixture of sweat, adrenaline, gasoline, metal, and yesterday’s tobacco and vodka fumes. The dog looked frightened into their angry dots of pupils directed at her, shaking her head desperately, resting her paws. My heart was pounding. The dog’s eyes dimmed from stress. Metal bolts clanged. The doors slammed shut. It became dark. The smells of gasoline and old-fashioned dog fear, from which the whole space seemed to ring here, hit her nose. The spitting hum of the starter was picked up by the engine, and the entire metal belly of the dogcatchers was filled with shaking movement …

Some barefoot man in tights, bare to the waist, furiously glaring at the receding Gazelle, rushed after him, shouting and waving his arms.

– Gerda-ah! … Stop!

… About a year earlier

– Yes, drown these rootless creatures, – a decent-looking woman, looked from the porch towards the doghouse at wrinkled, defenseless puppies, poking their squeaking muzzles into their mother’s black velvety belly.

– Well, Bug, you filthy dog! Worked up offspring from Pirate! – the woman added and shifted her gaze to her husband, who was scurrying around nearby.

Pirate, this was a red-coloured neighborhood guard dog. On the gates of this house was written: “Caution! Angry dog! ”, Which is fully consistent with what was written. Although it would be difficult to say exactly who was meaner in this house, the dog or its owner, raising his pet to his “style”!

The bug, guiltily lowering her head to one side, looked inquisitively from the booth into the eyes of the hostess, as if trying to catch her fate and the fate of her offspring in them, then, yawning, from a surging feeling of anxiety, she turned away, looking for dog-like reconciliation. With her instinct, she understood that something did not suit her mistress. But what is it exactly? She began to lick the squeaking lumps with zeal, sniffing each one.

As she felt, these defenseless creatures came into the world precisely in order to become the object of her care and protection. Maternal instinct demanded from her complete dedication for their sake. But just what do her mistress and owner think about all this? What’s next? What will be next? However, it is not common for a dog to look into the distant future. So she was only worried about the next moment. Like any dog, she easily distinguished her shaggy fellow tribesmen from people, however, the latter seemed to her some special varieties of omnipotent dogs, to serve which her vocation was a rootless yard dog who spends his life, if at all lucky to have owners, on a chain around his booths. She was more fortunate than the neighbor’s Pirate, whom the owner kept in tight rein, being convinced that kindness only “spoils the dog.” Therefore, not only did he not indulge her, but generally kept others at a decent distance from her, forming in the dog’s head the “image of the enemy” around, even in the face of his own neighbors! So the Bug is actually lucky! Its owners were, in principle, compassionate, sometimes let them off the chain, let them frolic. And the owner even sometimes took her to the forest with him. A forest full of such expanse! The owner in the forest, unlike her, did not run and did not frolic. He did things there that were completely strange to her. But she willingly threw herself into the water after the stick he had thrown, happily jumped out onto the sandy shore, furiously brushing off her black hair. The world around was filled with such a longed-for rainbow of smells of plants and life, the enchanting aroma of other dogs, each of which beckoned her to him like a magnet, sometimes depriving her of peace, especially in spring. From time to time, she was irresistibly drawn to her shaggy brothers. It was hard to understand why. But what can you do against instinct! Yes, yes, precisely, the instinct laid down by mother nature, by the will of which, she was so strongly drawn to this freedom, full of unknown adventures. She no longer remembered her mother at all. After all, they broke up so long ago! About two or three years ago. What can you do!

(Dogs quickly forget both their parents and children. This happens as soon as the grown-up “hairy” puppies cease to need maternal care. But with a dog’s attitude towards a person, the situation is different. Dog devotion to his master has won not only general fame, but also became the standard of selfless selfless fidelity that does not require much in return.)

Now the Bug has become a mother for the first time, and the world appeared before her from a new, completely unknown before side. Now she is not the old carefree young bitch looking for adventure, but a sedate mother. She breathed frequently, her mouth open, her tongue hanging to one side, licking her lips from time to time. Puppies crawled around in the underbelly.

– Neighbor! Listen! – the owner of the Pirate leaned out from behind the fence.

He was a heavily built man of about forty-five, he always moved confidently like a lion, his eyes were filled with cold ruthless cruelty. Looking at him, it seemed that there was nothing in the world that could shake the hard heart of this man.

Seeing the Beetle, he stopped short.

– Oh, this one, did your scholi bitch whelp?

– Thank you, neighbor, and your dog!

– Yes, okay! Always pity! Here you are, a request to you.

– What is the request, neighbor?

– Yes, yes! Here, you throw a sausage to my Pirate, and if he comes up to you, you beat him with a stick. Not very much, current. Yeah?

– What are you, neighbor? What is needed?

– Yes, on that one, I train my own dog, he took the current from his own food.

– Well, neighbor, do as you like, but I’m your neighbor! I won’t beat your dog!

– Aaah, – he beckoned with his hand, – you don’t understand anything!

This man, of all living creatures, if he loved anyone, only dogs, the rest – exclusively tied to a tree in the form of a hunting trophy. His soul exuded an evil spirit, reflected in the expression of his face, which gradually became like an evil mask, reflecting the essence of this person. After all, it’s not for nothing that they say that “at twenty we have the face that nature gave us, at thirty we have the one we made ourselves, and then the one we deserve.” What did this person deserve? After all, he got satisfaction from killing animals, which he loved only as targets, and dogs, for him, were only servants serving his whims. For this, he kept the dog in “hedgehogs”, set badgers and other living creatures on badgers, developing aggressiveness in it.

So, the angry neighbor disappeared. The owner just grinned after him: “Well, what a man!”

– Claudia, where is the bucket? – the man returned his thoughts to his problem, resolutely approached the booth. Stumbling over a chain, he stepped into dog feces and swore angrily.

– Well, Bug, she has worked up her offspring, and now I’m here …! – he banged his fist on the booth, furiously, with disgust, wiping his sole on the ground.

He was extremely unhappy that it was he who now had to do this dirty, foul work! But what can you do, is he a man or not a man, in fact ?!

The dog shuddered and pressed its head to the ground. She looked at the owner, trying to catch the reason for his displeasure, without understanding anything, she began to lick the babies again. Perhaps assuming that this is exactly what her beloved master expects from her. She could only allow him to her squeaking babies, in whom her trust was boundless. She watched as the owner took one after another, only her heart was beating hard in excitement. Deprived of maternal warmth, they twitched their paws, opened their little pink toothless tweeter mouths.

– Oh! What-and-e ma-a-scarlet! – the eight-year-old master’s son appeared and extended his hand.

– Go, go, go, son, go! The father turned to his wife. – Mother! Well, what are you? Where are you looking?

– Dad, let me see-th-th! the boy continued.

– Give it to the child! supported the son’s mother. – Let him play.

– I want this light one! The boy perked up.

– Let’s play! Well, you know-and-eat! – the father, displeased, pulled one of the squeakers out of the bucket and handed it to his son. – Hold on, Petka, yours, – and, obviously freaking out, continued his former path to the sink …

The bitch pulled the shortened chain to a suffocating weight in the collar. She stood, tensely looking out for the owner who had gone around the corner. She was breathing heavily through her open mouth. Drops of saliva often fell to the ground. Swollen “nipple rows” sagged under the belly, waiting for those for whom they were prepared. But it’s all in vain. Vain and useless are the dog’s bitter tears, quietly rolling down the throat and eating away the heart with their silent anguish of hopelessness. Those dog eyes, full of hopeless sadness, looking at you guiltily, with hope and bitter reproach…

(Some will say that this is snotty nonsense, because dogs do not know how to cry, but only those who are hopelessly infected with the “leprosy” of blind arrogant cruelty, the retribution for which will inevitably come. After all, a person becomes a person exclusively through virtue and capacity for compassion, human compassion!)

Soon the owner returned, spat on the ground, and threw the empty bucket into the shed. The sun shone brightly. Birds chirped in the branches of the trees, fussing about their chicks. Butterflies fluttered, mating. All nature seemed to be preoccupied with one thing… The water surface of the puddle, arrogantly covered with swell, indifferently reflected the blue sky. And in the putrefactive compost pit, which is nearby, among the green fattened flies feasting here, all that was no longer needed by this bright sunny world was sadly buried. That’s all. Everything ended so sadly for them, without even starting…

***

The boy came out of the gate. When he passed by the neighbor’s house, the Pirate almost jumped out of the skin, barking and growling angrily from behind the fence.

“If only this terrible red dog didn’t break free!” thought the boy, shrinking.

And, somewhere behind, the barking of the angry red-haired Pirate. Petka bravely walked with a puppy in his hands along the street of the “private sector”, behind which the multi-apartment high-rise buildings of a new residential microdistrict rose in mountains.

– Kolka, Marinka! Look! Who do I have here! – he stretched out his hand with the puppy. –

Come here!

The children hugged the boy with curiosity.

– Oh, how small he is!

– Let me touch it!

– Oh, look-and-and! And he already has a tail! Ma-a-scarlet like that.

Such attention made Petka feel like the hero of the day. The authority of his popularity grew literally before our eyes. So, at least, it seemed to him. He was proud. The puppy now bothered him much less than this pleasant feeling of being an “axis”, around which at that moment, it seemed, the whole childish world familiar to him revolved.

– Petya, let me hold it. Can? – the girl stretched out her hands and looked into his eyes earnestly.

– Pa-zha-a-lsta! Petka grinned condescendingly and handed the puppy to Marinka.

– What is his name?

– I don’t know. Nothing else,” the owner of the furry miracle shrugged.

– Oh-oh-oh! He tickles my hands with his mouth. He wants to eat me,” the girl grimaced merrily, pulling her head into her shoulders.

– He is looking for a boob, what the hell does he need you for! Kolka said.

– I found where to look for a boob! Petka chuckled.

Is it a boy or a girl? Marina asked.

Petka, thinking, turned the puppy upside down, and all the friendly brothers began to carefully study the situation under the tail …

– Bitch! – finally, Kolka delivered a verdict.

– You yourself are a bitch! Petka looked disapprovingly at his comrade. – It’s a girl! Dog girl.

“Come on, let’s call her Lizka,” the girl suggested.

– Lizkoy? Why Lizkoy? The boys shrugged.

– Yes, because she licks my palms! Marina laughed. – That’s why she is Lizka!

– Well, I don’t know! Petka thought. – I was thinking of calling Bezhka, for the color…

– Nah, Lizka is better! – Marina folded her lips in a bow. – Sing, and Sing, give me Lizka, stretching out her lower lip, opened her eyes as wide as possible, raised her eyebrows plaintively.

Petka chuckled. I thought, looked slyly at my girlfriend.

– Well? Marina furrowed her eyebrows.

– Yes, please! I give! – generously, as if from a master’s shoulder, the answer sounded. – I still have five of these at home!…

… A few months later

The apartment of one of the many new high-rise buildings, dynamically, to the delight of the townspeople advancing on the urban suburbs with typical bedroom neighborhoods, was filled with morning bustle.

– Yes, it’s a puddle again! – Marinka’s father squeamishly jumped on one leg into the bathroom.

– What do you want? You need to walk on time! Marinka’s mother stated reasonably.

– So Marinka got herself a toy, go for a walk! my father shouted from the bath.

– And I have to go to school by eight! I have no time,” Marinka was indignant, rubbing her sleepy eyes…

As soon as my father came out of the bathroom, holding wet crumpled socks in his hand, his indignant baritone sounded again.

– What is this? Now your Lizka gnawed off my shoes, she didn’t have enough of her mother’s shoes last week! – he again desperately waved his hands, kicked his boots, grabbed his head.

Marinka silently blinked her eyes, like “she has nothing to do with it.”

– And I told you, a dog has no place in an apartment with a person! – for the hundredth or even the thousandth time, Marinka’s mother said. – Yes, you finally take it back to the private sector.

– Do you propose to throw it away? Father took a deep breath of air into his lungs.

She’ll be better off there. She will find a yard for herself there and be happy. I’m telling you exactly!

Marinka was frowningly silent while packing her school backpack…

… How much more – passed then

A young beige bitch ran restlessly along the village street, clutching her favorite ball in her teeth. One. The owners have disappeared. Carried away by the game, she did not notice. After all, the air of freedom around was so intoxicating! So alluring. Lizka rushed after the ball bouncing along the road, and that’s it…

It was getting dark. The sky was filled with a crimson glow, reflected in the windows of the houses, where at times the lights were already beginning to be turned on. And the colorful world began to sink into a two-tone black and white gamut. She was getting scared. She ran past the fence, from where some black dog defiantly barked at her, obviously working out her “dog bread” in front of her master.

“Bug, shut up,” the owner barked at her in annoyance.

Lizka stopped. Like a light warm wave, vague memories licked her nose with familiar smells. She, sniffing, jerkily pumped air with a wet black patch of her nose, trying to catch those fleeting familiar waves that instantly dissolve in the turbulent streams of other, completely alien smells. Again there was a bark of the Beetle and the gnashing of a chain dragged along the ground.

A red-haired vicious dog began to echo her from a neighboring house.

– Damn it! Who are they barking at?

– Yes, there is some kind of stray dog ​​running behind the fence.

“Petka, scare her, otherwise ours will go completely to shit,” the man turned to his dog. – Bug, fu-u, I told you! And the Pirate is already raging at any rustle. Yes, what a disgrace! The neighbor has not been seen for a week. He himself moved, and threw the dog. And the dog is not fed. Son, you throw him something to eat after, maybe.

– Dad, maybe it’s better to let him out, let him find food for himself, otherwise he will die on a chain. He won’t take food from us anyway. Everything, as his master taught!

– How do you let someone like that out, he won’t let you in, he’s a terribly evil creature! Yes, and it’s scary to let someone off the chain!

– It means he will die!

The kid beckoned and went behind the gate, went out into the street, stamped his foot on the ground in front of the frightened Lizka.

– Jump, come on, run there!

Lizka’s heart sank in fear. She jumped aside and, looking around from time to time, ran towards the high-rise buildings she knew, in the glimmering hope of still finding her lost house.

Thoroughbreds or mutts – who is better?

Who is better – a purebred dog or a mongrel? This question is often asked by novice dog breeders who are choosing a friend after their own hearts for the first time.

Both purebred and outbred representatives of the dog tribe have enough admirers and opponents . And the differences between them have long been overgrown with so many gossip and legends that they are more like fairy tales that have no resemblance to genetics or biology.

Let’s see what is the difference between a titled dog with a pedigree and his mongrel brother from unknown ancestors.

First statement. The mongrel gets free of charge and is cheaper to maintain than a thoroughbred dog.

Actually: One cannot disagree with the first part of the statement. Indeed, unlike dogs with a pedigree, the cost of which is quite high, the mongrel, most likely, will cost you nothing. Well, except for a handful of copper coins, which, according to tradition, must be given in payment for the animal so that the dog takes root in the house.

But the second point is very controversial. If a thoroughbred dog does not take part in exhibitions, which take a lot of money from the owner, its cost from is the same as the content of any domestic mongrel.

Well, judge for yourself – wouldn’t you feed your pet some leftovers, lead it on a rope and treat it with the cheapest vodka with garlic just because its ancestors are unknown to you? A house pooch eats the same quality food, wears nice clothes, and is seen by a qualified veterinarian like any purebred dog.

Therefore, those who take a non-pedigreed friend, hoping to save on his maintenance, can only be advised to get a plush dog – it is really inexpensive.

Second statement.

Mutts are distinguished by good health and long life expectancy.

Actually: This question is difficult to answer unambiguously. On the one hand, outbred pets, unlike purebred animals, are deprived of most genetic and hereditary diseases , which are the result of inbreeding or active human intervention in the selection process.

However, this does not mean that all mutts are a priori healthy. The beginning of the life of most outbred dogs can hardly be called cloudless. Poor nutrition and a large number of internal and external parasites in the mother, lack of normal conditions in the first days of life, constant malnutrition – all this affects the animal’s immunity.

And even if you take a puppy from the street at the age of a month or two, his health can already be thoroughly undermined by all these unfavorable factors. Yes, and adult mutts living on the street, just like their thoroughbred counterparts, get sick and even die – it’s just that no one monitors the number of one or another flock, where a new one immediately comes to the place of the dead dog.

Third statement. Genetically, mongrels are much cleaner and stronger, because their crossing occurs in a natural, natural way.

Actually: Unlike the traditional wolf pack, where only the alpha male, the fastest, strongest and most agile wolf in the group, has the right to leave offspring, stray dogs, even living together, do not build such a clear and correct hierarchy.

And that’s why anyone can become a father here – the owner’s thoroughbred male with poor genetics, released for free-range, or a rickety, sick mongrel, who happened to be closest to a bitch in heat.

Dogs with a pedigree are paired according to a completely different principle. More and more breeders are paying great attention not only to the breed compatibility of animals, but also to good health, both of the male and his immediate family. Therefore, there is a chance that the genes of both parents will fall correctly, more still in pets with documents.

Fourth statement.

Mutts are extraordinarily smart.

In fact: the dog’s intelligence and ingenuity are the result of a random combination, not due to any particular breed or its absence.

Perhaps, mutts can be called a more versatile dog, able, if necessary, to guard the house, perform in the circus or herd sheep. But any purebred dog, whose ancestors have been engaged in one particular business for more than one generation, will easily give odds to most of the outbred brothers.

That’s why, if you want your pet to do some work well and efficiently, it is better to give preference to a representative of a breed bred specifically for this.

Fifth statement. Mutts are surprisingly beautiful and unusual, in contrast to the traditional appearance of dogs of a certain breed.

Actually: What could be more boring than a sheepdog? Distinctive muzzle, erect ears, log-hanging tail and a couple of colors approved by the standard. Whether business mongrel. That wonderful fluffy puppy with white golfs on its paws will certainly grow into a wonderful tiny Himalayan bear, shaggy and funny.

However, after a few months, it turns out that the Himalayan bear turned out to be a hefty, thick male with a short, inexpressive mouse-colored coat, more like a humpless dromedary, and not like a cute bun. The appearance of yard pets, unlike thoroughbreds, can never be predicted. Because while the mother of most puppies can still be identified, the father cannot be identified.

Yes, even more distant ancestors are such a mixture of sizes, colors and external data that it is simply impossible to guess which of the relatives the charming baby will succeed in. This does not mean that dogs without a breed are ugly. Just choosing a street friend, you need to be prepared for various surprises.

Sixth statement. The mongrels are more devoted and, protecting the owner, are ready, without hesitation, to give their lives.

Actually: Animals living on the street for more than one generation have developed a specific, characteristic of most wild animals, passive-defensive reaction. Most mutts, seeing danger, will simply run away from it.

And not at all because they are bad or ungrateful. The instinct of self-preservation requires, first of all, to save one’s own skin, and the mongrel, like numerous generations of her ancestors, unconditionally obeys her inner voice.

The ancestors of purebred dogs, especially working and watchdogs, were carefully culled mentally, and although today more attention is paid to the conformation, working breeds of dogs have most of the qualities inherent in their ancestors.

However, the adherence to instincts, which mutts suffer from, has another, positive side. Lack of the ability to make decisions creates greater resistance to stress in outbred dogs. This means that such pets endure separation from their beloved owner, and all kinds of life cataclysms much easier.

All the misconceptions listed here do not at all mean that dogs without eminent ancestors are bad. I just wanted every person, taking a small puppy into the house, to be aware that the mongrel does not have any magical properties. This is an ordinary dog ​​that needs love, care, human warmth, and also requires education and normal conditions of detention.

And only if all these requirements are fulfilled, a faithful and devoted dog, sleek and beautiful, will grow out of a nondescript puppy. And then, one day, leading him on a leash, in response to surprised questions about the breed, you can proudly answer – a mongrel. And you will see how the owners of purebred titled dogs see you off with admiring and envious glances.

Natasha Sherwood

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What can you get from dogs?

More than 60% of Russians keep a pet. Most often, people get a cat or a dog. Dogs have been kept as pets for over 14 centuries. Many studies have confirmed the positive impact of pets on humans. On the one hand, dogs have a positive impact on the socialization and mental health of their owners, but on the other hand, dogs play an important role in the transmission of viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections to humans. Infectious diseases can be transmitted to humans through contaminated saliva, infected urine or feces, and direct contact with a dog. Children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly at increased risk of infection.

Infections most commonly transmitted to humans from dogs.

Campillobacteriosis

This bacterium is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in humans. The infection occurs more often in a mild form and the prognosis of the disease is favorable, but among children under one year old, as well as in weakened individuals, severe complications are possible, leading to a chronic process or death. Campillobacteriosis is dangerous for pregnant women: transplacental infection of the fetus leads to spontaneous abortion or intrauterine infection of the embryo.

Leptospirosis

Dogs excrete the pathogen in the urine. Leptospira penetrate the human body through the skin (often damaged) integuments, mucous membranes. Then, with the blood stream, they are carried throughout the body and enter various organs. In terms of the frequency of deaths, the multiplicity of clinical symptoms, this disease occupies one of the first places among infectious diseases transmitted to humans from animals

Listeriosis

Occurs most often in the elderly, newborns, in persons with immunodeficiencies. In recent years, the risk category has been supplemented by a large group of people dependent on intravenous drugs. In them, listeriosis is often fatal. Infected animals release bacteria into the external environment with saliva, feces, urine. The disease is dangerous for pregnant women.

Pasteurellosis

Acute infectious disease characterized by fever, general intoxication, inflammation of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, arthritis, osteomyelitis. The disease is dangerous by the development of a septic form, which is most severe with a high probability of secondary foci in various organs (endocarditis, brain abscesses, purulent meningitis, purulent arthritis, etc.). Infectious-toxic shock may develop.

Infections caused by capnocytophages

The causative agent lives in the oral cavity of dogs. Human infection occurs through bites, scratches and saliva. Risk factors for the disease are asplenia (congenital or acquired pathology characterized by the absence of the spleen), long-term use of glucocorticoids, and alcohol abuse. Against the background of these conditions, the course of infection acquires a lightning-fast character. Capnocytophaga canimorsus causes sepsis, meningitis, infective endocarditis, cellulitis, suppurative arthritis, and other life-threatening complications.

Rabies

The disease always ends in death. Infection occurs through bites, scratching, salivation by sick animals, upon contact with objects contaminated with infected saliva.

Tick-borne borreliosis

Vectors – ixodid ticks that become infected by sucking the blood of infected animals. A disease with an acute or chronic course, in which damage to the skin, nervous, cardiovascular systems, liver and musculoskeletal system is possible.

Norovirus infection

Scientists know that there is a possibility of transmission of norovirus infection from dogs to humans.

Ringworm

Alopecia areata on the scalp or pink round spots on the rest of the body. From an animal, a person becomes infected when stroking the wool. Children get ringworm from puppies picked up while playing. Direct contact is not necessary – ringworm fungus can persist on objects for a long period of time (from several months).

Toxocariasis

9000 Infection occurs through direct contact with an infested animal whose coat is contaminated with Toxocara eggs, as well as when the earth containing Toxocara eggs enters the mouth.
From the eggs that have entered the mouth, larvae emerge into the stomach and small intestine, migrating through the bloodstream to the liver. There, some of the larvae settle and an inflammatory membrane forms around them. The rest of the larvae migrate to the heart and lungs. Toxocara larvae can be localized in various organs and tissues – kidneys, muscles, thyroid gland, brain, etc. In tissues, the larvae remain viable for many years and periodically, migrate and provoke relapses of the disease.
Transmission of the pathogen occurs when a dog licks a person, in contact with animal hair.
Excretions of an infected dog fall on grass, berries.
Once in the human body, the egg containing the young larva migrates.
Larvae form round or oval fluid-filled cysts ranging in size from 1-5 to 40 cm and even larger. Most of the larvae linger in the liver, some enter the lungs, and some enter the kidneys, bones and brain. The larva can get into any organ, and the cyst can burst and release dozens more larvae. Growing up, the echinococcal cyst pushes back and squeezes the host tissues, which subsequently atrophy and die.
Complications of the disease: suppuration of the cyst, pleurisy, peritonitis, obstructive jaundice, cirrhosis, pulmonary hemorrhage, cardiovascular insufficiency. The most formidable complication is rupture of the cyst, which is accompanied by severe pain and an allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock).

Dog tapeworm (cucumber) An adult worm parasitizes in the body of a dog Infection of a person occurs when an infected flea is accidentally swallowed, or through the saliva of animals. Small children who come into contact with pets are at risk.

Scabies

Infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, an external parasite of the skin of animals. Scabies mites can be transmitted from infected dogs to humans

Characteristic signs of the disease are itching and rash, often with the addition of secondary pustular elements due to infection when scratching

By following simple rules, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from infection

• do not forget to keep your pets up to date with all necessary vaccinations
• if you notice that your pet has diarrhea, treat it promptly
• Use flea and tick protection recommended by your veterinarian regularly and do not forget to check your pets for parasites
• if if you find a tick on yourself or your pet, remove it immediately and then wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
• animal excrement)
• if you are expecting a child, entrust another family member to take care of the dog and try to avoid contact with the animal

Small breed dogs

A dog has been accompanying a person for hundreds of years. Through the efforts of breeders, a great many different breeds were created, which differ in body structure, color, coat length, temperament and purpose. Some are huge, others can be carried in your pocket. But there is another species – outbred dogs, or the so-called mongrels. They do not have a pedigree and documents, but they know how to love, be faithful and faithfully serve the owner no worse than titled relatives.

Small breed dogs

An interesting fact was found out by geneticists who studied the genotype of mutts on different continents: in Eurasia live outbred dogs, in the genotype of which the genes of purebred domestic animals are completely absent; in Europe and the Middle East, there are practically no mongrels of local origin – they were replaced by animals with an Asian genotype. In Central and South Asia, on the contrary, the predominance of yard dogs with an aboriginal (local) genotype was revealed, and in America outbred quadrupeds appeared from purebred dogs imported from Europe.

Dogs of small size

An interesting fact was found out by geneticists who studied the genotype of mutts on different continents: outbred dogs live in Eurasia, in the genotype of which the genes of purebred domestic animals are completely absent; in Europe and the Middle East, there are practically no mongrels of local origin – they were replaced by animals with an Asian genotype. In Central and South Asia, on the contrary, the predominance of yard dogs with an aboriginal (local) genotype was revealed, and in America outbred quadrupeds appeared from purebred dogs imported from Europe.

Types of mutts

Genetically outbred dogs are very diverse, because they are not selected. It is impossible to single out clearly any types of mongrels, therefore it is customary to divide them by type:

At certain periods, animals appear among yard dogs that look like representatives of popular breeds. So at the beginning of the 2000s on the streets of cities one could see stray “dogs”, “shepherd dogs”, “collies”, “alabaevs”. These breeds were very popular at the end of the 20th century, but due to the irresponsibility of the owners, pets often ended up on the street and found shelter among homeless animals. With each new generation of their offspring, the features of the breed were gradually erased.

Cynologists note that there are very few small dogs among the mongrels. This “phenomenon” is explained by the fact that, as a result of natural selection, such animals simply do not survive, because they do not have either the physical strength or good health to fight for survival. At the same time, large mongrels, as a rule, lose to purebred dogs both in weight and size. The only thing they don’t care about is stamina. Living in difficult conditions, they, unlike their thoroughbred counterparts, show extraordinary resistance to poor nutrition and lack of care.

In each country and even region types of yard dogs may differ. Cute and cute mongrel puppies quite often “move” to live in the house. Despite the lack of a good pedigree, outbred pets are common throughout the world. They, like purebred dogs, have the ability to learn and socialize, for many people this is enough to connect their lives with them.

Who are the mutts

This is the most numerous detachment, the representatives of which are called “complex polyhybrid” by experts, and people simply call mutts. Pedigree dogs have been bred for decades, collecting the best qualities in each offspring. For some, flair is of paramount importance, for others, strength and endurance. Any puppy from a thoroughbred dog is predictable – it is always known in advance what will grow out of it. For example, only a spaniel can be born to spaniels, and not any other breed.

Pooch puppies are the result of free crossbreeding, so neither appearance nor character traits are fixed at the genetic level. A charming and intelligent dog can grow out of a small fluffy lump, although it is also possible that it will not live up to expectations either by external qualities or by its mind. This, however, happens very rarely. Most owners of mongrels will not exchange their pet for any, even the most beautiful thoroughbred dog. It is very difficult to classify mongrels, they are so diverse.

Character of yard dogs

The unpredictability of character is perhaps the only factor that hinders the choice between a mongrel and a thoroughbred pet. If, when breeding domestic animals of a certain breed, breeders purposefully develop the best qualities of character – friendliness to humans, the ability to get along with other animals, the ability to learn – then these qualities are hypothetically present in mutts, but due to difficult living conditions they are not used.

In general, mongrels are energetic and sociable, they easily adapt to various conditions of keeping, and are unpretentious in care. However, adult animals tend to take longer to socialize. They are more wary and distrustful of people, but, feeling attention and care, they become loyal and devoted friends. Mutts make excellent guards: having become attached to a person, they are ready to protect him, regardless of the danger.

Animals that have lived on the street for a long time, getting into the house, for some time cannot get used to new conditions: they eat more than the norm, as if stocking up for the future, get scared and try to hide from sharp or loud sounds.

Mutts are considered to be potentially dangerous pets, but their aggressiveness is a response to negative experiences with people. If in German shepherds, rottweilers, bull terriers, which are among the dangerous ones, aggressive behavior is considered a disqualifying sign and a defect in education, then in mongrels it is an acquired reflex that helps them survive. It is known that outbred dogs have a flexible psyche, so the correction of this character trait is possible and should not become a reason for abandoning a pet. Professional training and comfortable living conditions allow you to quickly socialize your pet. It is important that the owner is patient and does not give up if the result has to wait longer than expected.

Each dog owner has his own opinion about the character of the pet, which is based on personal experience. At the same time, none of them claims that yard dogs are completely devoid of some qualities inherent in thoroughbred animals, for example, the ability to learn or perform service functions. It must be understood that the best individuals were used in the formation of the breed, which led to a high level of intellectual development of their offspring. The nature of the “yard terriers” is influenced not only by genes, but also by the environment, so difficulties in education are inevitable. In most cases, both puppies and adult dogs are able to learn basic commands, and some, as a token of gratitude for the care, are ready to literally follow their master into fire or water.

Health of mutts

Scientists believe that the more diverse the pedigree, the stronger the health of the pet. Yard dogs undergo natural selection, as a result of which only puppies with high genetic inclinations for survival remain alive. This phenomenon in biology is called heterosis or hybrid vigor. The viability of hybrid animals is higher because they inherit the best dominant qualities of their parents. Purebred dogs are more sensitive because they tend to be the offspring of their close relatives and often inherit weak genes.

It is known that at home, mongrels live several years longer than purebred pets, but if you do not follow their diet, illness will not take long.

Strong innate immunity protects yard dogs from adverse living conditions, which is why they live on the street for years and give birth. For the same reason, they often participate in scientific experiments and experiments, for example, the famous discoverers of space, the dogs Belka and Strelka, were outbred.

However, the stresses that are an integral part of the life of mongrels negatively affect the general condition of the body, which is why an adult dog is often overcome by skin and eye diseases, infections, stomach disorders, diseases of the circulatory system and heart. Mutt puppies under the age of 2 months are prone to disease. During this period, natural selection occurs when the animal passes the “test” for survival.

Pooch dogs photo with names small

An interesting fact was found out by geneticists who studied the genotype of mongrels on different continents: outbred dogs live in Eurasia, in the genotype of which the genes of purebred domestic animals are completely absent; in Europe and the Middle East, there are practically no mongrels of local origin – they were replaced by animals with an Asian genotype. In Central and South Asia, on the contrary, the predominance of yard dogs with an aboriginal (local) genotype was revealed, and in America outbred quadrupeds appeared from purebred dogs imported from Europe.

Mongrel dog: description of the breed

Dog lovers argue about what kind of pet to get, where to get it, what breed is better and whether it is worth getting a thoroughbred animal in principle. Opinions are divided: some are ready to give a lot of money for a pedigree, while others believe that the main thing is not the breed, because a dog is first and foremost a friend, and friendship is not valued by money and documents. Adherents of purebred dogs believe that mongrels can be dangerous, stupid, and besides, they are not so beautiful.

What is a pooch, the origin of the breed

Poochs (yard terriers, dogs of the “noble” breed) are dogs that do not have a breed. In English, there is also the concept of a mongrel and the term mongrel (“mangrel”), which translates as a mixed breed, sometimes such dogs are called half-breeds, but less often. A mixed breed (mongrel) is a dog that does not belong to any officially recognized breed and is not the result of deliberate breeding. According to the 2008 book Stray Dogs by Desmond Maurice, there are about 150 million mutts worldwide.

Despite the term “mixed breed dog”, many mongrels have no known purebred ancestors. One of the distinguishing features of mongrels is that they tend to live on the street, they may be without a master, and they can live in their own community, which makes the offspring they receive uncontrollable. But still, a mongrel is understood as a dog without a specific breed, living both independently on the street, and having an owner and living on its territory.

Description and characteristics of the mutts

The mutts can vary greatly in height, weight, coat color and type, head and body shape, and may have similarities with different breeds. Under the influence of the environment, populations of mongrels with a common body type and similar characteristics can be formed. Sometimes these features can be used to develop a new breed.

Types of mongrels

Sometimes you can trace the appearance depending on, for example, locality, time period.

Mutts can be very friendly and loyal

Some common types of mutts in Russia:

Very rare are mutts that look like small ornamental breeds, such as Russian Toy or Yorkie, as it is especially difficult for them to survive on their own.

In other countries, types of mutts may have their own regional characteristics.

Photo gallery: how different mutts look like

The character of a mutt

There are conflicting opinions about the nature of the mongrels. Some note the sociability of the mongrels, their special playfulness, briskness, energy, and also the lack of aggression towards other dogs. It is believed that mongrels are not capricious, easily get used to a new environment, adapt well and can stoically survive any hardships. People are sometimes wary, but this does not mean that mutts are more dangerous than purebred dogs. Mutts become attached to people, especially if they were taken from a shelter or just from the street, they are very responsive to affection and attention.

At the same time, life on the street in extreme conditions can leave an imprint on the psyche of a mongrel, namely, develop such character traits as distrust, nervousness, thieving, cowardice.

Mongrel puppies are different, most often mongrel puppies grow up quickly and therefore play less than the same retrievers. Many modern breeds used in sports and work are trained on the game, their game instinct, one might say, is even hypertrophied.

Mongrel mongrel strife, of course, most of the mongrels are good “calls” and nonsense, but that’s all. They can bite on the sly, but, as a rule, they are easily driven away in a simple way – bend down and pretend that you are lifting a stone.

ElenaK

https://labrador.ru/ipb/topic/56249-why-mongrel-better-pedigree-dog/

Mongrel health

will be healthier than their purebred counterparts. This category just includes mongrels.

Heterosis (hybrid strength) is a theory of the superiority of offspring over parents when different breeds are crossed, in particular dog breeds. The opposite biological phenomenon is inbreeding, the crossing of close relatives.

In street populations, as a result of natural selection, weak non-viable animals are eliminated and dogs with the best genes for survival remain. The breed is the result of crossbreeding, often close relatives, which negatively affects the health of the offspring at the genetic level.

A number of scientific studies conducted in the US and other countries have shown that pet mutts are less likely to need veterinary care. Mortality statistics for domestic dogs in the United States (as well as in Denmark, Sweden, England) revealed that mongrels, on average, live longer than purebreds, by about 2 years. At the same time, for example, obesity has a sharply negative effect on both purebred and outbred animals. It must be borne in mind that we are talking specifically about domestic mongrels. Street dogs rarely live up to 10 years, due to unbalanced nutrition, fights, stress.

Raising a mongrel, training, opinions of cynologists

Some cynologists believe that purebred dogs are much inferior in intelligence to purebred ones. There is some truth in this. For example, service breeds, such as, for example, shepherd dogs, schnauzers, learn commands better, as they were specially bred for official use.

The training and education of a mongrel is almost always a constant search for unconventional solutions, which, perhaps, likes those who like to create additional difficulties for themselves. When training a mongrel, surprises can occur in places where you do not expect. As a rule, “hereditary” mongrels are cowardly, cautious, and simply cowardly, as a result of which it can be difficult to work with them, and sometimes unpleasant and even dangerous.

ElenaK

Sanitation.

Buying a puppy from a club breeder, the buyer is always sure that his pet has received all the necessary vaccinations and is healthy. This cannot be said about a dog from the street, and therefore, first of all, it must be taken to a veterinary clinic for examination. There, the doctor will give an opinion on the state of her health on the basis of the examination. If the dog is found healthy, of all medical procedures, it will need to be dewormed, treated for fleas and ticks and vaccinated.

It should be noted that dogs taken from the street are healthier than their purebred relatives and do not have genetic diseases.

After visiting the veterinary clinic, the mutt should be thoroughly washed with a special anti-flea shampoo, ears and eyes should be cleaned and, if necessary, claws trimmed. The last procedure is best done not on your own, but also in a veterinary clinic.

Pros and cons of mutts compared to purebred dogs

Those who already have mutts note:

Among the shortcomings, the following are noted:

The unpredictability of size is a minus of mongrels. When you think that you took a little dog, and after a while you see: a big dog has grown. A lot of anxiety can also be caused by the unpredictability of the nature of a yard pet.

When choosing a purebred dog, you can focus on the character traits of the breed, some breeds have a calm temperament, and some do not.

My friend picked up a mongrel puppy with an obvious terrier mix on the street. The dog was very energetic, barking incessantly on walks, which caused discontent of others, calmed down only after many hours of intensive walks. She attacked small dogs on the street, rummaged through the garbage at home, and it was not possible to wean her from these outrages. She became a little calmer only in her old age, and the dog lived for 12 years.

Bad habits of puppies and ways to eliminate them

There are a lot of options for undesirable behavior in puppies. Let’s take a look at the three most common ones.

1) A begging dog. Such a puppy is constantly spinning around the dining table when the owners are going to eat. The kid whines, plaintively looks straight into his eyes and tries in every possible way to get a tidbit. This behavior is formed after the dog was treated to food from the master’s table at least once. Feed your pet before you sit down for lunch or dinner, never indulge his whims and do not give anything from the table.

2) Beaver dog. Sometimes puppies consider table legs, armrests of sofas and chairs, wires to be edible. The habit of chewing on furniture and other items not only harms the owner’s belongings, but can also be dangerous for the pet itself. Try treating your puppy’s favorite spots with a special spray. You can buy such a deterrent at any pet store.

3) Food from the ground on the street is tastier! Often the owners of puppies are faced with the problem of picking up food while walking on the street. Such behavior can pose a threat to the health and life of the dog. During the walk, the dog must be muzzled and on a leash, this will save him from dangerous “treats”. Also teach your pet to the “Fu” command.

Use of mongrels by humans

Mutts were often used by humans as guard dogs, and in circus and cinema, for scientific purposes. History knows examples of the use of mongrels in wartime. And, of course, mutts are known to be good companions.

Belka and Strelka

Belka and Strelka are well-known astronaut dogs. For experiments in the field of astronautics in the USSR, only homeless mongrels were used, as they were noted for good health, quick wit, undemanding food, and a good attitude towards people. These could be found on the street and taken for free. There were many dog-cosmonauts in the USSR, besides Belka and Strelka, Veterok and Ugolyok, Dezik and Gypsy and others flew into space.

Belka, Strelka and other dogs that have been in space: photo gallery

Sharik

Vladimir Bortko’s film Heart of a Dog is familiar to many. The main role of the dog Sharik was successfully played by the outbred dog Karay.

Professor Preobrazhensky and Sharik erected a monument in St. Petersburg

Pavlov’s dogs

The scientist Ivan Petrovich Pavlov used yard dogs in his experiments. Pavlov’s discovery of the conditioned reflex led to the creation of a whole science – the physiology of higher nervous (mental) activity.

Pavlov became famous for dividing all reflexes into conditioned and unconditioned

Reviews of the owners

Starting a pooch, one must understand that, as a rule, these dogs have a difficult fate.

I have always had mongrels, so I won’t say anything about thoroughbreds, but our Vetka was a super friend, smart, delicate, and what a beauty she was!! Now there is Rex (very old, 16-17 years old), he came to us at the age of 9-10 years old, and another guy, 2 years old. Well, such smart girls, honestly, many of my friends are far from them.

https://www.u-mama.ru/forum/family/pets/575766/

500 rublei

It is not clear what kind of genes are there. She kept a mongrel, she was a good kind dog, but with character, she could disobey and there were few brains, this is also a minus.

https://www.u-mama.ru/forum/family/pets/575766/

Liz666

Despite different opinions about mutts, these dogs, of course, have the right to exist and sometimes in many qualities they are not inferior to thoroughbred dogs. They can be outwardly very attractive, differ in intelligence, be hardy and loyal friends.

Working qualities and training

The breed of a dog undoubtedly has a positive effect on the ability to learn. A purebred shepherd dog, a boxer or a giant schnauzer learn new commands much faster than a purebred dog. But despite this, most mongrel owners are quite happy with the behavior of their pets on the training ground. These dogs are well trained, and also learn the rules and norms of behavior well.

It is possible that in most cases the mongrels are inferior to their thoroughbred counterparts in some working qualities, such as a keen sense of smell, discipline, etc. But it is not uncommon when a mutt perfectly manifests itself as a service dog. She can be a reliable guard or watchman, in no way inferior to a thoroughbred dog.

Pooch dog

It is impossible to say where exactly this ancient mongrel breed of dogs came from. There have always been mutts, especially in the villages, where kutyats were taken simply from that bitch, who was famous for good service to her master. If the landowner bred some breed on his estate for grazing, hunting or protection, then the common people simply had dogs and rarely any particular breed. At the same time, do not confuse interbreed mestizos and dogs without history. The first ones are the result of the owner’s oversight, and the mongrel – these dogs have always been and it is doubtful that they will ever disappear.

Mongrel dog: maintenance and care at home

A mongrel dog is a dog that does not belong to any particular breed. It happened as a result of mixing different breeds. It is believed that such dogs have better health than purebreds, since in the process of evolution they developed independently, without any human intervention. At the same time, the strongest dogs survived. But since mongrels are usually homeless, such a lifestyle poses a certain threat to them in terms of acquiring various diseases.

The mongrel dog is not purebred, so it is often called a yard dog. The description of her appearance is always unique. Some dogs may be outwardly similar to a particular breed. Very often, a mongrel resembles a shepherd dog or a shepherd dog mixed with a mongrel. Often there are outbred dogs that look like terriers. Much less often – small long-haired mestizos. Yard dogs can be both with hanging ears and erect ones, which cannot be said about thoroughbred individuals.

Appearance

If the description of any FCI-registered breed should start with a distinctive exterior, then for a mongrel pooch this concept is very abstract. In every region of the world, in every city, orbaz mongrel can have its own characteristics. But, most often it is a dog of medium height, about 40-50 centimeters at the withers.

The fact is that very small dogs are more vulnerable in the city, and very large ones simply do not survive, since a large body is difficult to feed. A rare mongrel dog also has a thick and long hair. The presence of an undercoat is fixed in the majority, but also mother nature does not guarantee its presence in a puppy. In warm regions, such dogs survive, but in the northern regions they simply do not exist.

By the nature of the body, most often all the mutts are lean, with long limbs and strong muscles. But this is again due to the fact that a strong dog is likely to be able to support itself without having a master, but weak individuals die in the first year of life.

The colors of the mongrels are very diverse, but most often they are dark dogs with tan. A rare case when there are white mongrels or a rare delicate color.

Of course, if an unplanned mating with a purebred dog occurs, then the puppies will have obvious pedigree signs, but after a few litters all the features are blurred and it is almost impossible to trace what kind of pedigree blood is walking in the veins of the dog. Remember, in the story by M.A. Bulgakov, Sharik, looking in the mirror, begins to talk about his share and comes to the conclusion that he is so handsome because his grandmother sinned with a diver.

The nature and characteristics of education

The townsfolk think. That there is no kinder, smarter and more devoted dog without a breed in the world. But it is not so. In fact, many outbred dogs that end up in the homes of balanced and responsible owners become their exact copies. There are also dogs with problematic characters, but if you take a puppy and do not postpone its upbringing, then a lot can be corrected.

Most owners of purebred dogs note that such dogs show good results in basic training, in most cases they are suitable for learning tricks and household trifles from the category of bringing slippers to the owner.

As for guarding qualities, the question here is complicated, because it is impossible to educate, but whether this is inherent in the dog at the level of instincts or not can be found out only in practice. Most of the qualities, like those of purebred dogs, are inherited by mongrels, but if you are not familiar with the puppy’s parents, then it is almost impossible to predict them.

But one thing is for sure – any mutt dog becomes a devoted companion, adapting to the lifestyle of the owner more than any purebred dog.

Health, nutrition and care

When it comes to sustainable dog health, mutts can outdo almost any breed. This is primarily due to the fact that outbred dogs experienced the full power of natural selection. A puppy with defects, complications or congenital diseases simply does not survive. Yes, of course, completely ownerless dogs can catch an infectious disease during their life, get injured, acquire a bunch of parasites, but such dogs endure all diseases more easily.

But if a mongrel gets into a caring family, where the vaccination schedule is observed, and the dog’s health is monitored, then we can consider him practically invulnerable. It’s also impossible to say exactly how many cur dogs live, because stray dogs in the city do not survive 6 years, but at home the age can exceed 18, but again it all depends on the heredity of the dog, which is often simply impossible to trace.

Hygiene and care for a purebred dog is standard: once a week, eyes, ears, teeth are checked and cleaned; claws are sheared as they grow, and combing is done according to the type of wool. The suitability of living in an apartment or in the yard should also be determined only on the basis of the characteristics of a particular dog. There are self-sufficient individuals who are calmly ready to wait for the owner from work, having fun with their own toys, and there are mischief-makers whose enthusiasm will be envied by bored huskies or Jack Russell terriers.

Most mutts are not picky when it comes to nutrition. This does not mean at all that they can be fed from the master’s table, and the fish cannot be robbed from the bones. Any dog ​​should not have sweets, pastries, bread, tubular bones, smoked meats, spicy and salty foods. Vitamin supplements are just as important as they are for purebred dogs. Alas, allergies in outbred dogs also occur, so it is better to give dry food hypoallergenic, and if you use a natural type of feeding, then avoid citrus and out-of-season vegetables.

Health and characteristic diseases

The health of a noble dog is usually much better than that of a purebred dog. To achieve certain qualities of the breed, close relatives are often crossed, which has a detrimental effect on the health of the future generation. Often a specific disease is detected in a strictly defined breed. For example, shepherd dogs, Labradors are more prone to joint dysplasia, terriers are more prone to skin diseases, Pekingese have breathing problems, boxers have hearing problems.

Mestizos are much healthier than their titled counterparts, since they inherit all the best from their parents, including health. The mongrel breed undergoes natural selection, where the strongest survive. No one vaccinates them, does not take them to veterinarians, so they have strong innate immunity, are less susceptible to various diseases, and rarely suffer from hereditary ailments.

Important! Mongrel can easily endure adverse weather conditions, temperature fluctuations.