Mixed-breed dog
From ArticleWorld
A mixed-breed dog is a result of cross-breeding between two or more breeds of dogs. Because they come in various sizes, shapes and colour, it is difficult to classify them physically. Many people enjoy owning mixed breeds, valuing their unique appearance and characteristics; While some owners value a dog's pedigree and have no use for mixed-breed dogs, there are others who ignore pedigree and want only a mixed-breed dog. Because, at the end, all dog owners believe that their dog's breed is the best.
Contents |
Terms for mixed-breed dogs
Various words are used by different people to describe a mixed-breed dog. Americans usually prefer the terms cur, tyke and mongrel, which is also used derogatorily at times. Hence, in this country, most dog owners prefer to call their mixed-breed pets mutt. The British use the term mongrel while Hawaiians prefer poi dog. However, the South Africans have come up with an affectionate term, pavement special. But usually, dogs that breed without human supervision are referred to as random-bred dog, mutt and mongrel whereas mixed breed and crossbreed often reserved for mixes of known breeds.
Appearance
Because of genetic variation, it is extremely difficult to predict the physical appearance of a mixed-breed dog. They vary considerably in size, shape, colour, weight and height. But, mixed-breed dogs of mixed-breed parentage are often light brown or black and weigh about 18 kg. Their height varies from 15 and 23 inches.
Health
A mixed-breed dog is healthier than a pure breed. They are less prone to genetic disorders and are more resilient. But they are as susceptible to rabies, distemper, injury and infestation by parasites as pure breeds.
Types of mixed breeding
All dogs began their existence as mixed-breeds. Breeders mixed different breeds to arrive at the most desirable model. From the point of view of breeding, a mixed-breed dog can be roughly put into the three categories of the cross-bred (mixture of two known breeds), mongrel (mixture of a cross-bred with another cross-bred or a pure-bred dog) and the canis familiaris (where mixed-breeding has occurred over many generations.
Mixed breeds in dog sports
All types of dogs excel at sports. However, dog shows and dog sports organizers exclude mixed-breed dogs from participating in their shows. But this mindset is slowly changing and many mixed-breed dogs have proved their mettle in many competitions and shows.
Drawbacks
A mixed-breed dog’s behaviour and appearance is unpredictable. Their genetic variations are not documented. It is difficult to predict the trainability of mixed-breed pups.