Although they might not be able to trace their family trees, mixed-breed dogs can be just as faithful companions as their purebred counterparts.
Dr. Barbara Shelor, veterinarian at Abfall Veterinary Services in The Plains, said it comes down to personal preference when deciding between a purebred dog and a mixed-breed dog because there are pros and cons for both.
Shelor said there are pros to going to a shelter or pet store to purchase a dog because the animals already will have had their vaccinations and likely will be neutered.
It's always better to get a dog from an individual rather than get a dog from a kennel situation
Shelor said. They will be exposed to fewer diseases.
Cassie Whittle, general manager of Petland on East State Street, said the company gets its dogs mainly from breeders in Ohio but has started to keep at least four adopt-a-pets from the local dog shelter in the store at all times.
Jamie Perry, assistant dog warden, said many times the dogs that come in to the shelter are unwanted or a person can no longer keep them. When people come in to look for a dog at the dog shelter, many are concerned with size, not breed, he said.
If customers don't know what kind of dog they are looking for, both the pet store and the dog shelter ask them various questions about their living situation and lifestyle to help them pick a suitable pet.
When people come in the store 50 percent of the time they are looking for a particular pet Whittle said.
The other alternative is going to a breeder if a buyer knows what type of dog he or she is looking for.
Abe Ward, a local dog breeder, said many people who purchase purebreds do not use them for their intended purposes, such as herding or for show. He also said people will choose purebreds because they know exactly what they are getting when they purchase the dog.
There is a familiarity with the temperament and characteristics because they have the whole line of dogs that people have accumulated research on
Ward said.
Shelor said the major appeal with a purebred dog is that buyers know their size, personality and possible illness, but with mixed-breeds, buyers are saving a dog's life.
With mixed-breeds there is a general consensus that they are healthier because there usually isn't inbreeding in their bloodline like with many purebreds
so that's a plus
Ward said.
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Meghan Nicholson
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