We share why adopting a mixed breed dog from a shelter could be the best decision you could make.
Adding a new furry member of the family is a big and important decision to make. You will provide him or her with shelter, food, love and attention. He or she will give you many years of unconditional love, barking mad memories, and friendship.
In your quest to find the right dog for your house and your family, have you ever thought about possibly adopting a mixed breed? These lovable pups can offer you a number of cuddle-worthy and pawesome benefits.
Here are the advantages of mixed breed dogs as pets:
1. Those from shelters will love and appreciate your kindness and attention
When you adopt a mixed breed from a shelter, they are more likely to be extremely appreciative of your attention, time, and kindness. This is because so many of these precious pooches have been abused or neglected in the past which makes them oh-so-eager to give and receive love.
They will show their appreciation by guarding you, your family and your home. They will even be willing to lay down their lives to protect you and keep you safe.
2. They are often healthier and have fewer health risks
Studies have shown that mixed breeds have fewer health issues compared to pedigrees (or purebreds). Anyone who has owned a Pug or a French Bulldog will know of the risks that come with these breeds. Their short snouts can lead to a number of breathing issues which require surgery. This means a high amount of vet bills too (hence the need for pet insurance to help you cover these costs).
Mixed breeds are not inbred like pedigrees and are not bred to look a certain way. This means you’ll spend less time at the vet, and more time cuddling and playing fetch with your pooch.
Mixed breeds dogs live longer than pedigrees too, believe it or not. Vets believe that a mixed breed will outlive a purebred of the same size. This is linked to the fact that mixed breeds have fewer health risks and issues. You can read more about why mixed breeds live longer than pedigrees in this article by Dogster.
3. They are often more intelligent
Yup, you read that right. Many vets and experts believe that mixed breeds have more common sense and street smarts and are, therefore, a little more worldly, savvy and intelligent.
If you ask any paw parent who has owned both a purebred and a mixed breed, many of them will actually confirm this fact.
4. They can be found in shelters
There are a number of beautiful mixed breed dogs in shelters who would love to be adopted. One of the best feelings in the world is adopting a shelter dog because you are quite literally saving a life.
5. They are more affordable
Did you know that a pug can cost R15 000? And French Bulldogs go for even more. That’s a lot of money to spend on a dog! Mixed breeds (particularly ones found in shelters) cost far less than this.
6. They are unique
Mixed breeds are one of a kind. There are too many dogs that look exactly the same in this world, and if you adopt a mixed breed, chances are, you are one of the few people in the world with a dog just like yours. This means that mixed breeds really are special dogs.
7. By adopting a mixed breed, you are helping reduce animal overpopulation and the prevalence of puppy mills
Purebred breeders contribute to pet overpopulation when they breed irresponsibly. When you adopt a mixed breed from a shelter, not only are you reducing the high number of homeless pets in South Africa, but you are also likely to get a dog that is already neutered or spayed in most cases.
Puppy mills are also a huge issue. This is where purebred dogs are kept in horrible conditions are used purely or breeding. They have small cages and are not shown any love or attention. As soon as a female can no longer breed, she will be left out to die.
Puppy mills are a terrible thing and should be stopped by all means.
What it comes down to
Choosing your new fur baby should be a serious consideration, as this precious soul will be in your life for many years to come. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you choose a pedigree or mixed breed dog, but we hope the above points gave you some food for thought!
If you do decide that a mixed breed is the kind of dog for you, then why not pop into your local shelter to see what dogs or puppies they have ready for adoption? And while you’re at it, make sure you take out a pet insurance policy for your pup so that you know they’re covered if they ever get sick or injured. We love Oneplan’s range of Pet Insurance plans for every budget.
Until next time,
The petinsurance.co.za Team