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Mutts: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Why We Love Them

Depending on where you live, there are a number of fascinating names for them. Here in the US we refer to them as strays, Heinz 57s, Sooners, mongrels, hounds, and uncles. In Hawaii, they are known as Poi dogs. Country people in the south, call them feists or dogs.

In Newfoundland you will hear the term a Cracky. In the Bahamas and nearby islands, they are called Potcakes. Jump into South Africa and you’ll hear people refer to them as Special Pavement. Our Australian friends call them Bitzers.

No matter what their names are, for many dog ​​owners, they are the only real dogs. For them, the more breeds in the mix, the better!

So what are the advantages and disadvantages of a stray dog? Let’s start with the benefits. The fact that they are less likely to be stolen is a good idea! There is often a lower incidence of genetic defects, as there is a larger gene pool. It’s a fact, the larger the gene pool, the less likely it is to combine two faulty genes. That’s a plus for many less demanding but loving dog lovers.

Additional advantages are that stray dogs are less expensive to buy. Let’s be honest; Sometimes they are free to drink! They are also generally less expensive in the maintenance department, requiring little to no visit to a hairdresser for a stylish hairstyle.

It’s also a fact, stray dogs tend to have above-average natural longevity compared to pedigrees. Cars are not counted in the equation! The reason for this, as studies have shown, may be that stray dog ​​mothers are often excellent mothers compared to their pedigree cousins. It’s true. Documentation in many countries shows that they typically provide better care, as well as more and better quality of milk. For this reason, infant mortality in stray dog ​​litters is notably lower than in purebred ones. Between a watered-down gene pool and quality postnatal care, a stray puppy appears to have the advantage of a healthier start and possibly a longer life.

Finally, every time you look into their eyes, you get the feeling that you did the right thing. They may not be the cutest, fluffiest, cutest, or cutest dog in the dog park, but they’ll be forever grateful that you saw their “inner beauty.”

So what are the downsides? The downsides are few. Of course, you won’t find a stray dog ​​participating in the AKC / Eukanuba or Westminster Dog Show, although Eukanuba doesn’t seem to care too much that stray dogs are customers. You won’t see them at most AKC events either … although that’s changing a bit with their AKC Partner Program.

The only other downsides to owning a stray dog ​​is that you will never be sure how big it will be or what its temperament will be. Not that there is any guarantee with a pedigree dog! However, responsible breeders have a general idea of ​​the likely size and temperament of the offspring of their mating partners.

If sharing your life, love, and home with a blue blood pedigree is imperative for you, this article won’t make a difference.

However, if you are less picky about your image and want to share your life, love, and home with a wonderful pet, consider adopting or rescuing a stray dog. At a local shelter or rescue, the perfect companion and new best friend is eagerly waiting for you. Save the life of a pooch!

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