Dog Breeds - Should You Get A Cross-Breed Or Pedigree

Before getting a dog, you will need to make a number of decisions, including selecting the breed and type of dog you would like. You may have in mind the ideal appearance, color, type and temperament, but would the type of dog you have in mind fit without any problems into your family's lifestyle and fulfill your expectations?

What's the difference?

Picking a pedigree or non-pedigree dog is your decision. However, armed with a fair amount of knowledge you are in the best position to make an informed choice and, therefore, end up with a pet that fulfils all your basic requirements.

Some pedigree dogs are known for certain character traits, such as a laid-back attitude, tolerance and a strong affection for humans, and this can make the job of choosing a dog easier if you do your homework well.

The options

Dogs are available in three varieties:

• pure-bred (pedigree).
• cross-bred (pedigree parents of different breeds).
• mongrel (a dog with one or both parents cross-breds or mongrels).

Cost may influence your choice, but bear in mind that pure-breds are not necessarily superior to cross-breds or mongrels - indeed in terms of health the reverse is generally true, as many pure-bred dogs are prone to physical and psychological problems caused by inbreeding.

What's in a name?

Pedigree dog breeds are categorized into named groups to differentiate their particular uses, that is, what they were originally bred to do.

Longhaired breeds need correct grooming on a daily basis to remain matt-free, healthy and looking good.

Your lifestyle

This determines, to a great extent, what sort of pet you should be looking for/In the dog's lifetime, you are responsible for his health and well-being.

Some breeds, compared with others, are high-maintenance, so only consider these types of dogs if you are able to provide daily care and attention for them for the next 15 years or so. If you get a dog with a coat that needs a lot of grooming, or requires clipping on a regular basis, you must be prepared to learn how to care for his coat properly

If you choose an extrovert, energetic type with high exercise needs, then you must have the time to cater for him. Such considerations may seem obvious, but animal welfare organizations still have to cope with thousands of unwanted animals that their owners felt unable to care for.

The right dog for you

Pedigree dogs are not necessarily more loving, clever or naughty than other dogs, and each breed's appearance is a matter of taste. Working dogs tend to be more demanding of their owners, companion dogs tend to be more laid-back and cross-breeds tend to be generally thought of as being 'hardy'.

Whatever the type or breeding, an animal's character is also determined by the way it is reared and its handling by humans. Whether you get a pedigree or non-pedigree dog, the costs of neutering, vaccinating, feeding and caring for him will be just the same. The only difference will be in the initial cost of acquiring him.

Whatever type of dog you get, you will need to learn how to train a puppy to make sure you build a strong and loving relationship between the two of you. One of the first things you will need to learn is how to house train a puppy