I remember my father getting me a mixed breed puppy when I was three years old. It was Christmas and as I was opening my presents, he walked in and put the little girl down beside me. He had her hidden in his coat pocket.
Beauty, my first dog, was a spitz/fox terrier mix and she lived to be twenty years old. It seems most mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds. Don’t know why.
Many years ago, we adopted a female collie/husky mix from our local animal shelter. Lady is now eight years old and a loving member of our family.
There are great mixes with wonderful temperaments. For example, sporting dogs (retriever/lab mix, and spaniels) and herding and working breeds (collie/husky, German shepherd/collie). These breeds by themselves are great dogs and combined will share traits of both.
I wouldn’t recommend a mix of guard dog breeds or aggressive breeds. Mixed breeds of pit bulls, Dobermans or Rottweilers are not acceptable for families with children. They can become combative and hurt kids or small animals. Some may say that they are a great mix, but those few are the exception to the rule.
If you have decided on a mix, I can’t urge you enough to visit your local animal shelter or breed rescue. There are so many abandoned dogs that need loving homes. The circumstances for these unfortunate animals range from the previous owner passing away to stupid people dumping puppies and dogs along the side of the road because they didn’t want them anymore.
According to the ASPCA, millions of dogs are in need of adoption and just as many are put to sleep every year. This is a horrible statistic. You’ve seen the commercial on TV for adoption by the ASPCA. Makes you cry doesn’t it.
If you need help locating a shelter, go online to ASPCA.org, HSUS.org (Humane Society of the United States) or AKC.org (American Kennel Club) for information about adoption or breed rescue shelters in your area.
When you go to an animal facility, you will be greeted by an attendant and they will ask you what particular dog or type you are looking for. Then they will show you where the dogs are kept and you can view them either close up or from outside the kennel area.
They’re all so sweet and want you take them home, but, and I know it’s hard to do, pick one. Let the attendant know you decision and then the paperwork will begin. Keep in mind that you will be “vetted” just like your prospective new pet. Shelters want to make sure their animals are going to good homes and will be well cared for.
At most shelters your pet adoption fee will cover the animal you choose being spayed or neutered, if not already, and given updated shots for rabies, distemper and a complete check up before you take him or her home.
So, please, consider one of these unfortunate animals as your next pet. You will not only be giving them a warm, loving home, but you will save their life.
My husband and I have had dogs in our lives since we were born. We’re not dog experts, just everyday people using trial and error over the years to see what works and what doesn’t with our puppies and dogs. We have owned many pure breed and mixed breed dogs through the years and each one was different in so many ways. When my husband and I married in 1978, our first dog was a Collie, Laddie. We were in love with Lassie growing up in the 50’s and found our common “dog ground” in that respect. So throughout the years, Collies and now Shelties are out family dogs.
We currently have an adopted 1/2 Husky, 1/2 Collie mix named Lady who is 8 years old and our second Sheltie, Kelsey is going on 3 years. Many of our family and friends have asked our advice about their dogs and suggested we put together a website for tips, help and fun pages for dog owners. So we did. If you found this article helpful, you can view more information at http://the-best-dog-for-you.com
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