Every January, the American Kennel Club (AKC) lists the number of registrations for each dog breed. Coming in at number one for the 18th straight year, is the Labrador Retriever, followed in order by Yorkshire Terriers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Boxers, Dachshunds, Bulldogs, Poodles, and Shih Tzus. Each of these pups have unique characteristics that appeal to those looking for a specific breed. If you're interested in seeing where your choice falls with registrations, take a look at the complete list.
Well, I suppose you shouldn't argue with statistics, but I beg to differ with the AKC. I believe that the true number one dog is the all American mixed breed. I'll bet he can be found in more homes around the world than any pure bred dog. And with a combination of traits that often give the mixed breed better health and a happier disposition, the mixed breed should never be overlooked as a potentially wonderful companion animal.
You don't always need to find a breeder, when the perfect critter could be waiting at your local shelter.
4 comments:
I entirely agree with you, Pat! I have always been a Labrador fan, but my last one, Ben, a real beauty, had been bred for his looks, to the detriment of his health. He suffered a number of different health problems throughout his life and he died at ten.
My mixed breed dog, Timmy, lived to 19 and saw the vet just twice in his whole life except for his vaccinations.
Hi Pat,
I'm torn on this one. We have two dogs. Heidi is a Lab-mix-mix, and Harley is pure Black Lab. They're both great dogs. Harley "looks" better, but Heidi is the sweetest natured and most obedient dog we've ever had.
Donna
All our animals, except for two, have come from shelters, and those two are the ones that turned out badly. Of course, they were probably the products of "puppy mills". Mutts do make perfect additions to the family. I always chuckle when I remember the old saying, "Father was a traveling man. . ." in regard to their heritage!
Lady is also off the streets, and she is quite happy to have such good bed and board, thank you! (Actually, she has two brand new beds as of yesterday!)
Yeah! Let's hear it for mutts.
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