Purebred vs. mutts
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
Gail Wieder
Board Member
There are two kinds of people in this world, dog people and everyone else. You know dog people right away. They tend to be warm, bighearted, generous. They are curious. They appreciate close relationships. It takes commitment to care for a dog, and they’ve got it.
Pets of all species require love and attention but dogs even more so. They need food, shelter and all the basics of care that any domestic animal needs, but dogs also need you. They require companionship in a way that other animals don’t. They want to be with us as much as we do with them. That is why we love them so much and become devoted to them and them to us.
Dog Person vs. Mutt Person: Once you realize you are a dog person, you need to find the pet that is right for you. And here dog people split into two camps, sometimes without even realizing it, sometimes intentionally, and sometimes with a foot in each camp.
Purebred Purist or Mutt Maven? A Purebred Purist is drawn to a certain breed. That person may have a long history having that breed. The breed may have struck their fancy on TV or in film. Or they may be looking for certain traits the breed displays. An athletic person may want a Lab who would enjoy jogging with them. An older, quiet person may want a Bulldog or Dachshund whose exercise requirement is less demanding. An allergy sufferer might choose a breed with soft hair like a poodle or Shih Tzu. Interested in a security dog? You may want a German Shepherd or Rottweiler.
Mutts, on the other hand, are the plain brown wrapper of dogdom. They are the generic brand, a no-name animal, the un-breed. Nowadays, mutts are hot dogs, but why? Every mutt is one-of-a-kind; a mutt’s uniqueness is priceless. Mutts are not perfect and that is their appeal. Mutt Mavens relate to their imperfections and find their irregularities adorable. Most mutts are better behaved than their purebred peers. They are healthier, having not been inbred. They tend to live longer. Most play well with others — both with canines and humans. They are smart and easy to train. They are a great dog for families.
So if you are looking for a new four-legged member for your family, come check out the great animals we have at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have some wonderful animals waiting for their forever home. The shelter hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed for lunch noon to 12:30 p.m. Check us out on petfinders.com and Facebook. Please remember to be responsible, spay and neuter your pets!
