Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Dogs Vets
When picking out a new dog, the main consideration most people think of first is the breed. There are hundreds of dog breeds acknowledged by the Kennel Club, the UK’s authority on dog breeds.
Alongside these breeds, there are also many other established breeds that aren’t recognised by the Kennel Club, but still exist and have their own breed clubs and standards.
Then, there are crossbred dogs, which are a combination of multiple breeds. These include dogs bred for specific traits, such as Lurchers, or dogs bred for a particular aesthetic, like Labradoodles.
So, what’s the difference between all these options, and how do you pick the right one when searching for a new puppy? We explain.
Purebred Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Well-Bred Or Registered
Most people think purebred dogs are only dogs that come with a KC registration certificate, but that’s simply not true.
KC registration is expensive, and some breeders might not choose to carry this out. Also, if a dog is from a breed recognised in another country or a breed that’s still in development, then they can’t be registered with a
Many common breeds of dog aren’t recognised by the UK Kennel Club, such as Patterdale Terriers. The Patterdale Terrier is a recognised breed, with a rough standard and various traits, but it is not possible to register them with the Kennel Club.
Some other dogs might be more well-known abroad, but aren’t recognised in this country. Alternatively, some breeds might still be in development, and require more time before they have a clear standard.
On the other hand, some dogs that are KC registered might not be well-bred. The Kennel Club only focuses on show standards, and if dogs aren’t being shown or bred in good conditions, they might still have paperwork, but not be a healthy, happy and stable example of their breed.
There’s More Than One Type Of Crossbreed
Crossbred dogs also come in all shapes and sizes. Many dogs are what’s known as ‘purpose-bred mixes’. This means that they are bred for a specific reason, such as to emphasise specific traits of two breeds.
Alternatively, there are also accidental breedings, which come about when irresponsible owners allow two dogs to breed without any concern for what their offspring will be like.
These dogs are best avoided, as often no health or temperament testing has been performed. These dogs are likely to end up in shelters, so you can find them there instead of buying directly from the people who bred them.
Another type of crossbreed that’s becoming more popular is designer dogs. Designer dogs are a crossbreed that’s designed to appeal because of the popularity of the two breeds it’s mixed with. Alternatively, it can also be a breed that’s created to look a certain way, as is the case with doodles.
Designer dogs are bred with a focus on fashion rather than functionality, and as such, they can be incredibly expensive.
For example, due to their intense popularity, doodles are now one of the most popular and expensive dogs in the UK. This popularity is in spite of the fact that they don’t have steady temperaments, and there’s no guarantee that they will offer the desired coat type many owners choose them for.
When picking a specific crossbreed, it pays to think about the purpose you want your puppy for. Consider if a purebred dog from a long-established line could achieve your goals.
If you don’t think it could, then seek out a breeder that is focusing on health testing and breedings dogs to create great puppies, rather than just aesthetics or money.
In Summary: Research Is Key
At the end of the day, whether you choose a mixed breed or a purebred dog, you need to make sure that you do your research and find the right fit for your family and lifestyle.
Purebred dogs tend to come from a long line of dogs with specific temperaments. While purpose-bred mixes can have stable temperaments and be a great choice for many people, particularly those interested in dog sports or working with their dogs, you need to make sure you take the time to find the best option for you.
Once you’ve decided on the type of dog you want and its key features, you can start exploring breeders.
The focus needs to be on kennels that will ‘prove’ their dogs in some way, whether that’s through showing or sports.
Look for kennels that health test their dogs and will match you with the perfect puppy so you can find a dog that suits your lifestyle.
When carrying out your research, make sure you meet plenty of dogs and their owners to get an idea of what their temperaments are like.
Join local branches of the breed club, or for a mixed breed, meet up with owners who are using this cross for dog sports or specific jobs. It will take time, but with a little hard work you can find the perfect match for your family.
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