Pedigree or Non-Pedigree

Crossbred dogs are usually not expensive to buy, which is an obvious advantage. They have their own "mutt" charm, and their apparent type may be just what you are looking for. But remember the tiny puppy may become an enormous adult. The best way to judge is to see both parents, but in the nature of things the father is likely to be absent when the puppies are ready to leave.

It is not necessarily true that crossbred dogs are healthier than purebreds, as many people believe. Every veterinarian can tell you of crossbreds or mongrels suffering from recognizable, inherited diseases.

The advantage of picking a purebred dog is that you know what your are getting. From a reputable breeder a Yorkshire Terrier puppy will grow up into a Yorkshire Terrier dog, of a size and weight that is within the breed norm, and with potential behavior characteristics typical of the breed. There is, or should be, advice available to deal with whatever problems may arise as a particular feature of the breed.

There is no doubt that many breeds have inherited problems associated with that breed, although these have often been exaggerated in the press. It is up to the potential owner to enquire about these problems, and to take independent advice on their significance. It is worth bearing in mind that no species of animal, including human beings, is free from inheritable disease. Dogs may be less afflicted than most.