Dear Candice,
I’m so sorry to hear that you lost your best friend so soon. That’s the biggest downside of having a furry family member. Even the longest-living canines don’t live as long as people do. As a dog, I can happily tell you that our sense of time isn’t great. We live in the moment, and we enjoy every game of fetch and walk in the park, even if we only get to enjoy them for a decade or so.
Now, for the matter at hand: Does getting a mixed breed mean having a healthier, longer-living pet?
Hereditary diseases do contribute to early death in dogs. Most genetic disorders are recessive, meaning two copies of the gene must be present for the dog to develop the disorder. Because purebred dogs come from a smaller gene pool, the likelihood of puppies inheriting two copies of a gene is higher, raising the risk they’ll develop certain diseases later in life. Mixed breed dogs are less likely to inherit genetic conditions, but that’s not to say mixed breeds are perfect.
If you adopt a puppy with unknown parents, it’s hard to estimate their future size or energy level. All dogs have their own personalities, but purebred dogs tend to be more predictable. Adopting an adult dog is a good way of ensuring they’re a good fit for your family and lifestyle.
No matter which route you take, consider investing in an Embark DNA test. You can find out not just a dog’s heritage, but important details about which diseases they’re predisposed to getting. Armed with knowledge, you can begin taking preventative steps to help lower their risk of ever getting sick, like optimizing their diet and keeping them at a healthy weight.
I hope you find a happy, healthy dog that’s just right for you. Purebred or not.
Fondly,
– Doctor Dog
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