Many believe randomized hybrid genes give mixed breeds increased vigor and resistance to inherited conditions plaguing some pedigrees.
Claims
Studies show some crossbreeds live longer on average and have reduced risk for a few breed-specific illnesses like cancer.
Facts
Since mixes inherit an unpredictable mashup of traits, it’s impossible to guarantee the health of any one mutt puppy.
Unknowns
Regardless of breeding, dogs need proper preventative vet care, nutrition, exercise and love to thrive.
Care
Adopting mixed breed dogs from shelters sidesteps profit-focused breeders and puppy mills.
Costs
DNA tests can now screen pure and mixed breeds for hundreds of concerning gene variants linked to disease.
Speed
Crossbreeding boosts generic diversity crucial for species health. But individual mutt health still varies.
Benefits