So this is a super interesting paper. Basically, these researchers looked at 24 inherited disorders and compared their prevalence in mixed-breed and purebred dogs. What they found is that 13 disorders had no difference in prevalence (yes, this includes hip dysplasia), 1 disorder was more common in mixed breed dogs (ruptured cranial cruciate ligament), and 10 disorders were more common in purebred dogs (aortic stenosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, elbow dysplasia, IVDD, atopy or allergic dermatitis, bloat, cataracts, total epilepsy, and portosystemic shunt).
Folks, I get it. I have a purebred dog from a breeder, and I understand the desire to defend that decision. That being said, we cannot go around saying things that aren’t true. The reality that this paper supports is that mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs. We talk all the time on dogblr about the difficulties brachycephalic breeds have, about how breeds like Dachshunds that have long backs and short legs often have back issues, and about the persistence of DCM in breeds like the Dobermann despite health testing (DCM is about 45x more common in Dobes than mixed breed dogs according to this paper). The fact that we then turn around and assert that purebred dogs are just as healthy, or healthier, than mixed breed dogs is ridiculous, and it is not supported by current research.
There are certainly still valid reasons to get a purebred dog from a responsible breeder. Stable temperament, working ability, and breeder support are all important. But we become no better than adopt-don’t-shop supporters when we make claims that are unsupported or untrue and blanket statements and assertions about purebred vs mixed breed dogs. The reality is much more nuanced, and it is more important that future dog owners make decisions about rescue vs breeder or purebred vs mixed breed with full knowledge of the pros and cons of these decisions.
old studies but interesting. also a great website if you want to compare lifespan of various breeds. pretty scary numbers if you’re into, say, mastiffs or tollers.
“but that’s only purebreds produced by BYBs!”
and here’s the thing. your choices aren’t limited to either a rescue with unknown heritage or purebred puppy.
if you don’t think adoption is for you, there are plenty of people breeding health-tested, well socialized, stable crossbred dogs. they’re being bred for sports (there’s a HUGE sport mix world!), for working purposes, and to be excellent companions. there’s nothing wrong with getting a purebred puppy from a good breeder, but i think it’s worth exploring all your options!
maybe a breed really appeals to you but the lifespan and common disorders freak you out. well, some at-risk breeds have either official breed outcross programs underway, or individuals taking it into their own hands. frenchies, dobes, doxies, and plenty more. here’s a rundown of the norwegian lundehunde outcross project.
whatever you’re looking for in a dog, if you decide to go the puppy route… you can have the odds stacked in your favor for a stable temperament, the support of a knowledgeable breeder, a community to help you, health tested lineage, AND genetic diversity at a level that’s impossible within closed gene pools. feel free to pm me if you want some advice on where to start.
my own cross, Kai, has a tested inbreeding coefficient of 0%, compared to an average of 10-20% for purebred dogs in the Embark database. he’s been cleared for both his breeds’ testable disorders. Kai’s passed an OFA eye exam and will have his hips x-rayed. i’m really excited to breed litters with temperament and health as the main priority, without the constraints of breed standards and closed studbooks (and…. without show/sport/breed drama, tbh…. that’s a big plus)…
it may not seem like it if you’re not already in these communities, but there are a lot of responsible crossbreeders out there! sure, many won’t meet your personal standards, just like many purebred breeders won’t. but don’t let them ruin your perception of all of us.
I know this post is old, but I find it interesting that the disorder found to be more common in mixes is CCL rupture. I swear I remember reading that there may be a correlation between early spay/neuter and torn CCLs. Rescues and shelters often require puppies be altered fairly young, while purebred dogs can be purchased from a breeder that will allow your dog to be kept intact longer. I wonder if is less of a genetic health thing and more of a mandatory spay/neuter thing.
