Take two dogs, one a purebred and one a mixed breed. Which one is more beautiful, smarter, a better companion? It's often a matter of personal opinion as there are those who believe that purebreds are the only choice while others steadfastly stand by the mutt. So we can compare purebred dogs and mixed breed dogs in general terms, keeping in mind that individual dogs will develop their own personalities and temperaments based on factors other than simple breeding.

And in this corner, the purebred… One of the most appealing features of the purebred is that they have rather predictable physical characteristics. You more or less know what you're going to get when it comes to appearance and size. They also have a fairly predictable temperament so you can get a pretty good idea of what your dog's disposition will be. Keep in mind, though, that there are no guarantees and that, even with purebreds, there are always exceptions to the rule. And, of course, if you want to professionally breed or show your dog, a pedigree is your only option.

Read more about purebreeds versus mutts.