Now for the downside… Purebreds are more prone to health problems, many of which are often due to overbreeding. These can include immune system diseases, skin diseases, bone and joint disorders, sudden heart disease, eye diseases, epilepsy or seizures, cancers and tumors, neurological diseases, and bleeding disorders. It's very important when considering a purebred that you find a reputable and proven breeder. Many purebreds also come with working behaviors that may not fit your ideal of the perfect family companion. Behaviors like digging holes, chasing after things or nipping, which have been bred into certain breeds for centuries, often prove difficult to change. And, of course, purebreds can be very costly, running anywhere from several hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.

Now for the mixed breed… One of the most obvious downsides of the mixed breed is that you can't predict what a puppy will look like or what size it will be as an adult. However, there are those who actually find this to be a positive, enjoying the surprise of realizing what their mixes grow up to look like. Along the same lines, mixed breeds are less predictable than purebreds when it comes to temperament. However, mixed breeds tend toward the moderate, with their temperaments often proving to be less extreme than those of purebreds. You're less likely to have a dog who's "very" energetic or "very" demanding or "very" stubborn, with genetically-based characteristics that often prove difficult to change, and more likely to have a dog that can adjust to a greater variety of situations.

More advantages to the mixed breed… With a greater genetic diversity, mixed breeds are less likely to suffer conditions that affect certain purebreds as a result of inbreeding. They also tend to be a lot less expensive, usually costing around $25 to $75 at most shelters. Furthermore, by opting for a mixed breed, certainly one from the shelter, you may just be saving a life.

So which will it be? Purebred or mutt, pedigree or mixed breed? The choice is up to you.

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