Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed or a mutt?"

Why is this question so controversial? Is one dog the same as another? Is there a benefit to 'getting what you paid for'?

The truth is that one dog is like another - at least in many respects. What is not true is that every dog is equally suitable for your family. Dog rescuers may tell you to look beyond the breed and breeders tell you that you won't know what you're getting with a mixed breed. They're both right.

If you want a family dog the responsiblity is the same regardless of whether you rescued an abandoned dog from the shelter or paid upwards of $1000 for a puppy with registration papers. What is different is how you can predict the suitablity of a dog for your children.

What You Know and What You Don