Pedigree or Crossbreed?

Pedigree or Crossbreed?

What is the difference between Pedigree or a crossbreed dog?

A pedigree dog and a mixed breed dog - what's the difference? Purebred dogs can probably trace their ancestry hundreds of years, while crossbreed or mongrel dogs would be impossible to trace, it can be assumed to be some of are, at least in part, from the oldest dog types in the world.

Pedigree Dogs are from 2 purebred parent dogs, of the same breed, that have been registered with a breed authority such as the Kennel Club (UK) or American Kennel Club. One or both parents may have a long line of accredited dogs including show champions.

Crossbreeds and mongrels are dogs that one or both parent dogs that are not registered and/or are not of the same breed. While some crossbreeds are deliberate - such as Labradoodle or Sprockers, many more are just 'accidents'! 

German Spitz

Who knows!

What are the Pro's and Con's of a pedigree and a crossbreed?

Pedigrees

There are many pro's and con's to purebred dogs. Well publicised is the extremes some breeders (and authorities) have pushed certain dog types to the very limits, and beyond, of what is healthy. For instance the 'sloping back' of a GSD (German Shepherd Dog) or the ever flatter faces of some breeds such Pugs. It could be argued that the judges at the largest (and most reputable!) dog shows, such as Crufts and The Westminster Show, have pushed these extremes by picking dogs that show the most pronounced signs of these conditioners as the breed 'perfect' dogs.Therefore encouraging breeders to select dogs that have these conditions as breeding dogs and have exaggerated the form over successive generations.

Sloping Back 

Straight Back

Pedigrees also suffer from breeding from a limited gene pool - some individual dogs are highly sort after for breeding for their line (genetic history) and show credentials (mainly male) -  which leads to potential inherent health problems such as hip dysplasia in Labradors and GSD's, breathing difficulties in flat faced breeds, and weak backs / spines in long dogs such as Dachshunds.

Dachshund

However there are many reasons why a pedigree dog would be the ideal choice. The potential owner may have a specific need for a dog, such as a working dog for herding (Border Collies), or country pursuits (Springers). Guide Dogs have traditionally been Labradors, but Labradoodles & Retrievers are being trained and chosen as assistance dogs too. Service dogs such as Police dogs Rottweilers & GSD's. Sniffer dogs Springers and Spaniels. 

Sniffer Dog

With pedigree dogs the size, temperament and 'special' requirements are generally well known. If you have little time or enthusiasm for grooming, then the Afghan may not be for you! But the Poodle would be perfect. However, if you love large dogs, then the Great Dane or Irish Wolfhound would fulfil that need. Apartment dwellers might prefer a smaller breed, Chihuahua or Yorkie. Companion or PATS (pets as therapy) dogs need to have a calm and patient temperament, so breeds such as Bichon Frise or Labrador.

Companion Dog

Certain breeds are great for families/ individuals new to having a dog in their lives. So easy to train and care for breeds may be what is required - such as Poodle or Retreiver. Both are highly intelligent, so respond well to training.

Poodle

Crossbreeds

While mixed breed dogs generally don't have any of the inherent problems of pedigrees they can still be prone towards certain ailments or conditions. Jack Russells tend to have slipping patellas (knees) in one or both back legs. Boxer crosses can carry the cancer gene.

Jack Russell Terrier

The other major consideration is that there is often no way of telling which breeds make up a particular dog! Which means the owner has no idea of temperament, grooming requirements or even how big the dog will get - shelters are full of dogs that the owners have abandoned because they didn't realise the dog would get so big or shed so much on their new sofa!

Often the joy of a 'mutt' is that uncertainty! 

Deliberate mixed breeds or 'Designer' breeds are easier to identify, so a lot of the uncertainty can be reduced. Most designer breeds have their own names often indicating the parentage -  including the Pugle (Pug & Beagle), Cockerpoo (Cocker Spaniel & Poodle) & Pomsky (Pomeranian & Husky). These breeds are often combined to create a very appealing, 'cute' puppy, which can be very desirable and therefore they can get very expensive, some commanding much higher prices than pedigrees!

Jackahuahua

Due to their popularity, designer breeds, may have unknown backgrounds or history, such as being puppy farm bred and having very poor health due to lack of care. Alot are sold purely for financial gain without any regard to the puppy or mothers health and wellbeing. This can lead not only to health problems & hidden 'defects' but also longevity (the lack of it!) and personality traits not normally associated with the breeds, such as aggression over food or territory.

However some breed have been combined for positive reasons such as easing inherent health problems. But also for the 2 dogs different abilities combined to make  a breed suited for a specific task. Labradoodles were originally breed in Australia for the Labradors ease of training and patience, and the Poodles intelligence and none shedding / allergy free coat. Making them the number one choice for assistance dogs.

Labradoodles

In conclusion

It would seem that both the pedigree and the crossbreeds have plenty of merit. While pedigree dogs may be more expensive, and the new owner may have wait in line for a specific breeder or breed to have puppies - some potential owners may have to jump through hoops to prove themselves worthy of the puppy, especially if it is a very popular unusual breed or the requirement is gender / colour specific. At least you know what you are getting - well.........mainly!

'Mutts' on the other hand can be found just about anywhere - from shelters to your neighbour's much prized pampered pooch who had an 'accident' with the local Collie! 

Often the choice can come down to what you know! If you have always had Jack Russells from shelters in the family, chances are that will happen again (and again!), Maybe only a Saint Bernard from a particular breeder will do. Whichever you choose, or have chosen i am sure you will agree that pedigree and crossbreed have a lot to offer and that your own dog is the best in the world!

'My' best dog in the world

If you would like more information, there are plenty of websites online including :

Dogways

Pet Forum

Some of the information and pictures in this article have come from public access sites and searches. While we will always try to give credit where it is due, sometimes this is not possible if the original source is not readily available.

www.dogsandco.com

Dog Coats - a good thing?

Dog Coats - do I or don't I ?

There is a lot of discussion, dare i say "controversy", around whether a dog should have a coat or not? After all they have there own 'coat' which mother nature and a millenia of evolution has provided.

So, do dogs 'need' an extra coat?

I think the short answer in most cases is yes. Here's why (applying UK climate and 'pets' ) 

Like the rest of us, domestic dogs - outdoor working dogs notwithstanding -  on the whole have become used to the comforts of modern life, a nice warm bed, food on tap and a fully central heated house in some cases night and day!

So, like the rest of us, upon stepping outside into the rain, snow, wind etc, they feel it!

We have to account the breed or type too, for example:

• Very short haired - Hounds & Pointers
• Hairless - Chinese Crested, Mexican Hairless
• Very little warming fat - Staffies, 
• Very dense hair that takes a long time to dry - Pomeranians & Retrievers
• Miniatures and low slung breeds - Dachshunds & Chihuahuas

All of these types / breeds and many many more, probably need some sort help in keeping warm and / or dry.

Once you have established that your dog probably needs a coat, you will have to decide what type you need! And there is as many different designs out there as there different breeds of dogs!

Which dog coat is right for my dog?

Firstly you need to decide what you want the coat to do:

• Primarily be waterproof, but not too thick
• Thick and warming, but showerproof would be fine.
• Lightweight and easy to carry when the dog is not wearing it
• High visibility for night & road walking
• Full coverage - legs, tummy, everywhere!
• Stylish & fashionable

Obviously there are other considerations, such as the coats fit, washable and comfort for your dog, as well as your own personal taste and budget.

Waterproof or Showerproof?

Very few dog coats are actually waterproof. Unless it's made from Gortex or Wax (such as Barbour), it is unlikely to be truly waterproof. These coats are costly, a truly waterproof coat won't leave you with much change from £100. Anything cheaper, maybe you need to ask yourself if it is really what it claims!

While there are fabrics that have been treated to make them waterproof, with stitching, attachments, labels etc and a few washes, they soon begin to seep and cannot really claim to be waterproof.

But lets face it - if the weather is that bad that you need a wetsuit, is it really the right time to be taking yourself and your dog out for a long walk?

Most dog coats are made from  nylon based fabric, either padded or just a thin layer, while this is perfectly fine for most walks and outings, some are better than others!

Shape & Design

The choice is endless, but here are a few suggestions

A simple nylon or 'waterproof' fabric over the back design with a strap around the middle and some have back leg loops and a hole in the back to pass a lead through. Easy to fit and usually washable. These coats can be quite thin and lightweight for dogs who don't need a lot of extra warmth, to heavy lined with fleece or thick fabric for a really cosy feel. Often the least expensive option when buying a dog coat.

For example Washable Wax Dog Coat from Ancol www.dogsandco.com/washwaxdogcoats

For extra coverage, these simple dog coats can have a extra piece that covers the tummy area such a these padded dog coats www.dogsandco.com/paddeddogcoat

If that is not enough coverage then go for a coat with full coverage - the whole torso covered, some have leg coverings as well. Usually designed to be quite lightweight, as they could cause a dog to overheat if they are too thick or lined with a heavy fleece. These coats take a little longer to fit and getting the size right at purchase is essential. But if your dog is happy to wear one, it's great for keeping off all the wet and muck while out and about, saving time, effort and the house when home again!.For example Doggy Onesie with full legs www.dogsandco.com/doggyonesies

If you think the full legged version would be too much for your dog (or you!) try a similar dog coat but without the legs, but still full torso coverage. The Bodysuit dog coat www.dogsandco.com/dogbodysuits

Sometimes you dog may not require a coat for the obvious reasons, but for night and road walking a coat with extra visibility is a great idea. Whether it is simple reflective strips or full bright coloured material with all the bells and whistles! Again these coats are available in a vast choice and prices vary wildly.  For example Hi Viz Dog Jacket  www.dogsandco.com/hivisdogcoat

Lastly, if your dog really doesn't need or want a coat, then how about a indoor coat / wrap for after the outing?
Towelling, fleece or microfiber indoor coats are great to help get your dog dry, warm and clean again. It can also help to keep his environment (your home & car) cleaner too. The styles are endless with different features to fit your needs. Check out this fantastic reversible towelling & fleece coat - which dries and then warms - perfect after a cold, wet & muddy walk. Turncoat Reversible Towel Dog Coat www.dogsandco.com/dogtowelturncoat

So if you think a dog coat may be for you and your dog, there is plenty to choose from. For more information visit Dogs & Co

First Blog

First Blog

Ok, so here we go.........

Very new to this blogging thing so apologies up front if i get this a little wrong. I hope that the posts will get better as i get more on point.

My intention is to bring news, views and articles of interest to our not only our customers (Dogs & Co) and followers (Facebook), but dog lovers looking for some facts and fun on all things dog - and a little cat too.

Now i do have a tendency to ramble and i love the use of !!!!! but i also love sharing information i have gleaned and i hope in passing it on someone somewhere will find it useful or maybe just a little interesting.

and at last to my first article:

The weather plummeted here last night in North Wales and as i let my animals out for their final ablutions, it struck me how very cold and uncomfortable it must be on their tiny paws. 

Again this morning, i watched from the window (cup of hot tea in hand, hugging the radiator) how delicately the picked their way through the snow and ice. Natured answered they raced back inside and faces down in the bowl ate a hearty breakfast.

So i got to thinking, how can i make my pets lives easier in this cold spell.

Firstly i will only deal with the dog (cat the can pretty much look after herself, with a litter tray maybe when it's really inclement).

Ice and snow underfoot: 

The obvious answer is don't go out - in practice that's impossible, apart from toilet, the dog would get cabin fever in out 1/2 hour and start destroying the house!

So either i get him boots - great if your dog would tolerate them and lots do happily, but not mine - or maybe put a salve on his paws to prevent them getting chapped and irritated. It's not only ice you have to watch for, especially if you are walking on paved surfaces, there could be salt or chemicals laid down to keep them ice free.

My dog is quite low slung too, so it's not only his paws but tummy too that needs protecting. And a coat thats covers his tummy too is the perfect answer. It also helps keep his vital organs warm and his back dry.

My answer is short, walks when it's really nasty underfoot (paw), and lots of them. It maybe tempting on a beautiful blue skied winters day to go for a long ramble along the beach, but just imagine if you were being asked to go barefoot in the snow - how much fun would that be? The walks may not be the fun they are in summer, but they will help keep him trim and hopefully keep him from getting bored (and eating the kitchen door - again!)

After each walk or outing, a warm wipe down of his paws and tummy is essential to get rid of any ice, salt or chemicals that may irritate him - a must, by the way, with longer haired dogs - ice knots in their fur can get quite painful.

If your dog has got any cuts or sore patches on his paws after a winter walk little Petroleum Jelly works wonders, but watch the carpet - little vaseline paw marks don't thrill everybody!

Winter Bathing

I try to cut down bathing to an absolute minimum in winter. Dog coats can often take a long time to dry fully down to the skin and i don't want him catching a chill. But bathing also removes vital oils that help protect and keep his coat in tip top shape in winter. A dry or non rinse shampoo is great when its cold if he is getting a little stinky - which he does.

Food & Board

All animals (us included) use a lot more energy just keeping warm in winter. So making sure you dog has plenty to eat and drink is essential. It might be worth taking a look at your dogs diet and maybe increasing the protein to help boost his energy levels.

Finally, sleep.We all sleep more when we are cold, my 2 seem to sleep most of the winter away! If your pets sleep outside or in a non heated room overnight, please make sure that they have somewhere warm to curl up - an old blanket or (preferably) a nice warm bed of their own with sides or a cover to keep out the drafts will help. Mine sleeps under the duvet and doesn't move all night - he does however snore - loudly.

Well, that's it. I hope it is of some help or interest to someone somewhere. All pretty obvious stuff, but sometimes it's the pretty obvious stuff that unlocks an unobvious thought or action that makes all the difference.

For more information on looking after your pets this winter take a look at these great sites:

ASPCA - cold weather safety tips

PETMD - 8 tips for caring for your pet this winter

Dogs Trust - Winter weather advice

Dogs & Co - Chilly Dogs

Thank you 🐾