Purebred, Crossbreed or Mongrel  
The Six Groups of Dogs  
The Advantages of a Purebred Dog  
Crossbreeds and Mongrels  
Male vs. Female  
Large and Small Dogs  
Long-Haired and Short-Haired Dogs  
Puppy or Older Dog  
Some Pointers on Picking the Individual Dog  

The right dog can be a source of fun and companionship for many years. But the wrong dog may well turn out to be a nuisance and cause of family dissension. So, give some serious thought to the matter of picking your dog. Avoid a spur-of-the-moment choice. And don't dash out to buy a certain breed just because it's in fashion or you've been impressed by a dog in a television show. Remember, with reasonable care your dog will be a part of your life for ten to twelve years. That's a long time to live with a mistake.

PUREBRED, CROSSBREED OR MONGREL

To paraphrase Gertrude Stein: "A dog is a dog is a dog." No one breed or mixture is better than another. It all depends on why you want a dog and what kind of a dog your particular situation will maintain. There's only one species of dog, Canis familiaris, with 116 breeds registered in the American Kennel Club. As to the crossbreeds and mongrels, their numbers and combinations are best left to the mathematicians. You may be sure, though, the crossbreeds and mongrels far outnumber the purebreds.

The purebreds, crossbreeds and mongrels are much alike in their general behavior and instincts. Any one of them will offer friendship, loyalty and companionship. And with reasonable care, a dog from any of these groups will turn into a fine pet.

Purebred dogs

A purebred dog is one whose parents and ancestors are of a single breed. It is a dog with a traceable pedigree. In America, purebred dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club. Foreign purebred dogs are registered in the official kennel club of the specific country. The American Kennel Club now registers 116 breeds, divided into six groups.