There are so many types of dog breeds, such as designer dogs, mixed breed dogs, and mutt dogs, and lots of definitions get thrown around. But many seemingly different terms mean the same thing—they just have different connotations (both negative and positive).
Keep reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between these types of dogs.
Dog breeds can typically be divided into three groups: purebred, mixed breed (mutt), or designer. Here's what each of these terms means and what sets them apart.
"Purebred" refers to a dog whose parents are both the same breed and registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). Registration with the AKC helps to verify that a dog's parents are both also purebred dogs, which helps keep the lineage of a particular dog documented. For example, a German shepherd puppy would be considered purebred if both of his parents were AKC-registered German shepherds.
Many purebred dog breeds historically started as mixed breeds, or more fittingly designer dog breeds, as breeders picked out dog traits they wanted to see combined in a new breed. For example, the Doberman pinscher was thought to have been created by breeding rottweilers, black and tan terriers, and German pinschers together at the top of the 20th century.
Mixed-breed dogs (AKA mutts) result from breeding different purebreds or other mixed-breed dogs together. Mixed breed dogs have no pedigree, or no AKC breed standard to compare them to, and are usually the result of accidental matings, which sets them slightly apart from intentional designer dog breeds. There are mixed-breed registries that may offer some sort of documentation, but it’s difficult, if not impossible, to predict what a mixed-breed dog’s puppies will look like or how they’ll behave. Mixed-breed dogs make wonderful pets, though. They are a popular choice for pets all over the world.
“Designer dog” is a fancy term that refers to an intentional mixing of breeds and is sometimes called a "hybrid" dog. These types of dogs are created by intentionally combining existing breeds to form new ones. As previously stated, most existing dog breeds were created in this way. Many are so ancient, though, their origin is obscure.
A more recent example of a designer or hybrid dog is the Labradoodle, purposely bred to take the low-shedding qualities of a poodle along with a Labrador's temperament for a guide dog. Because poodles come in three sizes, Labradoodle pups also vary in size and may be more like the poodle or Labrador side of the family. Hybrid breeders are dedicated to establishing the variety as a true breed. They work to create a predictable type, working with generations of dogs.
In addition to Labradoodles, popular designer dog breeds include:
Many of the aforementioned designer dog breeds have surged in popularity, and unfortunately, the presence and popularity of puppy mills have also surged. Make sure you're always doing your research when adopting a dog, especially when a dog is labeled as "designer."
Don't let various terms scare you away from adopting the perfect furry friend. Here are some considerations to take into account when you decide to bring a new dog into the family.
The health and temperament of a puppy should weigh more heavily than any cute factor and marketing ploys. Don’t let a designer label or popular puppy fads get in the way of choosing a healthy companion—whether pedigree, mutt or designer breed, listen to your head as well as your heart.
Certain dog breeds (for example, working breed dogs) have been bred historically for their behavior and skills to do certain jobs, and these traits may or may not be helpful for companion animals. Some breeds require more exercise, training, and time to keep healthy and happy.
Consider your lifestyle and how much time you can commit to a new puppy before making the decision to buy or adopt.
If you work long hours, you may have to make arrangements for someone to let your puppy out for bathroom breaks, help in house-training, and exercise your puppy as they grow.
Certain breeds require more extensive and ongoing grooming care, which could require additional budgeting to prevent health issues.
Consulting with your veterinarian and/or a dog trainer may be worth your time to help determine what kind of dog may be a more ideal fit for your lifestyle and environment.
If you are curious about what breed or breeds your dog originates from, you may want to use a canine genetic test for your dog.
With a simple saliva sample, the tests can provide information about your dog's ancestry and the potential breeds that make up your dog. Some tests can also provide health information, especially as it relates to genetic markers that may be related to specific breeds that are in your dog's DNA.
Although there’s a belief that purebred dogs are more likely to have health problems than mutts, research suggests that this isn’t the case. A study found that mutts are at a similar risk of common health problems as purebred dogs. However, it’s also true that certain breeds are more susceptible to certain conditions. Various factors play a role in a dog’s health and lifespan, such as their diet, genetics, and lifestyle.
A rarer type of "true hybrid" is a dog that has been crossed with a wild animal, such as a wolf or coyote. These can be intentional pairings or may occur naturally in the wild. These types of animals are not usually recommended as pets, as they are a half-wild animal. Sometimes special permits are required if an owner is planning to keep one as a pet. Some breeders will charge inflated prices for these types of hybrids. Be wary of being scammed or ending up with an expensive and potentially dangerous animal in your home.
Historically, the word "mutt" was used to negatively refer to dogs who were not purebred, deriving from the term "muttonhead," which meant fool. Today, the term mutt is a synonym for mixed-breed dogs and has a more affectionate connotation.
You have probably seen a dog bare its teeth at one point or another. You might have thought it meant "stay away" and you were probably right.
Raw food diets have become increasingly popular as alternatives to traditional dog food diets. Alongside many other dog food trends like grain-free, v
Many dog trainers tout the power of special food rewards when training our four-legged friends using positive reinforcement - and cheese is often one
Senior dementia is a common problem occurring in older dogs just as it does in aging humans. Similar to Alzheimer's in people, dementia in dogs is a d
A persistent itch can make you absolutely miserable, whether from dry skin, a bug bite, or a rash. It's hard to focus on anything else, and while scra
Originally bred for hunting otters, the Wettherhoun is a dog breed that makes both a fantastic watchdog and family pet. Energetic and strong-willed, t
Dog breeds not only come in many different shapes, sizes, coat types, and colors, they also have varying levels of energy, including calm dog breeds.
The English toy spaniel is a small toy dog breed from England with a silky, medium-length coat and a strong resemblance to its cousin, the popular Cav
We are a comprehensive and trusted information platform dedicated to delivering high-quality content across a wide range of topics, including society, technology, business, health, culture, and entertainment.
From breaking news to in-depth reports, we adhere to the principles of accuracy and diverse perspectives, helping readers find clarity and reliability in today’s fast-paced information landscape.
Our goal is to be a dependable source of knowledge for every reader—making information not only accessible but truly trustworthy. Looking ahead, we will continue to enhance our content and services, connecting the world and delivering value.
