Quote:
Originally Posted by Cha Cha  However, when you breed two dogs from different breeds, you actually do get the best of both breeds most times. Generally, it is the best genes that show up and a genetic problem that plagues one particular breed of the mating will not show up in the mixed breed animals of any species. Because of this, mutts and cross bred dogs are generally healthier animals with less genetic predisposition to specific disorders. One example of this is that certain types of bull dogs have probles birthing and often need C-sections. If you were to take female dogs from say a Boxer who does not generally have birthing problems but still in the bull dog family, and mate that dog with a male bull dog (whose breed does have problems) the resulting litter of puppies would likely not have the birthing problems plagued by the breed of the bull dog that does. |
Mutts are generally healthier than purebred dogs? Seriously?
I am sorry, but I completely disagree with this statement and am curious as to where you are getting the information to support this claim or if it is all your own speculation? (I'm not trying to be smart, but if you have documented reserach to back up these claims, I would LOVE to see it as I've tried to find proof to similar claims and have not found any.)
In order to factually declare that "the best of both breeds shows up most of the time," you would have to have large amounts of compiled long term research performed on various pups produceds as a result of mixing breeds. Which breeders of these designers dogs are taking the time to carry out that kind of research? Until that happens, it's nothing more than a theory.
In regards to the Boxer/Bulldog theory you give example of...
I have my doubts that what you have proposed would actually work out the way you claim it would. Bulldogs have a larger cranial structure than Boxers. How would breeding a male Bulldog to a female Boxer would 'birthing problems?' I would think it would do just the opposite if you have a female Boxer, with a birth canal suitable for Boxers trying to free whelp a litter of dogs produced by a dog with a much larger crainal structure.
I'm sure that you can selectively choose breeds and eventually, IF you have an extensive working knoweldge of canine genetic, breed and eliminate given traits. However, the same can be done with purebred dogs. Many of the breed specific genetic issue that you are referring to can be eliminated in purebred dogs as well. The problem is, there are many breeders of purebreds and designer breeds alike that don't dedicate that kind of time and devotion to actually doing it.