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Dog A-Z > C > Choosing a dog > Crossbreeds and mongrels

Crossbreeds and mongrels

A crossbreed is the result of a mating between two pure breeds and so will be very much a mixture of both, possibly in diluted form. A mongrel contains a mixture of more than two breeds and so will often be more of an ‘average’ dog. We mean average in a good way in that none of his traits should be too exaggerated. If you are worried that a terrier may be too busy and snappy for you, that a working breed may be too overprotective, or that a pastoral dog will be herding the kids, then a mongrel or crossbreed may be the dog for you! Crossbreeds tend to be hardy, healthier dogs than many pure breeds, whose controlled breeding have made it more likely that they could suffer from hereditary diseases. They can be good family pets; loyal and loving and it is very sad that they are often overlooked in favour of pure breeds. Because there are so many in Rehoming Centres, there’s bound to be one that’s perfect for you.