Mixed Breeds For Dummies. Miriam Fields-Babineau

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Introduction

      A mixed-breed dog, as the name implies, is one that’s a mix of two or more breeds — as opposed to purebred dogs, which can trace their lineage back to purebred parents and grandparents and on and on. Believe it or not, mixed-breed dogs are more numerous than purebred dogs and, until recently, they were thought of as less-than-ideal pets and companions. But with the new designer-dog hybrid craze, all that has drastically changed. Many people are willing to spend upwards of $2,000 for a mixed-breed dog just because they know the dog’s parents were purebreds.

      Even though mixed-breed dogs — designer or not — may not have consistent attributes (like size and appearance), they can make great companions, often with fewer physical problems than pedigreed dogs.

      I should know: I’ve been training dogs for more than 40 years. Plus, my studies in psychology and zoology have gone a long way toward helping me understand why dogs behave the way they do. I’ve written and published numerous articles and books about dogs, their behavior, care, breed specifics, and training. I’ve researched numerous breeds, including their characteristics and behavior. And as a professional trainer, I’ve worked with many breeds and breed mixes, teaching them to behave and live harmoniously with their human companions as well as other animals.

      In this book, I’ve brought together all the material you need to help you live with and train your mixed-breed dog. Remember: A dog doesn’t have to have a pedigree to be a good companion. It merely has to have quality care, guidance, consistency, and understanding. Mixed Breeds For Dummies will help you develop a great relationship with your mixed-breed dog.

About This Book

      Although you’ll find all kinds of useful information in each chapter of this book, you don’t have to read it all to benefit from it. Each chapter contains all the tools you need to accomplish specific goals.

Though this book declares to be about mixed-breed dogs it’s actually about all dogs, because mixed-breed dogs are the combinations of many dogs. Although designer dogs are actually hybrids, consisting of the breeding of two purebreds, mixed breeds often contain more than two breeds — sometimes as many as ten, or more, depending on the genetics of the parents. The information in this book pertains to all breeds of dogs, so whether you have a mixed-breed dog or a purebred dog, you’ll benefit from reading this book.

      Also, it’s true that I have lots of credentials — from degrees to publications to hands-on experience — but this book isn’t about my standing up on a soapbox and lecturing you. I know you’re busy, so in this book, I tell you only what you need to know and nothing that you don’t.

      If you’re short on time, you can safely skip the sidebars (text in gray boxes) — the information they contain is interesting but not critical. You can also skip any paragraphs marked by the Technical Stuff icon (see “Icons Used in This Book,” later in this Introduction, for more information).

      Within this book, you may note that some web addresses break across two lines of text. If you’re reading this book in print and want to visit one of these web pages, simply key in the web address exactly as it’s noted in the text, pretending as though the line break doesn’t exist. If you’re reading this as an e-book, you’ve got it easy — just click the web address to be taken directly to the web page.

Foolish Assumptions

      Because you’ve picked up this book I assume you’re not a dummy. You’re either thinking of getting a mixed-breed dog or you already own one. Plus, the fact that you want to find out more about your dog makes you exceptionally intelligent. I make some other assumptions about you:

       I assume you have, or are about to get, a mixed-breed dog because you wanted a unique individual to love and live with.

       I assume that you want just the facts you need to make certain you accomplish your goals. You don’t want all the scientific jargon and terminology explaining the background of each topic.

       I assume you have a big heart to take on a dog and give her a happy home.

Icons Used in This Book

      Icons are those little eye-catching pictures in the margin of this book. These icons are eye-catching for a reason: They flag important information. Here’s what they mean:

      

The Tip icon helps you solve problems faster or explains an easier way to approach an issue.

      

The Warning icon prevents you from doing something dangerous to your dog, yourself, or others. Heed this icon!

      

The Technical Stuff icon precedes interesting information, though not vital to your mixed-breed dog’s well-being. Although you really don’t need to read the information preceded by a Technical Stuff icon, you won’t lose much time doing so, and it may help you understand your dog better.

      

The Remember icon helps you stay on track in maintaining your dog’s health and well-being. This information is so important I may say it twice!

Beyond the Book

      In addition to the book you have in your hands, you can access some extra content online. Check out the free Cheat Sheet for questions to ask when adopting a dog, tips on temperament testing, and a checklist of supplies to have on hand. Just go to www.dummies.com and type Mixed Breeds For Dummies in the Search box.

Where to Go from Here

Because this book is written in a modular manner — with each chapter a standalone unit — you don’t have to read everything in order. In fact, if you already have a mixed-breed dog, you won’t need to read the chapters on where to find a dog, nor will you need the information on making sure the dog is right for you. If you get a designer dog, you might want to find out more about how to train her than solve problems that she likely hasn’t developed. Or, if you’ve had a mixed-breed dog for many years and are curious about the changes he’ll be going through as he ages, you may want to skip to the chapter about senior dogs. Use the Table of Contents and Index to find the chapters that appeal to you now, and come back to this book as your needs and interests change.

      Regardless of where you begin reading, you’re sure to discover new things giving you the inspiration to spend time with your mixed breed and enhance your lives.

      Yours is a partnership for life. Have fun together!

Part 1

      Getting Started with Mixed Breeds

IN THIS PART …

      Find out what makes a mixed-breed dog a mixed breed.

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