When looking for the perfect furry companion, you may want to ensure that the dog is of a pure breed. A purebred dog is most likely to exhibit the traits that you would desire in your dog. Whether you prefer more aggressive breeds for security reasons or more obedient breeds that you can train to follow your instructions, pure breeds give you the best puppies that you can nurture in the manner you best prefer.
It can be challenging to identify a purebred dog without looking deeper into the ancestry of the dog itself. Many breeders don't necessarily take genetic purity seriously, or they may claim to do so just to fetch higher prices for their puppies. If you want to ensure that your dog is purely bred, check for the following signs.
1. Practices of the dog breeder
Not all dog breeders have your best interests at heart. When looking around, make sure you visit the actual breeding location to ensure that your puppy was bred purely and raised well.
By visiting the site yourself, you can ensure that the dogs have a safe and loving environment where they eat well, play, socialise and develop the unique traits that fall in line with their genetic makeup.
2. DNA test
If you wish to be very exact about your purebred dog, you can carry out dog DNA testing. Don't worry; this process is much simpler than it sounds (at least on your part). You can order DNA kits online or have the test done at your local vet's office.
The DNA test can backtrack the ancestry of your dog until its great-grandparents. This gives you a clear idea of how purely bred your furry companion actually is.
3. Comparison to a standard puppy
You may also physically compare the traits of your dog to the 'breeding standard'. The breeding standard is the dog that has a pure genetic makeup and best resembles the traits your dog should have. You can use this comparison to compare physical and behavioural features, but it works best with other techniques such as a DNA test. This is because not all dogs look exactly like their ancestors.
4. Checking the paperwork
Only purebred dogs are issued with special papers and are designated as pedigrees. Before purchasing a puppy, make sure you closely check the pedigree papers to examine the dog's lineage. These papers will often detail a few generations back, so you can get a good idea of your dog's ancestry.
Learn more by reaching out to a vet near you.
