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Published:
October 13, 2020

Mixed Breeds For Dummies

Overview

Own and care for a classy dog—no pedigree required!

All dogs are unique—but mixed breeds are even more so! The new edition of Mixed Breeds For Dummies helps you count the ways, walking you through the latest on choosing, training, and caring for a non-traditionally pedigreed pup. Whether you prefer mystery mixes or designer Labradoodles, winsome rescues or pampered pups from a breeder, you'll find everything you need to know and more about your new faithful friend—including the science on why they frequently enjoy better health than most pedigreed breeds and often make better domestic companions!

In her friendly, dog-whisperer style, professional animal trainer and prolific author, Miriam Fields-Babineau, begins with tips on choosing the mix that's right for you, setting up a puppy-friendly environment, and making sure your larder is stocked with healthy foods they'll love. Once you're confident your new pal is happily settled

in, she clues you in on the best (and most enjoyable) ways to exercise together for maximum fitness, finding a vet you trust (and administering first aid yourself), as well as schooling you in the latest animal psychology-based training methods to ensure you both know where you stand (or sit). You'll also discover ways to get to know your friend even better—from exercises to test their temperament to delving into the secrets hidden in their DNA!

  • Decide which mix is the one for you
  • Keep your furry friend healthy, from puppy to senior
  • Establish discipline and overcome common training challenges
  • Socialize your dog at a mixed-breed club

From walks and games on the beach to cozy nights in your happy home, there's a lot of fun to look forward to with your not-quite-best-in-show but much-loved best friend. This book will ensure you and your mixed-breed pal will live happily and healthily ever after!

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About The Author

Miriam Fields-Babineau has been a professional animal trainer since 1978 and is the author of 45 books in the field, including one on how to train cats! A psychologist and zoologist, she takes her work home with her and lives in Vermont with her family, dogs, cats, and horses.

Sample Chapters

mixed breeds for dummies

CHEAT SHEET

If you’re thinking about bring a mixed-breed dog into your life, you need to get ready, whether that means knowing which questions to ask and testing the dog’s temperament or stocking up on supplies. © Erik Lam / Shutterstock.comQuestions to ask when adopting a dogRescue dogs can make excellent companions. When you’re considering a rescue dog, ask the following questions: What is the dog’s gender?

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Articles from
the book

There are loads of fun activities you can do with your mixed-breed dog — none of which require a pedigree! From competition to helping others, you can participate in many activities where both of you would have fun.The more events you work for, and the more titles you earn with your dog, the better you and he work together.
There are more combinations of Toy hybrids than there are recognized purebred Toy dog breeds. Though small, they’re still dogs and should be treated as such — not as mere arm ornaments. Toy hybrids tend to have good longevity, great personalities, and require the special care accorded to Toy dogs. Hybrid dogs are mixed-breed dogs created by breeding two purebred dogs.
Designer dogs are growing in popularity, and they’re often more expensive than purebred pups. Why? Because they’re unique. People who want to create a hybrid dog breed based on intelligence and not coat type will often use the Border Collie breed as one of the parents. One of the positive outcomes of using Border Collies in a hybrid crossing is that they have few genetic health problems.
Few hybrid dogs (the offspring of two purebred dogs) are more popular than those with a Poodle parent. In fact, it was the Poodle mixture that started the entire fad of designer dogs, beginning with the Labradoodle and Cockapoo.Poodles bring many great attributes into the hybrid crossing, plus they come in four sizes: Standard, Miniature, Toy, and Teacup (a size not currently recognized by the AKC).
Each dog breed was developed for specific tasks — guarding, herding, hunting, hand-warming — and these breeds are grouped together by their original purpose. A mixed breed is a combination of two or more breeds. Knowledge of the appearance and personalities of the various breed groups will help you understand your own dog, and will also be useful if you’re thinking about which type of mixed breed to get.
The offspring of purebred dogs all look alike on the outside and have similar personalities and temperaments. You can’t say that about mixed-breed dogs. No two are exactly alike — even those from the same litter. Although their environment has a lot of impact on their future behavior, they still have specific genetic codes that are difficult to decipher.
Dog’s nails grow quickly, and you’ll probably need to clip your dog’s nails every six weeks, regardless of her size, breed mixture, or age. If your dog spends most of her time on soft surfaces (such as dirt, grass, or sand), she may need her nails clipped more often. Even if you walk your dog on sidewalks or along the street, you’ll still need to clip her nails on the sides of the feet as well as the dew-claw nails.
If you’re thinking about bring a mixed-breed dog into your life, you need to get ready, whether that means knowing which questions to ask and testing the dog’s temperament or stocking up on supplies. © Erik Lam / Shutterstock.comQuestions to ask when adopting a dogRescue dogs can make excellent companions. When you’re considering a rescue dog, ask the following questions: What is the dog’s gender?
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