There are many homeless, useless dogs, called mongrels, running around the city streets. They are the most numerous representatives of the mongrel breed. For the most part, these are crosses of different breeds. They are often disliked, feared, and persecuted. Animals freeze outside, starve or eat garbage. A yard dog is often similar to one breed or another, which is evident from their appearance. There are very beautiful mongrels whose exterior may be the envy of their titled relatives.
Key facts
There is no single description of the mongrel breed. These representatives differ greatly in size, color and type of coat, as well as body structure. Under the influence of the environment, populations of mongrels with similar physiques and character traits are formed. Sometimes such traits are used by breeders to create a new breed.
The characteristics of mongrels speak of their friendliness and good nature. However, they tend to be cautious when communicating with people. They are very loyal to their owners and do well in families with small children and other pets.
The lifespan of mongrels depends entirely on their living conditions. On average, it ranges from 8 to 12 years, but there are also centenarians who live up to 20 years.
Pros and cons of mongrels compared to purebred dogs
Those who already have mongrels note:
- very loyal, loyal to their owner until the end of their lives;
- unique - you won’t find a similar dog;
- they get sick a little;
- well trained;
- hardy and unpretentious;
- They can cope well with the duties of service dogs and act as watchdogs.
The following disadvantages are noted:
- sometimes they are unpredictable;
- It is difficult to predict the adult appearance of a puppy; he may grow up unattractive, awkward and unsightly.
The unpredictability of size is a disadvantage of mongrels. When you think that you adopted a small dog, but after a while you see that a big dog has grown up. The unpredictability of a yard pet's character can also cause a lot of anxiety.
When choosing a purebred dog, you can focus on the breed's personality traits, some breeds have a calm temperament, and some do not.
My friend picked up a mongrel puppy on the street with an obvious terrier mix. The dog was very energetic, barked incessantly during walks, which displeased those around him, and calmed down only after many hours of intense walks. On the street she attacked small dogs, at home she rummaged through the garbage, and it was not possible to wean her from these outrages. She only became a little calmer in her old age, and the dog lived for 12 years.
Origin story of the mongrel
In the modern world, the appearance of mongrels has become possible due to unscrupulous owners who throw out a boring pet dog or new puppies onto the street. Left without human control, homeless representatives began to multiply rapidly.
There are frequent cases of mongrels mating with wolves or jackals. In this case, puppies are born with an aggressive and completely unpredictable character. When gathered in flocks, such individuals become a threat to people and other animals.
Dingo
Domestic dog of the wolf family. A medium breed, the size of which does not exceed 60 cm at the withers. The animal has external features characteristic of wild animals. The dingo's muzzle resembles a fox, and its strong neck is framed by a light collar of fur.
The dingo is covered with short and thick fur. The most common color of dingoes is light brown. Dingo fur protects well from bad weather, having innate abilities for self-preservation. The dog's color is preserved for many years without additional care from the owner.
Appearance of a mongrel
General impression
Numerous photos of mongrels show the diversity of their exteriors. Therefore, despite the lack of pedigree and any noble origin, courtyard terriers are deservedly popular among dog breeders.
You can see dogs of different sizes, differing in skull shape and body structure. The coat can be of any length and thickness. There are no standards for eye color or ear shape. However, among the mongrels there are often real handsome men.
Color
The colors of mongrels have almost no restrictions, so among outbred quadrupeds it is quite possible to find a very spectacular individual, which in appearance will not be inferior to the breed representative. However, most animals look inconspicuous. The most common colors include:
- ginger;
- black;
- pale yellow;
- white;
- grey;
- two- or three-color;
- with different types of stains, specks, and scorches.
Patterns on the coat can be located on any part of the body, creating a unique pattern. Crossbreeding of yard individuals leads to the appearance of characteristic features in puppies of one area or territory. Otherwise, there is no pattern in the appearance of the mongrel.
Outbred
The appearance of outbred individuals is always unique. But there is a pattern in the appearance of street dogs depending on the region and time period.
Thus, on the streets in the 50s of the last century in the Moscow region, domestic representatives predominated, in whose exterior one could discern the features of huskies and hounds. This was due to the active breeding of these breeds in nurseries in Moscow and the Moscow region.
At the end of the last century, mongrels that resembled shepherd dogs became widespread. Nowadays it is almost impossible to predict how a courtyard terrier puppy will grow up.
Métis
Mestizos are a special type of dog that cannot be classified as purebred or domestic dogs. These are animals produced from parents of different species. Crossing occurs as a result of the conscious work of breeders - or due to an oversight of the owners of the male or female.
From the appearance of a puppy born from such a union, it is difficult to understand which breed characteristics will prevail. It happens that the color or coat is characteristic of a particular individual, and sometimes a unique mixture is obtained. The following popular mestizos are found:
- Pitsky - parents pit bull and husky;
- Bloodsor - a cross between a Bloodhound and a Moscow Guard;
- labrapoodle – a hybrid of a labrador and a poodle;
- German Shar-Pei - a cross between a German Shepherd and a Shar-Pei;
- Basset Pei - parents Basset Hound and Shar Pei;
- Pomchi - parents of a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian.
Most mestizos do not have a name because they are found in single copies. In any case, the exterior of the pets is unique, and the owner of the mixed breed can be completely confident in the uniqueness of his pet.
Along with external features, puppies inherit the character and genetic diseases of both breeds. This can cause difficulties in their maintenance and upbringing.
German boxer
A medium-sized individual with a muscular, athletic body. The height of an adult can reach 63 cm. The boxer has a square, textured body with pronounced lean muscles. The widest and most powerful head gives the boxer his characteristic image. The black mask located on the muzzle and the massive lower jaw clearly stand out against the background of the head, giving the dog a gloomy appearance.
Boxers have a short and smooth coat. The brown coloring of animals with characteristic tiger lines of a darker shade is considered the most spectacular among existing colors. And the white spot, which is usually located on the chest of a German boxer, further decorates his appearance.
Character of the mongrel
According to reviews from owners of mongrel dogs, the character of the mongrel is not at all capricious. They quickly get used to their new place of residence and new family. Pets adapt to different conditions and withstand any difficulties.
However, the death or betrayal of a beloved owner is difficult to experience. Yard Terriers become very attached to the person who feeds and pets them. Especially if this person took a stray dog from the street and shows love and care towards it. Yard dogs are ready to do anything for their beloved owner and will faithfully serve him until the end of their days.
In general, the characteristic features of a mongrel are the following:
- flexibility and devotion;
- playfulness and sociability;
- courage and bravery.
Experienced owners say that only East European Shepherds are more sociable than mongrels, and in playfulness, courtyard terriers are ahead of even Giant Schnauzers and Rottweilers. Outbred pets will take great pains to return a stick or ball to a person.
Mongrels get along well with other pets. Often, abandoned kittens or puppies are placed next to a nursing female, which she feeds and protects. Mutts also get along well with children: the dogs happily participate in their games and pranks.
Irish Setter
A type of setter of impressive size with an elongated head and a bushy tail. Animals with elongated legs and neck can grow up to 67 cm in height.
A beautiful, energetic breed with a tall stance, it is famous for its beautiful, shiny fur. The dog's rich brown fur varies in length. Longer, wavy hair is found on the back of Setters' legs, as well as on the chest and tail.
Irish Setters range in color from a bright brown, almost red, to a less rich chestnut brown.
Education and training
The mongrel socializes and learns quickly. But for this there must be a good example before her eyes. The owner needs to clearly demonstrate to the pet what can be done and what is strictly prohibited. The algorithm for raising and training a mongrel mongrel is similar to training purebred individuals.
Before a pet arrives in a new family, you need to prepare a place for it. There should be everything for a comfortable stay and good development of the baby. To do this, you can adapt a windproof corner with a comfortable mattress, toys and plates. If the dog is going to live in the courtyard of a private house, then it is important to prepare a warm booth, a strong chain or enclosure so that the pet does not escape.
At the beginning of training, it is necessary to ensure that the puppy remembers its name and learns basic norms of behavior. These could be prohibitions on barking too loudly, on damaging property, on excessive attention to strangers on the street.
The next stage could be the commands “To your feet!”, “You can’t!”, “Sit!”, “Paw!”, “Lie down!”. Typically, street students respond well to the exercises, easily remembering and following orders.
It is important for the owner of a mongrel to remember that the use of physical punishment during training and training is unacceptable. But any successful attempts to carry out commands, on the contrary, should be rewarded with affection or a tasty morsel.
It is important to be patient and persistent in raising a pet. The dog must be accustomed to the position of a subordinate. The owner must be an indisputable leader who resolves all conflicts not with shouts and blows, but with his authority.
It is interesting that the level of intellectual development in an adult dog almost completely corresponds to the development of a child at 3 years old. The Yard Terrier is capable of understanding up to 200 human words. In other cases, he guesses their meaning by action and voice.
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Shar Pei
A medium-sized breed from China, whose height rarely exceeds 50 cm at the withers, has a striking appearance. These animals cannot be confused with anyone else. The skin on the dog's body forms many folds. They are located throughout the animal's body. The largest number of them are concentrated on the withers, on the frontal part of the head, and also near the base of the curled tail. Plump hanging cheeks give the animal a kind appearance.
At the moment, you can find individuals of various shades, but brown dogs are considered the most aristocratic. The colors of animals of sand and bright chocolate color are recognized as officially confirmed.
Health and illness of the mongrel
Possible diseases
Outbred individuals have a good immune system and can resist many ailments. They can withstand inclement weather and sudden temperature fluctuations, especially if they have thick fur.
Purebred pets, unlike street ones, usually come from the mating of distantly related males and females, which affects their physical health. Mongrels become more resilient over time.
Good health can also be explained by the fact that each dog contains qualities that are characteristic of different breeds. In addition, in the environment where most mongrels live, there is a strict selection process. Only the strongest survive and create offspring.
Unfortunately, Yard Terriers can have a number of diseases from the breeds with which they were crossed. Take a closer look at the dog: if he clearly shows the traits of a German shepherd, then he will have a tendency to illness, like a shepherd.
The most common ailments of mongrels include:
- diseases of the ears, eyes, throat - mainly due to injury;
- infectious ailments - in unvaccinated individuals;
- problems with the musculoskeletal system;
- endocrine diseases;
- disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract - due to indiscriminate eating and a tendency to overeat.
Typically, puppies in infancy, older individuals and dogs with weakened immune systems encounter these diseases. All diseases in homeless animals develop rapidly and, without treatment, threaten death.
The most common disease among mongrels is distemper. Almost all dogs that live in unsanitary conditions, as well as homeless individuals, are susceptible to it.
A domesticated mongrel is recommended to receive the same preventive vaccinations and treatments against skin and intestinal parasites as for purebred individuals. Annual visits to the veterinarian for examination will also be useful for them, especially in old age.
Reproductive health
Puberty of representatives of the yard breed occurs at different times and depends on the size and physical characteristics of the pet. The larger the individual, the later the process occurs.
On average, the first estrus begins between 6 months and 1 year of age. It is recommended to carry out sterilization after 1.5 years, when the female is fully ready for reproductive functions.
Dogue de Bordeaux
French breed of large sizes. In the area of the animal's muzzle there are a large number of folds, symmetrically located on both sides. The height of a dog with a constant “sad” expression on its face can reach 68 cm.
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The most common color of the Bordeaux breed is brownish chestnut. Great Danes have a thick coat and thin hair. The color of the fur on the ears of animals is darker than on the rest of the body. To maintain the health of your Great Dane's coat, you need to brush your dog with a rubber brush at least 2-4 times a month. It is also recommended to clean the folds on the face with a damp cloth after each meal.
Features of feeding and diet
Outbred pets do not have sensitive stomachs, and therefore do not require a special menu, unlike purebred representatives. Mutts can eat different types of food: industrial and natural.
Despite this, it is necessary to ensure that the dog’s diet is balanced, especially if it sits on a natural diet. To do this, the diet must include:
- porridge from buckwheat, rice or oatmeal;
- lean meat and offal;
- cottage cheese and fermented milk products;
- raw and cooked vegetables.
The mongrel dog also eats industrial dry and wet food with pleasure. When choosing purchased products, you should give preference to super-premium and holistic foods. This will make your pet's diet completely balanced.
It is imperative to wean your pet from constantly begging for food from the owner’s table. Food from a human plate will not benefit the animal's body because it contains flavorings, salt, spices, sugar or preservatives.
Sweets and chocolate are strictly prohibited for dogs. Their consumption destroys teeth and provokes diabetes. You cannot offer dogs tubular bones, river fish, berries and fruits. Baking is also strictly contraindicated.
Bloodhound
An individual of a large species has a strong physique and good muscles. A well-proportioned dog grows up to 70 cm at the withers. The dog's large head with drooping cheeks gives the animal a serious, menacing appearance.
The Bloodhound has short, patchy hair that does not require special care. However, folds of skin located mainly on the face and neck area must be thoroughly washed to remove dirt every day.
The coat is not uniform. The drooping ears have a silky and fine hair texture, while the rest of the body is covered with longer and coarser hair. The colors of the animals are predominantly brown. The presence of light spots on the tip of the tail, sternum and paws is not considered a defect.
Care and maintenance
Keeping and caring for a mongrel is not difficult. But a pet picked up on the street definitely needs to be examined by a veterinarian. After examination by a doctor, the animal is vaccinated, its fur and skin are treated against fleas and ticks, and it is thoroughly washed.
For a pet in an apartment or private house, determine a place that is located away from the radiator and window. Your pet should have toys, dishes for water and food, and equipment for walking and grooming.
For mongrels, procedures standard for all dogs are carried out. Short hair is brushed weekly with a special brush with metal teeth. For soft, medium to long coats, use a long-tooth comb. If your pet's hair is coarse, then it still needs to be cut or trimmed.
Teeth are brushed once a week using a special toothpaste. It will help prevent the appearance of yellow plaque, which causes tooth decay and gum problems.
The ears are cleaned at least once a week by wiping them with a cotton pad. It is moistened with ordinary warm water or Vaseline oil. If your ears are very dirty, you can use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.
The eyes should be examined every day and wiped with a damp cloth or cotton pad. If the claws do not have time to grind down, then they are trimmed with special nail clippers.
Mutts do not need to be bathed often. 3-4 procedures per year will be enough for them. For washing, use warm water and special shampoos for dogs. After bathing, the pet must be dried and thoroughly combed.
Mongrels can be kept in an apartment or in a country house. This completely depends on their size and coat type. Some dogs can live outside in equipped enclosures.
Mongrels are energetic and active individuals, so they need walks. Especially for dogs living in an apartment. You should walk with the animal at least 2 times a day. Walking should combine jogging and games so that the pet can throw out pent-up energy.
For walks you will need a leash, and large mongrels will need a muzzle. After walking, it is important to accustom the dog to wiping with a damp cloth or washing its paws.
How to raise a mongrel dog
The nuances of education depend on the age of the dog. It is almost impossible to retrain an adult animal, so you will have to come to terms with most of its habits and shortcomings. A puppy is a blank slate. You can raise him to be anything: a guard, a family companion, a hunter, etc.
Toilet training
Puppies are first forced to relieve themselves in the same place. This is done using diapers or newspapers. The animal's territory is limited. First, cover the entire floor, then, as training progresses, reduce the number of newspapers or diapers. With the help of positive reinforcement, praise and treats, the owner encourages the puppy to relieve himself in the right place.
If the dog is stubborn, you need to walk him until he is forced to relieve himself outside, and then praise him
They try to take adolescent and adult dogs outside every 2-3 hours. You can be severely reprimanded for making puddles and heaps at home if you are caught in the act. For relieving yourself outdoors, you need to praise and give your companion treats. Over time, the pet will get used to this state of affairs.
Training
Mongrels are trained in the same way as any other dogs: they are gently forced to perform the desired action, then a command is given and the animal is praised. If your companion doesn't like being forced, you may have to wait for the right moment. For example, when he lies down himself.
Suppression of aggression
To prevent the animal from behaving aggressively, you need to properly organize its place. Buy him a mattress, a bed or an enclosed house. This will make him feel safe. The dog should always have a personal refuge - an area where it cannot be touched. This helps relieve stress and prevent attacks of aggression.
Tips for choosing a puppy
Mutt puppies are usually purchased at poultry markets or selected online. Sometimes they are brought from the street or taken from friends. In order for the arrival of a new pet in the family to become a happy event, when choosing it, it is better to adhere to a number of rules:
- Inspect the place where the dog lives. If the place is dirty and unsanitary, your pet may have serious health problems.
- Assess the puppy's external characteristics. The baby's eyes should be clean, without purulent discharge, his nose should be moist, and his stomach should have no signs of bloating. There should be no traces of fleas or lice on the coat.
- Monitor the dog's behavior. If a puppy shakes at the sight of a person and hides in a corner or runs away, then there will most likely be problems with his socialization.
Mongrel dogs that attack any stranger and try to grab his clothes are unlikely to be re-educated. You need to choose a dog as a family friend who greets a person in a friendly, albeit cautious, manner.
After just a couple of minutes of communication, such a puppy will approach a person and allow himself to be petted. He will wag his tail and lick his hands. Such an individual has an adequate psyche and will become an excellent friend.
Kelpie
The species, bred in Australia, has a muscular body with flexible limbs. The height of adult individuals can reach 51 cm at the withers. The general appearance of this herding dog resembles that of a fox. The wide chest, short and compact legs make the breed incredibly tireless.
The individual has a double coat of medium length with a thick undercoat. It is longer under the body and on the back of the thighs than on the rest of the body. Just like many animals of Australian origin, the kelpie has a visual collar formed by longer fur.
The most common dogs are chestnut, yellow-brown and red-brown in color. Kelpies are slightly susceptible to shedding, but to maintain a shiny coat, they should be brushed every other day.
How much do mongrels cost?
A mongrel can be picked up from the street or from its owners completely free of charge - or the price of a mongrel can be symbolic. This positive aspect for many dog lovers is the main one when choosing a pet.
Often, owners of yard terriers are willing to pay the future owner to adopt a puppy. They often give away his things along with the dog: toys, leash, collar. Therefore, a person always has the opportunity to make a mongrel animal happy by giving him a home and a loving family.
But you need to take into account that you will still need money for the dog. Vaccinations, personal items (toys, bedding, leash and collar), food - all this will be necessary. Moreover, the larger the dog, the more expenses it costs. Therefore, it cannot be said that the mongrel is an absolutely free animal.
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Field Spaniel
A type of gun spaniel, bred artificially. A powerful medium-sized individual, whose height reaches 46 cm at the withers. The appearance of the spaniel is characterized by special features, such as:
- stretched long body;
- long large head;
- low-set ears covered with long, thick fur.
The fur has a wavy, silky texture. It is longer on the chest and limbs than on the entire body. The breed is endowed with a black or brown color, with small light spots possible.
American Water Spaniel
The American Spaniel is a smaller version of the regular Spaniel. The height of the breed does not exceed 46 cm at the withers. The Water Spaniel has short, curly hair. The color of the breed comes only in shades of brown. Dogs' eyes are the same color as the rest of their hair: hazel brown or dark brown.
The appearance of the water spaniel is distinguished not only by its curly coat, but also by its long ears, which can completely cover the dog’s face. The entire body of this breed is harmoniously built. Protruding ribs, a long curved tail, webbed feet - all these characteristics help the spaniel to be a good swimmer.
Norwich Terrier
A small sized type of English hunting dog. The height of miniature dogs does not exceed 25 cm. Standard characteristics of the appearance of the Norwich Terrier:
- small head with erect triangular ears;
- dark brown oval eyes;
- powerful chest, lowered to the elbows;
- thick short limbs;
The dog is covered with thick, hard hair with undercoat. In the area of the muzzle, ears, hair is smooth and shortened.
The light brownish color of the dogs is uniform. Individuals should not have white spots, even small ones. To maintain a healthy and bright color, it is recommended to comb your pets with special trimming equipment.
Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is the smallest hunting species. The height of an adult dog reaches 38 cm at the withers. The small stature of this “hunter” is compensated by other useful appearance features. The body of the terrier is quite narrow, and the limbs are longer than proportional to their size. The hair is tough: it helps the owner protect himself from insects.
In purebred individuals, there are only three types of color. The most common color among them is light brown with hints of gray or darker areas of the coat. On the dog's muzzle there is brown hair that resembles a mustache and beard.
Dachshund
There are three varieties of the breed: long-haired, wire-haired and smooth-haired dachshunds. All three types of dogs are distinguished by their short stature, which does not exceed 30 cm. A long body, an elongated muzzle and hanging long ears are the main features of these miniature dogs. The short dachshund has short, strong and muscular legs.
There are many colors of Dachshund dogs, but the most common are brown and tan and chocolate tan. Regardless of whether the coat is one-color or two-color, the dog may exhibit white patches on the chest or paws.
Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized breed. The height of an adult reaches 45 cm at the withers. The terrier has characteristic appearance features:
- long head with a frontal part tapering towards the nose;
- a wide nose, under which thick hair is located, creating an imitation of a mustache, and a chin with elongated hair forms a beard;
- very long, straight and muscular limbs;
- The ears are set high, the tips hanging down in a triangle.
Overall the body is narrow, but muscularly built. The Irish Terrier has a brown coat with a wheatish tint. The coat color should be evenly monochromatic, only the dog’s ears can be a darker shade of brown.
