Description about Non Pedigree Dogs

Dogs which are of completely mixed parentage are called mongrels; they can make lovely pets. Although one hears numerous stories of mongrels being abandoned and left to roam, there are many others which are well cared for and much loved pets, providing just as much pleasure and companionship as a pedigree dog, some indeed bred together from a sire and dam selected for their attributes.

Taking on a mongrel puppy
One of the major problems in obtaining a mongrel puppy is not really knowing how it may turn out in adulthood. A small, fluffy youngster can grow into a large, strong animal, probably much larger than anticipated and not suitable for one's home or lifestyle. For those considering taking on a mongrel from puppy hood, a fair guideline is the size of its feet; big, heavy dogs usually have large feet as youngsters.

Without knowing its parentage and breeding further back, temperament is another difficult thing to assess in a young dog, although obviously if the sire and dam are known this is an indicator of the sort of temperament one might expect. It is, however, necessary to bear in mind that characteristics, both good and bad, can crop up unexpectedly several generations on.

Rescue dogs
Taking on any dog, mongrel or purebred, from a rescue society brings with it a certain amount of anxiety and risk. All good rescue societies try to find out as much as possible about a dog's background history and the circumstances which have led to the necessity of re-homing, but this is not always possible. Added to this, owners wishing to part with their pets are not always fully honest about the reason why. (Of course this applies also to pedigree dogs seeking new homes.) For these reasons it is important to find out as much as possible about any known background and the type of environment in which the dog has lived previously. Much as new owners would sometimes like to make contact with the previous owner, in the majority of cases rescue societies have a rule that no contact addresses can be passed on.

A mongrel dog needs just as much love and attention as any other and will need quality food and sufficient exercise for that particular dog's build. Although not eligible for competition in most shows, the Novelty classes at Exemption shows can provide great fun, combined with an opportunity to meet like-minded people who also love their pet mongrels. Other activities in which mongrels can take part are those of obedience, agility, fly ball and now also heelwork to music.

Unrecognized 'breeds'
There is a handful of' breeds', or varieties of breeds, some of them very popular, which are not recognized by the English Kennel Club. The Jack Russell Terrier, though recognized in some countries and therefore described in more detail elsewhere m this book, is one such dog, a great character and with a strong following. Generally small and fairly low to the ground, its size and construction does vary somewhat but often Jack Russell’s are bred with considerable care and forethought and make good working terriers and excellent. Gentle and fun companions.

The Lurcher is another type of dog bred by design, indeed these dogs even have their own shows which are well supported by enthusiasts.

Lurchers are the result of an intentional cross between what is termed a Long dog, one of the sight hounds or similar, and usually a herding dog of some kind. They might also be the result of a mating by parents which had been bred in this way.

Opinions differ as to exactly which crosses constitute a true Lurcher, but a collie/greyhound cross is usually well thought of. Likewise opinions vary somewhat as to the meaning of the term 'Longdog', some thinking it to be restricted to a cross between two kinds of coursing dog, while others include also pure-bred coursing hounds. In these circumstances, one can fully understand why, although bred with some care, such dogs cannot possibly be registered breeds with the Kennel Club.

Lurchers and Long dogs, like many representatives of pedigree sight hound breeds, are used both for coursing and, more recently, lure coursing, the latter an enjoyable exercise for dogs and owners without causing death and injury to live prey.

Although not officially recognized for exhibition purposes, white and long-coated German Shepherd Dogs also have a reasonably strong following. They have their own club, although not recognized by the Kennel Club, and are just as able to take part in obedience and agility events and such like as are their more familiarly colored close relations. The Lucas Terrier, again unrecognized by the Kennel Club, also has enthusiasts and was created by Sir Jocelyn Lucas who bred Sealyham bitches with Norfolk terrier dogs in the 1950s.