Pure breeds were often bred for a particular purpose.  For example, a herding dog meant to run all day and herd sheep, might become very destructive if the dog is bored and not exercised enough.  

For example, if you are looking for a dog to play Frisbee with you, practice agility or just enjoy hiking in the woods with you, a Border Collie mix might be a much better match for you than a pure breed Border Collie, especially if you don’t have any sheep in your backyard.  

You may have met a particular dog in the neighborhood that seems great to you.   Adopting or buying a dog of that same breed does not guarantee that you will get a dog of that same personality.  Remembering this will help prevent some disappointing surprises for you and your family.  

Remember to take the time to really research breeds.   Dogs on TV and in the movies receive an incredible amount of training and dedication by their owners, and those breeds simply might not be the right match for you. 

Also, the media might not tell you the whole story of a breed, or might even report inaccurate information and blame a breed with a bad reputation.  For example, are you looking for a dog who loves to cuddle?  Believe it or not, a pit bull might be the perfect match for you.  They are one of cuddliest of all breeds!   Pit bulls often get a worse reputation that they deserve in the media.   A rescuer once told me about a dog attack story that took place in the Philadelphia area.   According to the media, the dog was a pit bull.  When the rescuer researched the story, she learned the dog wasn’t even part pit.    This doesn’t mean a pit bull is the right dog for you.   They are strong and need someone dedicated to proper training and socialization.