Page 300 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOGUE OF BREEDS | RANDOM BREEDS

Random Breeds
DOGS WITH UNKNOWN
ANCESTORS

These dogs may lack a pedigree but they
can provide love, companionship, and fun

Dogs with random breeding are usually of
unknown ancestry, with the parents themselves
likely to be the result of accidental mixings.
Choosing a random-bred puppy is a bit of a
lottery for prospective owners as it is difficult to
predict what the dog will look like at maturity.
But random-bred dogs tend to be healthier than
pedigree dogs as there is less likelihood of an
inheritable genetic disorder being passed on.
Many rescue centre dogs are random crossbreds;
in the majority of cases they make excellent pets.

Semi-long, soft coats
Dogs that may have collies
or spaniels among their Head is like that of a
ancestors often have silky Labrador Retriever (see p.260)
coats with feathered legs, and
fringed ears that are either
semi-erect or hang down
close to their heads. High-set, drop ears
with fringed edges Smooth, silky
coat like a
Border Collie’s
(see p.51)

Silky coat with
Feathered legs feathering
with tan markings
resembles
a spaniel’s

Asymmetrical black
patches less acceptable
in pedigree dogs
Longer hair on
Semi-erect ears
underside of neck
and on chest
Semi-long, wavy coat
is typical of a collie

Short hair on
front of forelegs

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