Would a mixed breed be less inclined to physical and emotional issues, as dogs and cats are, or would it be better to stay with a purebred? Does it make much difference either way?

I would think that with a mixed breed you would be less likely to know what you are getting. You could have all kinds of problems crop up that were common to one of the make up breeds, and you wouldn't know what to expect.

I think I am a sucker for mixed. I was the child that would find the alley cats and bring them home. Pure breeds have a great look to them, but I always end up rooting for the underdog, or horse in this matter.

Mixed breeds are just as genetically apt to have the good and bad qualities as either parent, just like a purebred. Its a matter of genetics, however many times they end up with a better mix of genes or more of the good qualities. There are some that get all the bad, but you see less of them. I'm not biased by pedigree as much as personality and conformation.

Mixed breeds aren't likely to be any healthier than a purebreed, even in dogs and cats. It's just a misconception aided by the fact that purebreeds are easier to classify together.

In horses it's particularly so, as a careless breeding is more likely to produce an animal with conformational problems.

Mixed breeds aren't likely to be any healthier than a purebreed, even in dogs and cats. It's just a misconception aided by the fact that purebreeds are easier to classify together.

I agree with clover. So I'd say I go for the pure breeds. Horses cost a fortune so be sure to go for those that'll live long. Come to think of it, this robust mammals have a not-so-long life span.

At least you'll have a history of the sires and dams so you can watch for any genetically carried traits/problems. At least you will have some warning of what you might expect. With a mixed breed, you won't get the history plus you often don't know for sure what breeds went into the mix.

I would go for a pure breed because it is already proven; while the mix breeds is not assure that we will get the quality that we are looking. I t is always best to stick with the proven method than to try ones luck on new ones.