One of the smallest breeds of dog is the Chihuahua which averages around 6 to 10 inches, or 15 to 25 cm. While the largest dog (in height) averages around 34 inches, or 90 cm.
Defining a dog as pure bred is still somewhat of a controversy, as many organizations can't agree on what the requirements of a pure bred dog are. Some insist both parents must be of the same breed, some define it more loosely by insisting that only 75% of the dogs parentage needs to be of that breed.
Inbreeding is an increasing problem for many breed, depending on the original size of the founding population for the breed. Inbreeding can cause serious health risks to the resulting dogs, as well as behavioral problems.
Mixed-breed dogs and mongrels are also popular as pets. Some mixed-breeds can actually be the deliberate result of cross breeding, and some popular combinations are the Cockapoo, which is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle, and the Labradoodle, which is a cross between a Labrodor Retriever and a Poodle.
But even the not so deliberate mongrels, or mutts make excellent pets, and are more than suitable for work or as competitors in dog sports. In fact most mongrels show a broader range of innovative appearance and behavior.
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