I have never owned a pure bred, so I can't really tell you that a mutt is better than a pure bred. However, that said all my dogs have been mutts. My last dog was a cross between a lab and a boxer and a chow. The chow part was the blue spots in his mouth. He was a very good watchdog and way to smart for his own good. You have one other consideration pleasing your husband, maybe you need to consider that german shepard. lol
