I just love all dogs in general. However, I am a dog sport enthusiast and love to show my dogs in obedience, field and agility. Unfortunately the AKC does not let you do this with mixed breeds. I also like knowing ahead of time the kind of temperment I am getting in my pet but again with training you can pretty much produce the basic temperment you are looking for. As for health problems.... Because of unethical breeders who breed just for money there are a lot of health problems in the purebred dog lines. However, if you research the lines and deal with reputable breeders, they breed to eliminate health problems. My Golden was tested against all the known health problems before she was bred as was the stud dog. If I wasn't a dog sport enthusiast, I would probably still own Goldens (I just love Goldens) but would probably have a mixed breed too! My cat is a domestic short hair that looks just like the presidents cat, India!