[quote=Astibus] When or better after how many generations of breeding back to pure dogs does that offspring cease to be called a mutt and becomes pure again?[/quote] Most livestock registries that support upgrading programs, recognise backcrossed animals as purebred at the 3rd to 5th generation. (eg. [u][url=http://www.americancoopworthregistry.org/gradingup.html]this one[/url][/u]) Also [u][url=http://www.steynmere.com/ARTICLES1.html]here[/url][/u] you will see it took three generations of backcorssing to regain Boxer phenotype after an initial cross with a Corgi. [quote=Astibus]What really is a mutt?[/quote] A population of dogs that breeds true to type is a pure breed. If it doesn't breed true to type, then it's either a breed under development or a mix. There are mixes that are purposefully bred for certain characteristics (be those of appearance, working ability, temperament etc.) and there are mixes bred randomly or for marketing potential. Mutt is a derogatory term that derives from the abhorence for racial miscegenation combined with the tendency to project human values to dogs (eg. dogs as status symbols). Thus it is a word you can pretty much attach to any dog you don't like. :wink: