Crossbreed

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

For the industrial-metal band, see Crossbreed (band).

The term crossbreed or crossbred refers to a hybrid animal of two purebred parents. Crossbreed may also refer to a domestic animal where the breed status of only one parent or grandparent is known. Crossbreeding, also known as mixing, refers to the process of breeding such an animal, often with the intention of creating offspring that share the traits of both parent lineages. The term is sometimes used for plants but is more commonly applied to domesticated animals.

[edit] Crossbreeds in specific animals

A dog of unknown parentage is often called a mongrel, while a cat of unknown parentage is often referred to as a moggy (also moggie).

[edit] See also

• Artificial selection
• Dog hybrids and crossbreeds
• Heterosis
• Selective breeding