An animal, especially a pet, whose parents are both of the same breed, or describing such an animal.
Compound of 'pure' (from Latin 'purus' meaning clean, unmixed) and 'bred' (from breed, to reproduce). The term became common in the 18th century with the formalization of animal breeding practices and pedigree records.
Purebred obsession reveals something fascinating about humans: we project our own ideas about purity and superiority onto animals, creating dog and horse breeds that are sometimes dangerously inbred, while mutts often live longer, healthier lives. It's breeding as social status symbol.
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