Saturday, December 2, is the day to raise a bone up high in honor of our mixed breed dogs, our mutts. No mutts about it, it’s a day to pay homage to all that we love about our furry, faithful companions—from their quirky personality to their unending loyalty, it’s a day to celebrate all we love about our mixed breed dogs. We love them so much in fact, that we celebrate them twice a year, once on July 31 and then again on December 2.
Why National Mutt Day is Important
National Mutt Day encourages the adoption of mixed breed dogs from shelters all across the country. All dogs are in need of loving homes, but many families don’t want a mutt, they want a purebred dog instead. When this happens, mutts are often left sitting in shelters longer, waiting for their furever home.
No Cookie Cutter Dogs Here
With over 300 breeds of dogs to choose from, your options are endless when it comes to adopting a mutt. Mutts come in all shapes and sizes, small, medium, large and huge. Their coats are curly, wiry, short or long. They also come in a wide variety of colors. Whatever you might be looking for in a canine companion, you’ll find it in a mixed breed dog.
Choose a Dog That Fits Your Lifestyle
Perhaps you want a small dog that likes to snuggle on your lap, or maybe you’re looking for an active dog to hike with. Whatever your lifestyle, the right dog is out there, waiting just for you.
Temperament and Personality
As a result of breeding, a purebred dog is bred to fit a certain standard. Because of this, their temperament and personality are somewhat predictable. A mutt, on the other hand, is a hybrid—you might get two different dogs or you might get six—you never know. Mutts are unique and if you adopt one, your life will never be the same again.
Mutts Might Be Healthier
Studies have shown that mutts are less prone to disease AND they have a longer lifespan than a purebred dog. This is due to hybrid vigor—the more times the DNA is passed from generation to generation, the more likely the spread of disease or illness among the breed. Because of this, mixed breed dogs are healthier.
Cost
You’ll spend less money at an animal shelter if you adopt a mutt. Mutts are more affordable than purebreds but keep in mind there is still a cost involved. You’ll still need to take your dog to the veterinarian for routine shots and to have him/her spayed or neutered. He’ll also need training, grooming, toys, and other supplies.
Mutts Have Mellow Personalities
Mixed breed dogs tend to be easy going and friendly because they aren’t bred for temperament or personality. They fare better than pure bred dogs when it comes to aggression and protective instincts.
Dog DNA
It’s easy to discover the bloodline of your dog when you purchase a Dog DNA kit. Learn something new about the breeds that have gone into making your dog the quirky companion you’ve grown to know and love.
The Perfect Dog is Out There
Did you know that 75 percent of all dogs sitting in shelters across the country are mutts? When you adopt a mixed breed dog from a shelter, that means one less dog is euthanized.
Do Your Research
When searching for a dog, be sure to do your research. Understand the breed of dog you are bringing into your home and choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. Take into consideration the age of the dog you wish to adopt because puppies and younger dogs require more care than an older dog.
Celebrating National Mutt Day
The best way to celebrate National Mutt Day is by adopting a mutt! Take a walk through either branch of Maricopa County Animal Control or search on line at petfinder.com. Open your heart to a mixed breed dog and your life will never be the same again.
If you aren’t ready to adopt consider offering a temporary home to a mutt in need. When you foster a puppy or a dog, you give them love and care until they are adopted. This opens up a spot at your local shelter and it gives you the opportunity to care for a dog without long term commitment.
When you can’t adopt, or don’t want to adopt, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. Shelters are always looking for volunteers to walk dogs, or to care for other animals in need.
You might also consider making a donation to your local animal shelter. Donations allow shelters to purchase items such as food, towels, bleach, or other items necessary to keep the shelter up and running. Ask you shelter what they need and purchase one or two of the items the next time you’re out shopping.
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