Do you own a mixed breed? A mutt? A dog that puzzles you in trying to understand what they are blended with? On July 31st celebrate National Mutts Day! A day to celebrate that special pooch all on its own. It is a day all about embracing and saving mixed breed dogs as well.
National Mutts Day was established in 2005. It is celebrated on not one but two days of the year, July 31st and December 2nd. These pets are that special they get two holidays.
The reason this day was made is to primarily to raise awareness of mixed breeds in shelters and foster care requiring homes. Statistics show that approximately 80% of all dogs in shelters are mixed breeds. It is most likely due to people wanting a purebred or a designer dog compared to a mutt.
What most people don’t realize regarding mixed breeds is that they tend to live longer, healthier and have a better temperament compared to purebreds. Also, with purebreds, they are prone to certain breed-specific diseases and conditions, mutts are often healthier because they are derived from a more diverse gene pool. Genes from one area could cancel out disease-causing genes in another, giving a healthier dog.
So, if you are looking for a special kind of dog that will always keep you guessing a Mutt is the dog for you. Mixed breed dogs come in all shapes/sizes/colours and patterns. No two mutts are exactly alike, and their unique features could definitely be a conversation piece at the dog park, or anywhere you take them.
All in all, when looking for a new dog to bring into your family, the best reason to give to adopt a mutt would be. You are giving this dog a second chance on life. Just think every mutt adopted from a shelter is one less dog adopted from a puppy mill. Please consider a wonderful, unique, goofy mutt for your pet. I promise you won’t regret it.
Written by: Torbay Road Veterinary Hospital
