The joys of mixed breed dogs

It seems there’s a holiday for every occasion, and mixed breed dogs are no exception. The unsung heroes of the canine world, mixed breeds are celebrated on two separate occassions during the year (July 31st and December 2nd). From the fashionable mixes like the Labradoodle and the Puggle to those whose lineage is anyone’s guess, the loveable mutt is a mainstay of American culture.

Mixed Breed Dog Advantages

Here are just a few benefits of owning a mixed breed dog:

Mixed breeds are less likely to suffer from some of the breed-specific disorders suffered by purebred animals.Genetic variety is one of nature’s safeguards against disease vulnerability and birth defects, so mutts’ messy genetic makeup can help them live longer, healthier lives.

Mixed-breed animals are just as trainable as their purebred counterparts. Whether we’re talking about intense service dog training, obedience training, or just backyard tricks, mutts show the same aptitudes for learning as their purebred cousins.

Mixed-breed dogs need our help. Purebred animals are highly desirable, and many breed-specific rescues are devoted to them. When a purebred does end up in a shelter its chances of being adopted are vastly greater than those for a mutt. Conversely, mutts stand a higher chance of being euthanized.

Supporting Mixed Breed Dogs

If you are able to provide a safe and loving home for a mixed-breed dog, we encourage you to reach out to shelters in your area. Shelters are often overcrowded and underfunded, so adopting a mutt helps them free space, time, and resources for other animals in need.

If you already own a mixed-breed dog, take the opportunity to show your mutt some love. Take your mutt for a grooming session, or just some extended playtime in the park. Maybe buy your pooch a favorite treat, a new collar, or a new chew toy. There are as many ways to love and pamper our pets as there are pets themselves.  

Editor’s Note: Created in 2005 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, National Mutt Day (also known as National Mixed-Breed Dog Day) is a day set aside to celebrate and highlight the mixed-breed pooch. Surprisingly, 4 out of 5 dogs euthanized at shelters are mixed-breed animals. One aim of National Mutt Day is to inform the public about the thousands of loving mixed-breed dogs languishing in shelters and to help them unite with people who will give them safe and happy homes. Searching for a mixed pooch now? Here are 20 mixed breed dogs that’ll win over your heart!

Cecily Kellogg is a pet lover who definitely has crazy cat lady leanings. Her pets are all shelter rescues, including the dog, who is scared of the cats. She spent eight years working as a Veterinary Technician before becoming a writer. Today she writes all over the web, including here at Figo.