7 Reasons Why You Should Celebrate National Mutt Day

Heinz 57. Mongrel. Hybrid. Mutt. You know one when you see one: shepherd ears, terrier hair, and a lab’s thumping tail all add up to the undeniably charming and oh-so-common mutt. Read on for 7 reasons why mutts rock, and why you should celebrate National Mutt Day!

When Is National Mutt Day?

National Mutt Day (aka Mixed Breed Dog Day) is celebrated on July 31 and Dec. 2. Founded in 2005, the biannual event is intended to raise awareness about mutts, which also comprise the vast majority of shelter dogs and make excellent pets when given the chance!

Today, National Mutt Day remains an excellent reason to foster or adopt a dog, especially after a pandemic that’s left shelters short on space and funding. If you can’t foster or adopt a dog, there are other ways to help rescues on their special day. Make a donation to help shelter dogs, raise awareness on social media, or even volunteer.

7 Reasons Mutts Rock

There are many reasons to adopt a dog, starting with the obvious fact that adoption saves lives. Read on for 7 reasons why you should consider adopting a shelter dog on National Mutt Day. Adopt, don’t shop!

7. Hybrid Vigor

It’s ok, we didn’t know what this meant at first, either. The gist of it is that mixed-breed dogs avoid many of the inherited conditions that plague purebred dogs. In other words, they’re healthier overall than purebred pups!

6. Totally Unique

If you are looking for a dog that turns heads, look no further than a mutt. Every last mutt is its own unique blend of breeds. There are no two mutts that are alike! It doesn’t get any more designer than that! Litters can have an unlimited number of different fathers, so you really could be getting a mix of just about everything. How cool!

5. Cost Effective & Cute

Purebred dogs can cost upwards of $1,000. Mutts? Not even close. Most animal shelters charge between $75 – $400 in adoption fees. A small price to pay for a lifetime of love and companionship from your pup! Besides saving a life, you’rere also saving money, and who doesn’t like saving money?

4. The Original Purebred

Did you know that 90% of all dog breeds were created in just the last 100 years? So if you think about it, mutts are really the original purebred! They are what happens when nature takes its course and humans don’t interfere.

3. Longer Lives To Love

Study show mutts tend to live longer lives than their purebred counterparts and typically avoid the health problems plaguing certain purebred dogs. I think we can all agree that a longer life for any dog is a great thing!

2. They Need You (And You Need Them)

Millions of dogs enter U.S. animal shelters every year, and around 80 percent of those adoptable pups are mutts. Adopting one would not only save a life, but it would also clear the way for the next dog who needs a soft place to land. Mutts helping mutts. Nice!

1. They Make The Best Friends

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Mutts make great friends. They love unconditionally, have the sweetest smiles, and are noticeably thankful and aware that you saved their life.

How are you celebrating National Mutt Day?