It’s time to make the word “mutt” keep you from turning up your nose and, instead, let that term roll off your tongue with fondness. And dare we say, mutts are “in”, for whatever that’s worth. Mutts, or mixed breeds, are among the most popular dog breeds. Of course, this is because designer breeds (think Goldendoodles and Labradoodles) are all the rage but, really, a mutt can be the mix of any dog breeds.
And whether you’re looking for one that rivals a finalist in the National Dog Show or one that has a solid chance at winning “The Ugliest Dog Contest,” there are some real benefits to adopting a mutt. So in honor of National Mutt Day on December 2nd, we’re going to share 5 reasons why you need a mixed-breed dog to make your life more magnificent. Let the mutt mania commence.
1. You want to save a life
It feels good to do good. It’s just that simple. So if you’re in the market for a dog, why not get one at the animal shelter and prevent them from meeting an untimely demise? If you’ve ever rescued a dog from a shelter, you know it’s true what they say—these dogs really do know that you’ve rescued them. And according to the ASPCA, about a quarter of shelter dogs are purebred, so you’re likely to meet your marvelous mutt there.
2. You don’t want to face numerous health issues
When you adopt a mutt, you get the benefits of both breeds. Dogs that are purebred are more prone to genetic diseases that are the result of interbreeding, such as hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, or other genetic defects. On the other hand, mutts are less likely to experience an inherited disorder. On top of these health benefits, mutts are generally known to have better temperaments and higher intelligence. Of course, getting a mutt doesn’t mean this pooch will have perfect health but you have less of a chance of them developing these disorders that result from interbreeding. Of course, you can also aid in preventing illnesses with regular vaccinations and well visits.
3. You want to save cashola
Have you ever seen a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy? Go ahead and Google it. We’ll wait. Seriously, utterly, and ridiculously adorable, right? Now Google the price. Yup. You can expect to pay between $800-$2,000 for one of these pups, and this is just one of the many examples of how expensive some of these purebred pups are. And while we get that everyone likely has a favorite breed, you’ll save hundreds if not thousands of dollars if you go with a mutt. Jussayin’!
4. You enjoy wading into the unknown
Did you wait to find out the gender of your human babies? Do you love a good surprise party? Do you enjoy playing the lottery? If you answered “yes” to these questions, chances are you will love a mutt puppy. Will they grow tall? Will they be small? Will they be short? Be full of loud snorts? Okay, Dr. Seussisms aside, it can be fun to watch your mutt puppy grow up and find out what they will look like and what features they will take on. If the suspense is too much, you can always partake in a pet DNA test to find out just what your mutt is made of. No matter what you find out, your mutt is truly unique—just like you.
5. The purebred instincts are tamped down
This might sound like a bad thing, but we’re veterinarians, so bear with us on this one. Purebred dogs have instincts that can be traced back thousands of years. From providing protection and standing on guard to herding and hunting, these were the “jobs” of dogs in earlier days. Just ask any pet owner who’s been given the “gift” of a dead squirrel or bird on their front doorstep. And although mixed-breed dogs will carry on these working characteristics to a certain extent, they are less likely to have them as pervasive traits. What that means to you is that you will more likely to have a dog that will just chill and be part of your family/pack.
Happy National Mutt Day! If you have any further questions about dog breeds, mutts, or how to get your new dog on the path to wellness, please don’t hesitate to call your vet. Don't have one yet? We can help you find a local veterinarian!