National Mutt Day is right around the corner. Celebrated each year on both July 31st and December 2nd, this day gives everyone the opportunity to embrace and celebrate these amazing dogs. It's also a great time to raise awareness about the plight of shelter dogs throughout the country. If your heart has already been stolen by a lovable mutt or if you are considering adopting one from a nearby animal shelter, here are some facts you might enjoy!

Basic Facts 

Mutts result when two dogs of different breeds unintentionally mate. By contrast, a purebred dog has parents of the same breed, and a hybrid dog is an intentional mix of two different purebreds. For example, having a Labrador retriever and a poodle intentionally breed will result in a hybrid commonly known as a Labradoodle.

Mutts are also commonly called mixed-breed dogs. Some regions also have their own unique names for these dogs:

•       Poi dogs in Hawaii

•       Cacris in Venezuela

•       Satos in Puerto Rico

•       Potcake dogs in The Bahamas

•       Askal in the Philippines

•       Bitsa in Brazil

Uniqueness

With a purebred dog, it's often easy to know what you are getting. The consistency and predictability within a breed strongly influence the temperament and physical characteristics of the dog.

A mutt, however, is like a snowflake in that no two are ever the same. When a dog has genes from two or more different breeds, he or she can inherit a mix of characteristics. The end result is a one-of-a-kind pup that is unique in both appearance and behavior.

Flexibility  

Purebred dogs were historically developed and bred to accomplish certain tasks such as guarding, herding and hunting. When an owner doesn't utilize the traits and skills for which the dog was initially bred, problems can arise. For example, if a hunting breed is kept inside most of the time with little opportunity for running, sniffing and exploring, the likely result is an unhappy and frustrated dog with behavioral issues.

Just as mutts are a mix of breeds, they are also a mix of traits. They often have more laidback, sweet temperaments that make them less demanding, more adaptable, and, in turn, much easier to please. Most mixed-breed dogs are happy to go with the flow and willing to adapt to your lifestyle.

Training Potential 

Because mixed-breeds are flexible and have great temperaments, they are often easy to train. Rather than having one overriding characteristic that dominates their personality, mutts are blessed with a variety of traits that can be developed if needed or desired.

Mixed-breed dogs have successfully been trained in a number of recreational activities and performance sports, including agility, hunting, mushing, canicross, frisbee and dock diving. As recognition for the potential of mixed-breed dogs continues to grow, more agility and sports competitions are welcoming these pups to participate. Additionally, well-tempered mutts are increasingly being utilized as service and therapy dogs.

Fewer Health Problems

Studies indicate that mixed-breed dogs are generally healthier than their purebred counterparts. The reason is that purebred dogs often suffer from limited genetic diversity caused by inbreeding. As a result of this undiluted gene pool, many breeds face increased odds for various genetic diseases and recessive disorders. They also have exaggerated physical characteristics that can lead to health issues. Examples of breeds and the issues they can face include the following:

•       German shepherds face an increased risk of chronic hip pain, blindness, heart conditions and skin infections.

•       Beagles can suffer from glaucoma, mammary cancer, dementia and disc issues.

•       Dachshunds face health complications such as eye disease, deafness and heart valve defects.

•       French bulldogs can experience an increased risk of ear infections, pinkeye, breathing problems and dermatitis.

•       Boxers are prone to eye ulcers, several forms of cancer, respiratory issues and inflammatory bowel disease.

•       Golden retrievers can suffer from kidney dysplasia, heart conditions, bone cancer and melanoma of the mouth and the eye.

•       Pugs can suffer from spina bifida, diabetes, respiratory problems and encephalitis.

Mixed-breed dogs, on the other hand, have much greater genetic diversity. This diversity reduces the risk of many potential health issues, including spine problems, hip dysplasia, respiratory problems and recessive disorders.

Longer Life Expectancy

The lower odds for genetic diseases and other health complications have long-term effects as well. Most mutts not only enjoy better health throughout their lives but also experience longer lifespans.

Adoptability

In total, it is estimated that there are more than 150 million mixed-breed dogs worldwide. While some of these dogs are happily living their best lives with loving families, many end up in shelters. In fact, mutts account for three out of every four shelter dogs, and their odds of finding a forever home are nearly equal to their odds of being killed. Sadly, approximately 2.7 million dogs and cats end up being euthanized each year because shelters simply do not have space or resources to handle the number of animals waiting to find homes.

By adopting a mixed-breed from a shelter, you can make the difference between life and death for one of these sweet pups. Additionally, you open up space in the shelter for a new stray dog, and your adoption fee can help the shelter better care for all the animals still waiting for their forever homes.

So many wonderful mixed-breed dogs are longingly waiting to be adopted. Help celebrate National Mutt Day by visiting a nearby shelter today. Make your family's life richer and more complete by bringing home the sweet and loving mutt who is waiting for you. Both you and the pup have everything to gain!