December 2nd is National Mutt Day!

December 2nd is National Mutt Day, a day to highlight and celebrate our mixed-breed furry friends. This (of many) pet-specific holidays was created in 2005, by animal activist Colleen Paige. Paige saw the need to highlight the plight of mix-breeds, who are more likely to wind up in shelters than their pure-bred counterparts. Depending on the area of the United States, anywhere between 70 and 80 percent of all dogs that are in shelters are mutts. Purebreds that do end up in shelters are usually adopted quicker than mutts, typically by people who want to adopt a purebred at a lower cost than buying from a breeder. That leaves millions of mixed-breed dogs waiting in shelters. Some “designer dogs” are also over-bred, leading to overpopulation, poor conditions and illegal puppy mills.

Your preferences will determine whether or not you prefer a mixed, or purebred dog. And there is nothing wrong with purebred adoption, if done safely. Today is only meant to highlight the benefits, and dispel some of the misconceptions, of mutts. If you’ve only had purebreds, you should absolutely also consider adopting a mutt. Mixed dogs are typically healthier, on average, than purebreds. They also are easy to train and make wonderful companions. Most dogs that work in service or law enforcement are mutts, for this reason.

The only dogs I’ve ever owed have been mutts. Our first family dog, Daisy, was my first friend and taught me social skills as a child. As an adult, my next dog, Scooter (pictured right), was my hiking buddy. We had so many adventures it’s hard to pick a favorite. Both mutts in my life have been wonderful companions at all stages of my life. Both were loyal and lived a long time.

One of the few benefits of the pandemic has been the rise of pet adoptions. With more people working from home, with more free time, pet adoptions have exploded in the United States in 2020. However in Kansas City, there has been a yin/yang effect with the pandemic and pet adoption. Because so many people have been hurt economically by the pandemic, many of those people  have given their pets up to shelters as a way to cut expenses. Many people are forced to downsize, or move to places that might not allow pets. The Kansas City Star did a nice editorial on the problem, and how the KC Pet Project is stepping in to help.

If you’re considering adding a new dog to your family, consider adopting a mutt. And for all mutt owners, give your pet a special treat on December 2nd to celebrate the mixed-breed furry friend in your life!

For more pet news, tips and information like us on Facebook. Have a new mutt in your life? Make an appointment with us for your new dog’s first exam!