National Mutt Day: 5 Reasons Why You Should Adopt a Mutt

Is there anything sweeter than a pup with an underbite and a tail that looks like it was taken from an entirely different dog? Mixed-breed dogs, aka mutts, are some of the most adorable animals on the planet. Goofy as they can sometimes look, that Frankenstein quality just adds to their charm. National Mutt Day exists for exactly this: to shine a light on mixed-breed dogs and encourage people to adopt them. And we think that’s worth making some noise about.

These lovable dogs provide all the joy and companionship that purebreds do, but also offer some distinct advantages. One of the many benefits of mixed-breed dogs is that shelters and rescues are full of so many pups who are ready to find their people — with no waiting list or astronomical fee required.

Still not sure why you should adopt a mixed-breed dog? Keep reading to find out more about the benefits of adopting one. Once you’ve read this list, you’ll see why mixed-breed dogs make incredible pets.

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1. Mixed-breed dogs are healthier

Genetic diversity is a good thing. (Just think about royal families throughout history, in which inbreeding was common, and led to all sorts of problems.) Purebred dogs come from a limited gene pool, making them more susceptible to conditions such as allergies, hip and elbow dysplasia, respiratory issues, hypothyroidism, and spinal trouble. Certain issues tend to plague purebreds, like Great Danes (joint problems) and French Bulldogs (breathing trouble). So, are mixed dogs healthier? The short answer is yes.

When you adopt a mixed-breed dog, you’ll likely encounter fewer veterinarian visits, less expensive food and medication, and a healthier longtime companion. While there are no guarantees in life, and any dog can develop an illness or disease, adopting a mixed-breed dog makes that less likely to be your fate.

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2. Mixed-breed dogs tend to live longer

Along with generally better health, mixed breed dogs also tend to live longer than purebreds — likely because of that same genetic diversity. Research backs this up, though it’s worth noting that size matters here too. Small dogs generally outlive larger ones, with smaller mixed breeds averaging close to 15 years. Large and giant breeds — mixed or purebred — tend to land in the 10 to 12 year range. Either way, more healthy years with your dog also tends to mean fewer vet visits, which your wallet will appreciate.

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3. Mixed-breed dogs are more affordable

If budget is a factor (and it is for most of us), shelter adoption fees are hard to beat. Most adoption fees run a couple of hundred dollars or less, which is a fraction of the thousands of dollars you’d pay going through a breeder — and that’s before any health concerns bring you to the vet’s office.

There are no guarantees, but you don’t need to be an accountant to see that your bank account will breathe a sigh of relief. While affordability may not be the top decision-making factor for you now, consider that your financial situation could change.

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4. Mixed-breed dogs are one of a kind

You know what a Golden Retriever or German Shepherd looks like. But what does a Golden Retriever crossed with a German Shepherd look like? Because of genetic diversity, it’s anyone’s guess. The great thing about mixed breeds is that each pup has a totally unique look.

At shelters and rescues, there are countless mixed-breed dogs of all ages (including puppies) and in a wide range of combinations. They’ll also come with fur in a wide variety of colors and patterns: spotted cow, tiny brindle, piebald, and black and tan.

In terms of personality and temperament, you can also find pups that range from lazy couch potatoes to hiking champs, or are great with kids and cats. Volunteers and shelter workers can be very helpful in identifying an adoptable dog’s traits. And if you’re looking for a smart, trainable pup, well, some research even suggests that mixed breeds are more trainable than purebreds.

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5. You could save a life

Besides the companionship, the snuggles, and the long walks that get you out into the fresh air and increase your daily step count, consider this: The ASPCA estimates that more than three million dogs are surrendered to animal shelters and rescues each year. Many of them, heartbreakingly, end up being euthanized.

When you adopt a dog from a shelter or other rescue organization, you save a life and free up space for other dogs who are also looking for homes. Additionally, your adoption fee goes toward the work that these animal rescuers are doing. You can feel good about every penny you give them.

Ready to adopt?

If you’re considering welcoming a new canine family member into your home, you’re probably thinking about a number of things. Should you get a puppy or a full-grown dog? What about adopting a senior dog, or a pair of bonded siblings? Which dog breeds are the most popular, and why? As you mull these questions, pay a visit to your local animal shelter and see who might be waiting for you there.

Mixed-breed dogs are healthier, live longer, have unique looks, and cost less money. When you adopt a mixed breed, you’re far more likely to get a wholly unique dog who can complement your lifestyle. Why not take a chance on a dog who really needs a home? And if your heart is set on a certain breed, reach out to a rescue that specializes in that type of dog. Kick off your breed-specific search on Adopt a Pet.

Commonly asked questions

Are mixed breeds easier or harder to train?

No, mixed breeds are not harder to train than purebred dogs. Training any dog, whether mixed-breed or purebred, is achievable with a combination of positive reinforcement, consistent methods, and plenty of love and patience. Each dog’s history and personality are unique, so it’s impossible to determine how easy or difficult it may be to train them based on breed alone. 

Should I adopt a puppy or an adult dog?

Adopting a puppy is a big commitment of time and energy. They need to be trained, and they require lots of attention. Adult dogs tend to be more easygoing, and may already be housebroken, leash-trained, and crate-trained. Which one is right for you is a decision only you can make.

How can you tell how old a dog is? 

You can estimate how old a dog is by looking at the signs of aging in dogs, which include graying fur, yellow teeth, hearing loss, and sleeping more. It’s best to reach out to your veterinarian for help in determining canine age, but it’s also important to realize that there is no wholly accurate way to determine a dog’s age. 

References

Kathleen Morrill et al. , Ancestry-inclusive dog genomics challenges popular breed stereotypes. Science376,eabk0639(2022).DOI:10.1126/science.abk0639 https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abk0639

Turcsán, Borbála et al. “Owner perceived differences between mixed-breed and purebred dogs.” PloS one vol. 12,2 e0172720. 21 Feb. 2017, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0172720 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5319786/

Bellumori, Thomas P et al. “Prevalence of inherited disorders among mixed-breed and purebred dogs: 27,254 cases (1995-2010).” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association vol. 242,11 (2013): 1549-55. doi:10.2460/javma.242.11.1549 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23683021/

Urfer SR, Wang M, Yang M, Lund EM, Lefebvre SL. Risk Factors Associated with Lifespan in Pet Dogs Evaluated in Primary Care Veterinary Hospitals. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. 2019 Apr;55(3):130–137. doi:10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6763 https://jaaha.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/aaha/55/3/article-p130.xml