It is National Mutt Day, and we are turning the spotlight on these amazing dogs all day long! Keep reading for some fun facts – and fun mixes!
Most people already know what a mutt is, but if you didn’t, it’s a dog that does not belong to an officially recognized breed and is not the result of intentional breeding – basically how Mother Nature intended it.
So, what makes Mutts awesome?
VARIETY
Mixed-breed dogs come in all shapes and sizes and offer lots variety in terms of temperament which means you’re guaranteed to find the perfect pup for your lifestyle and family. These special doggies draw from a much larger gene pool and can have any number of combinations of characteristics from either side.
FLEXIBLE THINKERS
Since their breed behaviors are diluted, mixed breeds tend to be more calm and flexible since they are not as strongly “programmed” as their purebred ancestors. Combining a fetch obsessed Labrador with a scent hound Beagle, you’ll get an active dog for sure but probably with less gusto for tracking or retrieving. With mixed breeds, it’s all about balance.
FEWER HEALTH PROBLEMS
It goes without saying that hundreds of years of inbreeding can cause some health problems. From hip issues, to enlarged hearts to compromised nasal cavities, breeding dogs has its issues. Needless to say, mixed-breed dogs have fewer health problems. Combine a Pug and Beagle and get a Puggle, a spunky pug-like pup but without any of the breathing issues.
SAVE A LIFE & MONEY
Because mixed breeds are unintentional, they often end up in shelters or rescues and are in great need of a loving home. When you opt to adopt a mutt, you are saving a life and also a few hundred (or thousands) of dollars compared to buying a purebred from a breeder.
Fun Mutt Mixes
We can’t talk about mutts without talking about designer dogs. These pups are not recognized breeds but usually the result of intentional breeding of two purebreds. We decided to include them under the “mutt” umbrella and highlight some of the adorable mixes that also come with some pretty adorable names.
Check out our of our favorite mixes below.
The Dalmaschund (Daschund and Dalmatian):
The Beagleman (Beagle and German Shepherd):
The Chug (Chihuahua and Pug):
The Corgard (Corgi and German Shepherd):
Mutts at Fitdog!
Of course, we also have to highlight a few of our own amazing mutts at Fitdog! We have all kinds of mixed breeds at Fitdog and love them all. Can you guess which one is a dachshund mix?
Adopt a Mutt
Looking for your perfect mix? Here are some rescue groups dedicated to saving mixed breeds: California Mutt Rescue, Mutt Shack and Mutt Match LA. Whether it’s a Chiweeni or Jug or a unique mix that only a DNA test can sort out, you won’t regret adopting a mutt.
Let us know!
Do you have a mutt at home? What is your mutt’s combination? Tell us in the comments! Happy National Mutt Day!