Purebred pups might take the spotlight when it comes to fancy dog shows, but your canine companion doesn’t need a pedigree to be pawsome. Mutts, or dogs with mixed ancestry, have a lot to offer when it comes to adding a pet to the family. Therefore, if you’re considering adopting a dog, don’t ignore the mixed breeds, because one of them could become your best friend.
If you’re not sure whether a mixed-breed dog is right for you, then keep reading. Here are 14 facts about mutts that are sure to make you see them in a whole new light.
1. Mutts Make Up More Than Half the Dogs in US Homes
The American Veterinary Medical Association did a study that showed 53% of all the dogs in US households are mutts. This could be because more and more people are choosing to adopt from shelters instead of buying from breeders.
2. Mutts Have a Reputation for Being Healthier Than Purebreds
Every dog is unique, so a purebred dog can be healthier than a mutt. However, on the whole, mixed breeds have a reputation for being healthier, sturdier pups than those with pedigrees. Mutts can thank something called hybrid vigor for this fortunate quality.
Basically, the mutt gets enhanced traits because of the mixed genetics from the different breeds of its parents. This mixing can reduce the chances that the pup inherits breed-specific health issues.
3. Mutts Tend to Live Longer
On average, mixed breeds tend to live longer than their purebred counterparts. Furthermore, a study from the American Animal Hospital Association found that mutts lived significantly longer.
Of course, a dog’s lifespan depends on various factors, including their size, nutrition, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. However, it’s not uncommon for many mutts to live well into their teen years.
4. DNA Tests Hold Answers to Ancestry
Just because you have a mutt, that doesn’t mean you can’t learn anything about their unique genetic makeup. If you’re curious, check out various dog DNA tests.
Discuss options with your vet to find the best way to discover your dog’s roots. Understanding your dog’s ancestry can provide valuable insights into why they do some of the things that they do.
5. Most Dogs in Animal Shelters Are Mutts
Some studies show that as many as 95% of dogs in shelters are mixed breeds. One of the primary reasons for this high number is that many purebred dogs are typically purchased through breeders. However, most mutts come from unexpected litters, strays, or accidental breeding.
Since the majority of dogs in animal shelters are mixed breeds, it makes mutts easier to find, too. If you’re in a hurry to add a dog to the family, you’ll likely be able to adopt a mutt relatively quickly, whereas many purebreds often come with lengthy waiting lists.
6. Mutts in Movies
One of the most famous movie mutts of all time, Benji, was a mixed breed. The first Benji, from the 1974 film, was a dog named Higgins who was adopted from a Burbank, CA animal shelter. In later films, other mixed breeds took on the role.
Also, the pup who played Old Yeller was another incredibly famous movie mutt. Old Yeller was a Labrador-English Mastiff mix.
7. Mutts Have the Potential to Excel in Dog Sports
Mutts prove that you don’t need a pedigree to be perfect at sports. Mixed-breed dogs are just as capable, if not more so, than purebreds at participating in things like agility training, tracking, events, or obstacle courses. Mutts are also often eager to please, which contributes to their trainability.
8. Mutts Come With Fewer Stereotypes
Purebred pups tend to stir up preconceived notions about their behaviors and habits. For example, people might assume Huskies are hyper, Beagles are loud, Akitas shed a bunch, and St. Bernards drool like dripping faucets, simply based on their breeds.
However, since mutts come with a mixed bag of genes, their personalities aren’t as predictable. It’s like getting a surprise package in the mail.
9. You Could Get an Exotic-Looking Breed for Less
Thanks to their mixed heritage, mutts also come with a mix of various features. These differences can come together in some very unique ways, giving your dog an exotic appearance that resembles a pricey breed, without the designer price tag.
For example, one proud pup parent mentioned that many people thought their chihuahua and miniature pinscher mix resembled a small German Shepherd. When she first adopted the dog and brought it to the vet for initial checkups, even some of the vet techs were fooled. They wondered if she had gotten some kind of rare mini shepherd breed.
10. Mutts Make Great Service Dogs
Some people are under the assumption that a service dog has to have a pedigree. However, this is not the case.
Training and temperament are what are most important when it comes to being a service animal, not lineage. Many mixed-breed pups have done fabulous work as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals.
11. Mutts Could Cost Less
It can potentially lower the costs of owning a dog if you get a mixed breed. Adopting a mutt usually comes with reasonable fees that cover spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and chipping. However, if you were to buy a purebred dog from a breeder, you would likely pay thousands of dollars.
On top of the initial cost to get your dog, there are other considerations as well. Mutts tend to be healthier, as previously mentioned. Therefore, dog owners usually pay less in the long run for medical expenses.
12. Mutts Have Their Own National Holiday
Yes, you read that right. Mutts are so amazing that they get their own special day (two in fact). National Mutt Day is on July 31 and December 2, focusing on bringing awareness to mixed breeds and encouraging people to adopt these lovable pups.
13. Mutts Make Great Family Friends
Many mutts have easygoing, balanced temperaments courtesy of their mixed backgrounds, making them excellent family dogs. They are also often very resilient and adaptable to new situations, so they can fit in well with a variety of households.
14. Mutts Can Have Unique Coats and Colors
Because of their mixed genetics, mutts frequently showcase unusual color combinations and patterns on their coats. These features aren’t typically seen in purebreds, making them extra special and giving the dog a truly one-of-a-kind appearance.
A Marvelous Mutt Can Make Your Family Complete
If a furry friend is in your future, then strongly consider adopting a mutt. Not only will you be giving a forever home to a deserving animal, but you’ll gain a best friend that's full of love and affection.
Mixed breeds have a lot to offer, often coming with fewer health issues and longer lifespans. Plus, since the majority of dogs in shelters are mutts, you’ll help ease the load and free up resources for other animals in need.
For more information on how to be the best pet parent you can be, check out the rest of the Neater Pets blog. You’ll find fun facts, interesting tidbits, and helpful advice on how to take care of your fur babies.