Each year, millions of dogs are abandoned or turned over to animal shelters. If they do not find a new home quickly, many of them will end up being euthanized. National Mutt Day was created to raise awareness and appreciation for mixed breed dogs.
Around 80 percent of the dogs who end up in shelters are mutts. Most purebred dogs that end up in shelters are quickly adopted or rescued by groups dedicated to specific breeds of dogs. While purebred dogs offer the advantages of knowing what to expect with size, temperament, behavior and health risks, it can be a bit more difficult to assess these characteristics in mixed breeds, especially when they are still puppies. Purebred dogs and “designer” breeds also come with a much higher price tag than adopting or buying a mixed breed.
According to PetMD, “a mixed-breed puppy often has the advantage of having a much lower chance of being born with inherited congenital diseases, since the mating process naturally leaves out the defective genes.”
While there are advantages and disadvantages with mixed breeds and purebreds, the reality is that the dog you end up with will depend almost entirely on how you raise your puppy. With a committed owner, firm and loving guidance, almost any kind of dog will grow into a reliable and loving companion. But please – consider adopting a mutt.
America’s Most Famous Mutt: Benji