About National Mutt Day
Also known as National Mixed Dog Breed Day, this observance happens twice a year - on July 31st and December 2nd.
The term 'mutt' was originally used to refer to dogs whose parents were not registered and were not both of the same breeds. Another term for this might be "mixed breed". This truly has no bearing on the quality of the dog because mutts can still make amazing pets!
A mongrel, mutt or mixed-breed dog is a dog that does not belong to one officially recognized breed and including those that are the result of intentional breeding. Although the term mixed-breed dog is sometimes preferred, many mongrels have no known purebred ancestors. Crossbreed dogs, and "designer dogs", while also a mix of breeds, differ from mongrels in being intentionally bred.
There are many advantages in adopting mixed-breed dogs as studies that have been done in the area of health show that mixed-breeds on average are both healthier and longer-lived than their purebred relations. This is because currently accepted breeding practices within the pedigreed dog community result in a reduction in genetic diversity, and can result in physical characteristics that lead to health issues.
National Mutt Day encourages us to save and love mixed-breed dogs throughout the year. Adopting a dog is the most straight-forward way to celebrate this national holiday.
However, this may be a difficult endeavor for a variety of reasons. If one can’t adopt, it is possible to celebrate this national holiday by volunteering at an animal shelter or even donating to them. To encourage those around us to celebrate this holiday, share a post on social media of a memory with a dog in the past, or present, and use the hashtag, #NationalMuttDay.
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