Let’s throw this day to the dogs! Not just any dog, though. Today, we toast to the mixed breeds of the world, so raise your water bowls high … because this one’s for the mutts! There’s no ifs, ands, or mutts about it — December 2 is National Mutt Day, and we’re here to celebrate. In fact, we love this day so much, we celebrate it twice year. The next National Mutt Day is July 31!
How to Observe National Mutt Day
Adopt a mixed breed dog
There are lots of great dogs out there who lack a home just because they don't have the right pedigree. But you can do your part to change all that. Getting any dog is a big responsibility, but a mixed breed will likely be healthier, happier, better behaved — and live longer than a purebred of the same age.
Donate to your local shelter
Not in the position to adopt a mutt? You can still help out your local shelter with a donation. Your money goes to things like food, toys and medicine. Every dollar counts, so you can really make a difference in the lives of all the dogs at the shelter.
Volunteer to help out
If donations aren't your style, you can always volunteer. Shelters need volunteers to befriend the dogs, play with them and take them for walks. A few hours of your time can make a big difference in their happiness and happy dogs stand a better chance of getting adopted.
Why National Mutt Day is Important
All dogs love us for who we are
Whether your dog is from a famous breeder or your local shelter, he or she loves you in a way that can't be expressed in words. Though mixed breed dogs aren't usually as highly regarded as their purebred cousins, they've got lots of love in their hearts. And some people even argue that since most mutts weren't born on Easy Street, they love us even more.
Mixed breeds have better health
These dogs have hit the genetic lottery. The blending of genes helps fight deficiencies by providing healthier gene sequences from other breeds. Think of it this way: the smaller the gene pool, the less healthy the genes. Your mutt, on the other hand, has a sampling from all over, adding to the dog's overall lifespan and well-being.
Mutts need people, too
Often passed over for their pedigreed cousins, mixed breed dogs end up at a pet shelter more frequently and they tend to wait longer before getting adopted. But mutts have all the doggedness we love about dogs and National Mutt Day is about getting them the love and attention they deserve.
National Mutt Day Activities
Volunteer at your local shelter
Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers, and you'd make a great one! Check in with your local rescue to see how you can get involved.
Offer to dog-sit for a friend
Chances are, you've got plenty of mutts in your life. While every dog owner loves their pet, they'd probably still appreciate a day off.
Adopt a mutt
The ultimate way to celebrate this holiday! If you've been thinking about getting a dog, open up your heart to a mutt and you won't regret it.
Why We Love National Mutt Day
It encourages adoption of mixed-breed dogs
This is what National Mutt Day's all about! While all dogs at shelters need adopting, purebred dogs tend to have much better luck, so mutts often end up being left out to dry.
They've got the best temperaments
Most purebreds were bred for specific traits, so they're likely to have a more extreme personality. Mutts, on the other hand, have a blend of traits from different sources, which often leads to a more mellow mood. In fact, purebred dogs are more likely than mutts to have genetic disorders, including cataracts and hypothyroidism.
They're all so different
With all the dog breed combinations out there, there are a nearly an infinite amount of possibilities. Just think about it this way: 4-digit combination locks have ten thousand combinations, and there are over 300 breeds of dogs. You can [try to] do the math.
Also on Mon Dec 2, 2024...
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