National Mutt Day is so important that it’s celebrated twice each year on July 31 and again on December 2. 

While some holidays are dedicated to purebred dogs, National Mutt Day focuses on the mixed-breed dogs who are sometimes overlooked. The average American dog is a 39-pound mixed breed. That’s right. It’s a mutt. Specifically, a mutt is a “dog of doubtful pedigree.” 

What makes mutts so special? 

Dogs love us for who we are. They love us in ways that can’t be expressed in words.
Mixed breed dogs have just as much love to give. Many people agree that mutts love us even more. Mixed breeds 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. Some people think that mixed-breed dogs end up at a pet shelter more frequently, and they tend to wait longer before getting adopted.  

At Rancho Coastal Humane Society, we get purebreds, mixed breeds, and Heinz 57’s.  

How many people know their “pedigree?” We might have a name that sounds Italian, Hispanic, or French. But unless we’ve been DNA tested, we’re not sure.  

Maybe that’s why we love mutts so much. They’re more like us. They’re made up of the best of all their ancestors.  

You can test for DNA if it really matters but, for most of us, it doesn’t. We want a dog to love….and a dog who will love us back. 

Recently, the company Wisdom Panel™ donated a couple of doggie DNA testing kits. Because sometimes you do just want to know. Stay tuned to our social media channels @rchumane and @ranchocoastal to see more as we reveal just what is mixed with what in a few of our adoptable dogs.  

You can observe National Mutt Day by: 

• Adopting a mixed breed dog. Mixed breed will likely be healthier, happier, better behaved — and live longer.  

• Make a donation in your pet’s name. Your money goes to things like food, toys, and medicine. Every dollar counts. 

• Lend a helping paw. Shelters need volunteers to be temporary friends for the dogs until they’re adopted. Play with them and take them for walks. A few hours of your time can make a huge difference in their happiness, and happy dogs, even mutts, get adopted sooner.