If asked what our nationality is, very few of us can say we are 100% this or 100% that. In this melting pot of ethnic cultures, we celebrate our diversity. So why do so many of us search out purebred puppies or designer dogs from pet stores or breeders? If you’ve ever owned a mutt, you know how special they can be, and we encourage others to learn more.
National Mutt Day, also known as National Mixed Breed Dog Day, was started over 10 years ago by animal welfare advocate, Colleen Paige, to celebrate, embrace and save these special pups. It’s celebrated twice each year – July 31st and December 2nd – to raise awareness of the dilemma of unwanted mixed breeds in shelters.
Mixed Breeds Need Loving Homes
About 80% of the dogs in shelters are mixed breeds. If a purebred dog reaches a shelter, they are usually rescued much faster than the mutts by those looking to get a deal on a purebred.
If you are looking to purchase a dog for someone this holiday season, consider a mixed breed! These dogs are a special blend of love, and they tend to be healthier than some of the purebreds displaying more health issues from overbreeding. Many live longer, and they’re just as able and smart as their purebred counterparts.
Famous Mixed Breed Dogs
Take a look at some of the famous mixed breed dogs we’ve come to know and love:
Laika, a husky/terrier mix, was the first animal put into space by the Russians in the 1950’s. Her death in space fueled debate on the welfare of animals and their use as test subjects. Laika is being honored on National Mutt Day 2016 for all her sacrifice in the advancement of science.
Higgins, a spaniel mix, was famous for his broad range of facial expressions and starred in many TV shows in the 1960’s including “Petticoat Junction,” “Green Acres” and “The Beverly Hillbillies,” but was best known for his starring role in the 1974 movie “Benji.”
Spike, a labrador/mastiff mix, was best known for his performance in the Disney movie “Old Yeller” about a boy and a stray dog in post-Civil War Texas. He later appeared on the TV series “The Mickey Mouse Club.”
Bobbie, a collie/shepherd mix, was lost on a family vacation in Indiana. Unable to find him, the family returned home to Oregon. Six months later Bobbie showed up on their doorstep, scrawny and his feet worn to the bone after walking the 2,550 miles home. He earned the nickname “Wonder Dog” and when he died, Rin Tin Tin laid a wreath on his grave.
Mixed breed dogs have big hearts and lots of smarts. We hope you’ll take the time to discover your “soul mutt.”
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