5 Advantages to Owning a Mutt (‘Cuz Mixed-Breed Dogs Rock!)

You probably missed it, but yesterday was National Mutt Day in the U.S. — don’t worry, it rolls around twice a year, so you’ll get another shot at observing it on December 2. It got us thinking, though, about all of the wonderful mixed-breed doggos out there in the world and the many benefits of having one.

Adoption Saves Lives

For starters, mixed-breed dogs are traditionally adopted vs. purchased, and adopting saves lives. It’s just that simple. You can get a mutt from friends or family members or folks in your community with a dog who’s had an unexpected litter. You can also adopt grown dogs that, for whatever reason, can no longer stay with their humans. You can find dogs in need of rehoming online, too.

Another option is adopting one from an animal shelter or rescue. Currently, these facilities are bursting at the seams with abandoned or surrendered pets who very much need a secure, loving environment they can thrive in.

Adopting is Cheaper

With pedigreed pooches, you can expect to pay between $800-$2,000 or more for a dog. Rather than doing that, why not save hundreds — if not thousands — of dollars by adopting a mutt that shares the visible traits of a breed you admire? There are plenty of pups out there that most people would be hard-pressed to distinguish between one with papers and one without.

Fewer Health Issues & Better Temperaments

This train of thought for why it’s better to adopt than shop has been around for many decades and is probably the most compelling reason to get a mixed-breed dog: Mutts tend to be healthier. Purebreds are more prone to genetic diseases that are the result of interbreeding, such as hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, or other genetic defects.

Mutts, on the other hand, are less likely to experience an inherited disorder. Mutts are also generally known to have better temperaments and higher intelligence. This doesn’t mean they’ll always be the picture of health, but there’s less of a chance of them developing disorders resulting from interbreeding.

Reduced Instinctual Drive

Depending on why you’re getting a dog, this is also a compelling reason to adopt a mutt. Many purebreds have instincts for hunting, herding, and guarding, as these were the “jobs” they were bred for. Jack Russells, for instance, are high energy and need to be worn out, or they can get into all sorts of exhaustive mischief, some of it downright destructive.

Although mixed breeds still carry some of these working characteristics to a certain extent, they are less likely to be so pervasive. That means you’re more apt to have a dog that’s not so internally wound and can chill without feeling driven to perform.

Mutts are Full of Surprises

Some people refer to them as mystery dogs, and that’s not a bad description. Mutt puppies are like Cracker Jacks in the sense that you have no idea what the prize is going to be or what your pet might ultimately look like. How big will they get? Will they have erect or floppy ears? Will they grow into their paws? What will their fur do? If you’re flexible and roll with the punches, you’ll probably prefer it this way.

Finally, please be cognizant that your new pet should receive yearly physical exams by a veterinarian, be kept current on all of their vaccines, and be spayed or neutered to help reduce the problem of overpopulation amongst domestic pets.