Every dog lover knows that celebrating their furry friends is something that can be done every day. But did you know that there are national days dedicated to specific dog breeds? That’s right, the National Beagle Day in April and National Dachshund Day in June are just a few examples of these holidays. But what if your dog is a mixed breed? Don’t worry, there’s a special day dedicated to our beloved mutts – National Mutt Day! July 31st and December 2nd are the days to celebrate mixed-breed dogs and all their wonderful characteristics.
The inspiration for National Mutt Day
Animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige launched National Mutt Day in 2005 to celebrate, save, and embrace mixed breeds. The official National Mutt Day website reports that around 80% of dogs found in shelters are mixed breed. This is significant because purebred dogs usually get adopted quickly as it’s less expensive to rescue them from shelters than to buy them from breeders. Therefore, National Mutt Day also aims to educate the public about the countless mixed-breed dogs waiting in shelters to find their forever homes.
What makes mutts special?
Ask any mixed-breed dog owner, and they will tell you that their dogs are more than special; they are unique. If you are considering adopting a mixed breed, you might wonder what makes them so unique. Because of their mix of breed genetics, every mutt is different. Each dog looks and acts differently, making them exciting and unpredictable pets. Mixed dogs also have a reputation for being healthier and living longer than their purebred counterparts. This is because the gene pool for purebred dogs is limited, meaning that genetic disorders can be passed down through generations. Mutts, on the other hand, have a more diverse gene pool, which can mean that health problems that arise might disappear in the next generation.
How to celebrate National Mutt Day?
You can celebrate National Mutt Day in many ways. Here are some of the things you can do to mark this special day:
1. Donate to your local shelter- Donating money, pet food, or other animal-related items to your local pet shelter is a great way to give back to the community. Shelters rely on community members, and your donation will ensure that more dogs can find their forever homes.
2. Volunteer at your local shelter- Volunteering is another excellent way to give back to the shelters in your community. By offering your time, employees can appreciate an extra set of hands, and you’ll get to spend your day among adorable dogs.
3. Adopt a mutt- If you don’t already have a dog, or you’re planning to expand your furry family, National Mutt Day is the perfect time to adopt a mixed breed puppy or adult dog. Adopting from shelters is a great way to support them.
4. Treat your mutt- Current mutt owners can use the day to treat their furry friends to something special. You can offer your dog one of its favorite treats, take him for a long walk, or buy him a new toy from the pet shop.
5. Connect with other mutt owners- National Mutt Day festivities may already be happening in your area, so do some research to see if anyone is holding an event to commemorate the day. If not, you can consider organizing your own meet-and-greet event for other mutt owners to gather and celebrate.
Final Thoughts
While every day is a good day to honor your beloved fur babies, National Mutt Day is a great excuse to celebrate mixed-breed dogs. Mark the dates in your calendar and use the day to connect with other mutt owners, treat your special boy or girl, and give back to your local animal shelter. Mixed-breed dogs are unique in their own way, and they are just as deserving of love and recognition as any other dog breed.
