Maybe it is cheating to feature mixed-breed dogs this week, since mutts are actually not purebred dogs. However, that does not mean they are any less deserving of the spotlight. Being a mutt-enthusiast myself, I could be a bit biased. Most shelter and rescue dogs are mutts, so with the high number of homeless pets right now, adopting a mutt is a great way to help dogs in need.
Mixed-breed fans will probably agree that mutts are among the most unique of all dogs. No two mutts are quite the same, and the lineage of any given mutt is usually a mystery. Though I know that my own mutt is mostly Lab, I love to speculate about what other breeds she could have come from. There are various DNA tests, such as the Wisdom Panel MX, that can tell you the possible breed make-up of your mutt. Experts do not always agree on the accuracy of these tests, it may be worth looking into if you really want to know.
Are you all about mutts? If so, you're are not alone - millions of people adore their mixed breed dogs. So, share your "mutt-tales" here, and please submit your photos with information about your dog.
Photo © Stacy Andrew
Comments
Mutts rule.
I have three Mutts and they are the best.
Healthier and longer living than many pure breeds and many need to be saved from shelters.
We’ve used all the different places that do the canine DNA and we prefer the DNA Diagnostics Center. They are accurate, priced right, and send us the cheek swab kit. They are the ones you see on TV doing the human DNA but they also have a Pet DNA site http://www.vetdnacenter.com/
Mutts are great dogs. I have two. One a shepherd mix and one a jack Russel Terrier/ Beagle mix. They are both intelligent and quite the characters. I do also have a GSD, who is pure bred. You can not tell me that anyone of them is any less a dog.
I have had dogs in my life for as long as I can remember and nearly all of them were mutts. Each one was as individual in appearance and character as we humans. Some were highly intelligent while others weren’t very smart, but were extremely sweet natured. They all were loyal and loving.
The dog I have now is a cocker/poodle/whatever mix. I call him my giant cockapoo. He is beautiful, intelligent, and sweet tempered. People actually stop us on the street to comment or ask about him. Pure bred dogs are nice, but give me a mutt anytime.
I have had mixed breed dogs ever since I can remember. Some were highly intelligent while others were not very smart, but were really sweet natured.
The dog I have now is a cocker/poodle/whatever mix. He is beautiful, very intelligent and really sweet tempered. People actually stop us on the street to comment or ask about him. He has learned several little tricks that he does to entertain the children in our neighborhood and they all love to see us coming because they want to watch him do his stuff.
Pure bred dogs are good, but I’ll take a mutt any time.
I’m so happy to see you writing about Mutts. I have a Mutt, who I adore. He has the best disposition. And, you’re right that most shelter dogs and rescues are Mutts. I just discovered a really inexpensive way to help these doggies who need homes. Check out http://www.imtiredonline.com
i have 2 dogs and one is a mutt
i love her so so much
my parents get mad at her because she pees on the floor. she was a stray and we think she was abandend. but i think every one loves her just the same. she defanetly has lots of spunk!
people i love my mutt!!
My dogs have almost always been mutts taken from shelters except for a gift of a Shelty I received. The rest have all been shelter mutts and to my surprise have all been incredably intelligent and obedient. When and if I get another dog, it will be a mutt from the shelter.
Is mutt another name for mongrel?
Fareed
Karachi, Pakistan
To Fareed,
Yes, mongrel and mutt are the same, from Websters’ Dictionary ” mongrel-offspring of parents of different breeds”, “mutt-see mongrel”.
I read of mongrels in the middle east countries, tell us about them. Do your people try to help them? Try to find homes for them? Do you have veterinarians to care for them?
We (the Americans that read this and other animal newsletters) would love it if all animals in every country, including our own, were treated with compassion and caring, since we know they have soles and will be with us in “the after life”.
Mutts Rule!
I have a shepard husky who is the most loveable dog. I swear he says, “Hellro mama” every day I come home from work. He watches over the neighborhood and when someone doesn’t belong everyone knows it. I will always get a shelter dog.
My daughter (Shiloh) has been such a blessing in my life. I adopted her from a lady with Earth Angels Canine Rescue who has been rescuing dogs for over 20 years in NYC. Emelinda rescues mostly Pits and one day received a phone call that a shelter would be putting down 150 dogs that day alone! Many were Pitbulls, but Shiloh was just a very frail two week old mutt and was second in line to go on that day. Emelinda saved her life amongst several other lucky ones. About one month later, I entered Petco to pick up some ferret food and on this particular day, I felt an undeniable pull towards Shiloh. Where previous times I had just walked on past the dogs, this day, I couldn’t walk away without taking her with me. I agreed to foster her for a few days, but it was truly love at first sight.
Shiloh has such a gentle, beautiful, and loving spirit as well as outer appearance. I have often joked that when I go out with her I have paparazzi. She is definitely one of a kind. I have had the Wisdom Panel MX genetic testing done for her and really am unsure of its accuracy. It showed her to be at least 50% Rottweiler, at least 12% Dachsund, and the rest is unknown. I realize now it is really of little importance what she really is. She is special and I named her appropriately, Shiloh, “he who has been sent (by God)”.
Thanks for featuring the mixed breeds. Growing up surrounded with mixed breeds I learned firsthand that they’re loyal, affectionate and caring. My family has four mixed breeds by the way. What enlightened me however is that mutts are the best examples of hybrid vigor. On the other hand I hope that in the future the canine heritage test will be accessible and available around the world. (I’m from the Philippines) Like many dog owners who keep mixed breed pets, I’ve been curious about the lineage of my pooches.