Though the mutt is not technically a dog breed, mixed-breed dogs definitely have their place as the "breed" of the week. After all, they are no less deserving of the spotlight than purebred dogs. Many of the dogs in shelters are mutts, so adopting one is a great way to help dogs in need.
Personally, I am a mixed-breed enthusiast. I just love how each mutt is a bit of a mystery, and I enjoy taking guesses about a mutt's breed makeup. 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.
Are you nuts for mutts? If so, you're are not alone - millions of people adore their mixed breed dogs. What's extra-special about your mixed breed dog? Share your mutt tales with us!
Photo © Jane Buckle
About the photo: Stella Bella is a suspected Border Terrier/Australian Shepherd mix, 29 pounds and age 2 ½ years in this photo. Stella ended up in a shelter after she was hit by a car. Unconscious, her owners took her to animal control to have her euthanized because they did not have enough money to take her to the vet. Animal control allowed her to lay there and miraculously she woke up on the fourth day fine! Animal control called her owners and gave them the good news, but they did not have the $12 to pick her up for at least two weeks ($3 a day for four days) and then it would have been a bigger bill.... They agreed to relinquish her and called the no kill shelter and I found her on the web. She's awesome! - Jane
Comments
I have had several “mix Breed” dogs over the years. At present I have a wonderful part sheltie/part border collie/part??? who is very gentle, calm, and easy to love by everyone. She’s smart and doesn’t have the medical problems that some “pure” breeds have.
At last! the complete mutt gets their due! the best, most stable breed there is!
I for the last nine years have a pound hound mutt. My family could have found a more perfect dog.
We adopted a wonderful chihuahua/terrier mix from a shelter. She has been a welcome addition to our family!
I have two mutts, one is a lab-bully mix, the other defies explanation. Even the rescue admitted they had no idea! It has been suggested that I have genetic testing done to see what breeds he is descended from. Are those tests any good? I don’t want to waste money on a scam.
I prefer to call my mutts “designer breeds” LOL! We have one purebred dog and two mixed breed dogs. Even though we love them all, our two mixed breeds are smarter and healthier by far, and every bit as cute! Since we always have our dogs spayed or neutered, we see no importance in having a purebred dog. (The purebred was a gift given to our daughter)
We have a Sharpuski (Shepherd, Sharpei, Husky) and we consider her and all mixed breeds a one of kind dog. After having purebred Samoyeds for years we will never have a pedigree again. Mutts are far better dogs.
finally! an article about my favorite breed of dog! I don’t think I would have any other “pure-bred” dog. Mutts seem to have all the good qualities of each breed that makes up their lineage.
They can also have some of the ‘bad’ qualities, but not many.
Westminster Dog Show should have a mixed breed category..they can judge on good teeth and shiny coat!
My dog is a mutt from a rescue. Wouldn’t have one any other way.
Interesting! I hope that everybody is enjoying their weekend and has a great weekend.
You may have something here. I’ve had pure breeds for the past 15 years and getting so tired of the constant vet bills and the broken hearts.
I meant week. Sorry about the typo.
I work for VitaHound, I am tasked with visiting the pound twice a week, we advised the staff on mal nourished dogs and assist in finding dogs homes. The mixed breed dogs need the most assistance, it seems many people arrive at the pound with a particular breed in mind rather than personality, attitude and temperament. My personal experience from interacting with hundreds of dogs a month is the mixed breeds seem to be healthiest in addition to great personalities. View our most recent rescued hounds http://www.youtube.com/user/VitaHound
In reply to DNA testing for mixed breeds. I was in the vet office when someones result came back for their mutt’s DNA test. The test read as follows….16% beagle 34% lab and 50% unknown. Now if I were the one paying 100 dollars or more for those test results? I would have been downright annoyed that 50% of the test left me guessing like I was in the first place. Save your money….donate it to a shelter.
Our family have always had mutts and I love them. I love the thought of giving a deserving dog a forever home.
We call our mutt a GenChan. That’s her breed. GenChan stands for the genetically challenged dog. She has her GenChan papers, framed and displayed prominently on her wall. Mutts Rock for sure!