National Mutt Day has been celebrated every year on December 2 since 2005, when it was founded by animal welfare activist Colleen Paige. Unfortunately, the biggest percentage of dogs euthanized in shelters are mixed breed dogs. Many people prefer to adopt purebreds from pet stores (often provided by puppy mills which mistreat dogs). Overbreeding of mutts means that there are many of them in shelters with no one to adopt them.
National Mutt Day was created to promote adoption of mutts and to educate the public about their plight. There is no real reason to prefer purebreds to mutts; mutts can be healthy, well-behaved and long-lived. Mutts are just as talented as purebreds and can serve as search and rescue dogs, guide dogs and police dogs.
Adopting a mutt from a shelter is a great way to celebrate this Dec. 2! If you can’t adopt, consider a donation to your local shelter or volunteer some time there. If you already have a mutt in your family, take this opportunity to show him or her some extra love.
For more on the advantages of adopting a mutt, see How About Those Mixed Breed Dogs?
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