Why National Mutt Day Matters

It's National Mutt Day, a day to celebrate and raise awareness for all of the homeless and sheltered mutts across the country. Choosing to adopt a mutt over a new born purebred has many advantages that people tend to overlook.

 
Shapes, Size, and Color - Since mutts are a combination of many different breeds, each dog will have its own unique look. You can choose from small, large, no tail, long tail, short hair and long hair in a variety of different colors. This wide selection of dogs allows you to pick the perfect pup to match your own unique style.

Health - When you adopt a dog you obviously want them to live as long as they can. Studies in Europe and North America show that mixed breeds have a longer lifespan than purebreds. Mutts are also less prone to disease. This is thought to be due to the theory of hybrid vigor, which means the mating of opposite ancestry produces a healthier specimen.

Money - Adopting a mutt can often be more affordable than the price of a purebred. (Although, all dogs need proper diets, vet visits, training, grooming, supplies and toys, etc.) Some shelters even offer discounts on adoptions, like on National Mutt Day! The Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark Shelter offers 50 percent off of adoption of a mutt today, for those with an approved adoption application. For more information, click here.

Tranquility - Mutts are not as extreme in their behavior as purebreds are. When scoring friendliness, protectiveness, shyness, aggression, and stability, mixed breeds perform better. Purebreds also tend to be predictable in their extreme temperament that is specific to their breed. Mutts will have different characteristics from many of their different breeds of ancestry.

Adopting a mutt won’t just change your life for the better, but it could save their life as well. For every dog that is adopted from a shelter, that’s another dog that won’t be institutionalized, or worse, euthanized. Make a difference in a mutt’s life and they will for sure make a difference in yours.

When a dog finally gets a home, the owners need to make sure that they bring them to a veterinarian for routine visits. Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital has been providing veterinary care for your pets since 1976. Deciding that you want to adopt a mutt or already have a pet? Let our veterinarians treat them like they’re family! Call us at (908) 464-0023 to make an appointment today.

For more tips, connect with Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.