National Mutt Day, sometimes called National Mixed Breed Day, is rolling around again. Twice a year, we celebrate these one-of-a-kind pups by showcasing all the benefits of mixed breeds on both July 31st and December 2nd.

As we are near another fantastic celebration of puppy dog eyes and incredibly attractive mutts, we at Petbobi wanted to take a moment to offer our own little contribution through this article.

Hopefully, this will help answer some questions you may have about mutts and warm your heart the next time you visit your local animal shelter.

What is a Mutt?

A mutt is a dog that is not purebred. These are mixed dog breeds that do not fall into specific categories of historical context or kennel clubs. They tend to have parents or heritage from many other breeds, making them extremely unique.

You’ll also see a display of different traits in mutts that you won’t get in a purebred. This can lead to beautiful physical appearances and lovable personalities that are enjoyed the world over.

7 Fun Facts About Mutt Dogs

Still need some convincing about the power of a mutt? Check out these fun little tidbits of information.

1 – Mutts Have Fewer Genetic Issues

When you compare purebred dogs to mutt-mixed dog breeds, you often see far fewer genetic health issues. This is because the underlying genetics of the mutt have been intrinsically diluted due to inter-breed mating. That dilution is a powerful antidote to lifelong issues you would commonly see in certain breeds.

2 – Mutts Can Live a Long Life

The American Animal Hospital Association reports mixed dog breeds tend to live longer than purebred dogs. Just how long can mutts live? It will depend on lifestyle, genetic makeup, and many other factors. This is because the health issues typically passed down due to inbreeding do not make it past the mutt’s features.

3 – Mutts Have Unique Looks

One of the most significant reasons National Mutt Day exists is because it celebrates the unique physical traits of mixed-breed dogs compared to purebreds. Unless you’re dealing with twins in a litter, no two mutts will ever look the same. That diversity cultivates some of the most exciting animals and pets.

4 – Mutts Can Be Easier to Train

Due to their mix of traits and genetic material, mutts tend to be much more laid-back in temperament. They have less demanding lifestyles and appreciate the rewards owners offer during training. That makes them much more open to learning new skills and understanding commands.

5 – Mutts are Incredibly Loyal to Owners

Again, this has to do with the more laid-back lifestyle. Mutts don’t have the same instincts as purebred dogs. They can focus more on the relationship you cultivate together, leading to a more loyal pet and companion for years ahead.

6 – Mutts are Always One of a Kind

We’ve already mentioned how mixed dog breeds have unique physical characteristics, but the personalities are what really make these pups so desirable. Mutts mix different genetic traits. They will emphasize specific ideas over others, causing you to have a unique relationship with fun little quirks that only endear the animal to its owner.

7 – Mutts Have Diluted Purebred Instincts

Purebred dogs have a purpose. A retriever is a hunting dog. A sheep herder is designed to work on a farm herding animals. With a mutt, you get more diluted instincts. That can be a massive relief as it makes the pets way more adaptable to different lifestyles and environments, whether you live in a city apartment or out in a rural community.

What Data Supports a Love of Mutts

When you think about all the videos you see of dogs, the vast majority are from mutts because they are so popular with owners. Here are some statistics to demonstrate this point.

What Are the Top U.S. States With the Largest Percentage of Mixed Breeds?

It’s next to impossible to determine which state has the most mutt pups. However, you’ll find the most popular American-owned dog to be the American Pitbull, which is a mixed breed. If you go to Alabama, you’re likely to find beagles, labradors, and shepherds. California loves bulldogs (Frenchies), and Maine wants a solid lab (next to a Maine coon cat, of course). What makes one breed more popular than another is the availability of mixed-breed dogs, the pricing you'll need to pay, and the home space for housing your new pup.  

Usually, the greater the state population, the more mutts. So, we’ll say the top states are California, Texas, and Florida.

What Are the Top 10 Mutt Breeds

This is a fun experiment because most of the mixed breeds that are popular are based on cosmetic appearance. So you get a list like:

• Pomsky (Siberian Husky + Pomeranian)
• Yorkipoo (Yorkshire Terrier + Poodle)
• Corgidor (Labrador Retriever + Pembroke Welsh Corgi)
• Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel + Poodle)
• Chug (Chihuahua + Pug)
• Morkie (Maltese + Yorkshire Terrier)
• Shih-poo (Shih Tzu + Poodle)
• Schnoodle (Schnauzer + Poodle)
• Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle)
• Mastiff Mix (Any dog + Mastiff)

What Are the Most Popular Mutt Dog Names?

The names of dogs, purebred or mutt, shift all the time. The most popular as of 2024 include names like:

• Charlie
• Oliver
• Cooper
• Jack
• Bear
• Daisy
• Max
• Buddy
• Bella
• Sadie
• Baxter
• Finn
• Molly
• Lola
• Ben

Conclusion

National Mutt Day is more than a simple reminder of your dog’s background. It is a celebration of what makes your four-legged friend an incredible part of the family. This is your chance to make a big deal of all the loyalty, fun, and personality your mutt brings to the table.

Celebrate today by picking up any of the fun toys and entertainment items found at our Amazon store. We want your mutt to feel well taken care of and loved with an incredible new toy perfect for a trip to the park. Happy Mutt Day to everyone!