8 reasons to adopt a mutt

Also known as National Mixed Breed Dog Day, Mutt Day comes around twice a year on July 31 and December 2. In honor of the occasion, here are eight great reasons to consider adopting a mixed breed dog.

1. They’re unique. Purebreds tend to be alike in looks and temperament. Mutts, on the other hand, have unique physical features and personalities.

2. They’re adaptable. Some dog breeds are limited in terms of the lifestyle and activities that’ll suit them. Mixed breeds, however, tend to adapt to a variety of circumstances and activities.

3. They’re budget friendly. Adopting a mutt will rarely set you back more than a few hundred dollars. Plus, many of them are already spayed or neutered and their vaccinations tend to be kept up to date.

4. They’re not a downgrade. Mutts are just as smart and loyal as purebreds.

5. They’re healthier. Purebred dogs often struggle with genetic issues due to the use of artificial selection to breed them. Thanks to their more diverse gene pool, mutts tend to be healthier.

6. They can compete. Even if your pup’s lineage is murky, they can still be prize-winning dogs. Mutts are eligible to compete in agility contests such as those organized by the North American Dog Agility Council.

7. They can be service dogs. Increasingly, mutts are trained as service or therapy dogs.

8. They might be housetrained. Many mutts adopted from a shelter had a previous home. Some prospective dog owners will be happy to skip the puppy stage, adorable as it may be.

Additionally, considering 80 percent of shelter animals in the United States are mixed breed dogs, adopting one is likely to amount to saving a life.