National Mutt Day encourages us to embrace, save and celebrate mixed breed dogs twice a year on July 31 and December 2.

#NationalMuttDay

Desperately longing for a new home, millions of loving and healthy mixed breed dogs in shelters wait for someone to come and adopt them. National Mutt Day provides an excellent opportunity to find the perfect canine companion. Despite the name, a mutt learns, obeys and trains much like purebred animals. While their lineage cannot be traced and their features a bit murky, their companionship will be faithful.  

According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year. When these abandoned and often abused animals find their way to a shelter, each one needs a forever home. Whether you know it or not, their potential is limitless. Some of the benefits of adoption are often hidden. Human and canine both enjoy increased physical activity. 

Another boost is social interaction through daily walks. While humans develop patience, their four-legged companion learns to trust and new limits. For example, as dogs explore the many scents of the human lifestyle,  they usually discover shoes are off-limits. 

No matter the breed, size or demeanor of the human, er, canine, the shelter will take the time to find the right home for their animals. They schedule visits and have procedures in place to promote healthy adoptions for families and individuals. While some dogs experience injury or illness, the shelters work with veterinarians to heal the animals before making them available for adoption.

Of course, shelters always welcome donations and volunteers. Dogs love walking, playing and being loved even if they haven’t found their forever home. Every moment they spend socializing increases their opportunity for adoption.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MUTT DAY

Visit a shelter; if you are unable to adopt a dog, you can always volunteer. Post on social media using #NationalMuttDay and encourage others to join in.

NATIONAL MUTT DAY HISTORY

Celebrity Pet Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate, Colleen Paige, founded National Mutt Day in 2005.  Celebrate the day on both December 2 and July 31 of each year. Learn more at www.nationalmuttday.com.

Mutt FAQ

How many purebred dogs are found in shelters? Purebred numbers in shelters are significantly lower than mix-breed animals. A study by the National Animal Interest Alliance in 2015 found that only 5 percent of the dogs in shelters are purebred.

What are the most common purebred dogs found in shelters? The top two purebred dogs found in shelters are Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas.

Are there more mutts than purebreds in the United States? More than half of the dogs in the United States are mutts. Mars Veterinary conducted the first-ever National Mutt Census in 2010. The data collected revealed breed prominence, which purebreds were the most popular, and how owners care for their dogs. One notable result showed that 53 percent of the dogs in the United States are of mixed breed.