Colleen Paige, a well-known animal activist, created National Mutt Day in 2005. She is also the person behind such campaigns as National Puppy Day, National Cat Day, and numerous others related to the well-being of pets. National Mutt Day now takes place every year on July 31 and December 2. The purpose of the campaign is to celebrate dogs with mixed parenting heritage and to encourage people to adopt them. According to Paige, mutts make up the largest percentage of euthanized dogs. Overbreeding in the quest for the perfect designer dog is one of the main reasons for this. This day is now also known as National Mixed Breed Dog Day.

The Advantages of Adopting a Mixed Breed Dog
Like most dogs, the mutt is lovable and loyal to her human family. If you purchase a mixed breed from a shelter or private party, the adoption usually costs much less than it would for a purebred dog. Other benefits of adopting from a shelter are that your new pet has usually been spayed or neutered, is up-to-date on shots, and has had a complete medical evaluation. When you adopt a mixed breed dog, you save a life and add much joy to your own.

Challenges of Owning a Mixed Breed Dog
Whether you bring home a cockapoo, labradoodle, or dog of unknown heritage, you may not have a lot of information about your new pet’s background. That can make health, behavior, and future size hard to predict. However, you can overcome this lack of initial information with research and dedication to staying informed about your specific type of mixed breed dog.

All Dogs Deserve a Loving Home
Every dog, regardless of her parentage, deserves to be loved and cared for as part of a family. Even if you can't adopt, you can help dispel myths about mutts that keep too many of them in shelters where they are often euthanized before they can find a home. In the words of Colleen Paige, “In every heart, there is a hole. In every shelter, there is love in which to fill it.”
 

While you should never make an impulse decision when it comes to bringing home a new dog, know that mixed breeds can make delightful pets. Once you get settled with your new dog, bring him into Minnesota Veterinary Hospital for a check-up and to introduce him to our staff. We look forward to helping you care for your new family member for years to come.
 
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