When it comes to dogs, there are many different kinds.
Dogs can have short or long hair, can be lap dogs or guard dogs, and they can be purebred or mixed breed (also known as mutts).
According to vocabulary.com, a mutt is “any dog that’s a combination of different breeds, rather than one identifiable breed.”
The original connotation with the word mutt was largely negative and, perhaps because of this,
a majority of the dogs in shelters and rescues are mutts. According to a study by the National Animal Interest Alliance, only 5% of dogs in shelters are purebreds, which means that 95% of dogs in shelters are mutts.
At the Humane Society of Macomb, we have found “furever” homes to many mixed breeds, including Pinky, Sheena, Goldie and more!
Because of our experiences with mutts, we know that mutts are loving dogs and make wonderful pets. Here are some of the top reasons to adopt mixed breed dogs.
Life Expectancy
Mutts may live longer than purebred dogs. This is because purebred dogs are often a result of inbreeding and are more likely to carry mutated genes. These mutated genes can cause
- Bone and Joint Disorders,
- Cancer and Tumors,
- Epilepsy,
- Immune System Diseases,
- Neurological Diseases,
- Premature Death,
- Reproductive Issues,
- Tetralogy of Fallot (Lack of Oxygen), and
- Urinary Blockages.
In addition to mutated genes, a purebred has a higher chance of carrying diseases that are common in that breed. For example, purebred English Cocker Spaniels are predisposed to have eye problems, bleeding disorders, deafness, and allergies (Calvert Animal).
Mixed breed pets are considered “normal” sized. Whereas purebred dogs can be three pounds (such as a Chihuahua) or 130 pounds (like a Mastiff), mutts have a healthier average weight and usually range from 30 to 60 pounds, according to Your Purebred Puppy.
Expenses
Mixed breed dogs are considerably less expensive. According to PetYak, the price range of a purebred pup is anywhere from $500 to $3,000 dollars. Adopting a dog from our shelter starts at just $135.
Qualities
Mixed breed dogs have more moderate temperaments. This is because they were not bred for specific activities, such as hunting or herding.
Mutts are extremely loyal and loving, especially if you bring them home from a shelter or rescue. Your mutt will be happy to play in the yard or curl up next to you in the living room.
Our favorite thing about mutts is that each one is unique and combines distinguishable features of each type of dog in the mix. Some examples of what your mixed breed dog could look like include
- The face (and nose!) of a pug with the body of a beagle (Puggle),
- The size of a corgi with the spots of a Dalmatian, or
- The fur color of a yellow lab with the bright blue eyes of a husky (Labsky).
Come into the Humane Society of Macomb today to see, and fall in love with, the amazing mutts we have here.