“What breed is it?” It’s one of the most common questions dog-owners are asked, probably right after their pooch’s name. While there are many reasons a person might select a specific breed (size, temperament, specific needs, etc.), there are also a lot of really great reasons to love mutts.

Mixed-breed, multi-breed, mutt, or most recently “American Shelter Dog”… whatever you call them, these dogs have a lot to offer. These genetic melting pot pups are just as trainable, loving, and smart as their purebred counterparts, yet they account for a majority of dogs in shelters across America. Dogs who come into shelters with strong breed characteristics are likely to be adopted quickly (especially popular breeds), but dogs with a more ambiguous appearance tend to spend more time waiting for their fur-ever homes.

We’re equal opportunity pet-lovers here at Essential Pet, so we want to encourage you to consider opening your heart and home to a mutt (or American Shelter Dog, if you prefer) if possible. April 30^th is Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, and we can’t think of a better gift to give a sweet mutt than a loving home.

4 Reasons to Love Mutts

Health

When you’re researching dog breeds, you’ll likely encounter common breed-specific health issues to be on the lookout for. Because mutts don’t have the distilled bloodlines of purebreds, they could be at a lower risk for some of the genetic hardships associated with purebreds. Generally, mixed-breed dogs have fewer cases of hip dysplasia, some cancers, and diseases ranging from heart to skin, blood, brain, kidney, and liver.

Uniqueness

If you own a mutt, you’ll never find another dog exactly like yours. A mixed-breed dog will have many factors that influence their appearance and personality. If you’re someone who values originality, you can’t go wrong with a mutt!

Flexibility

Although they may have a unique look or personality, mutts tend to be fairly flexible and adaptable to your lifestyle. Because their traits are not as strongly genetically ingrained as their purebred counterparts, many mixed-breed dogs are more neutral in their behaviors, abilities, and characteristics. If you’re looking for a dog that will fit seamlessly into your life or if you have a family with a variety of personalities, a mutt could be just what you need.

Affordability

Many shelters only require a small adoption fee, in contrast to the thousands of dollars you could spend on a purebred pup. Depending upon your local shelter, your adoption fee might even cover everything you need to give your newest family member a healthy start in your home. Many offer spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccination, and even licensing.

Do you have a mixed-breed dog? What is your favorite thing about your mutt? We would abso-woof-ly love to hear from you! Head over to our pup-lovin’ facebook page to tell us all about your dog.

To learn about the Essential Pet brand and our trusted products, please visit www.21stessentialpet.com

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