NATIONAL MUTT DAY
Fast Facts
- CELEBRATION
- Embrace, save and celebrate mixed breed dogs
- CELEBRATED
- Each year on July 31 and December 2
- CREATOR
- Created in 2005 by Colleen Paige, Celebrity Pet Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate
- STAT
- Approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year
NATIONAL MUTT DAY
National Mutt Day encourages us to embrace, save and celebrate mixed breed dogs. This fur-eindly celebration is so popular, we celebrate twice a year--July 31st and December 2nd.
#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 are a bit murky, their companionship will be faithful.
Mutt FAQs
How many purebred dogs are found in shelters?
Purebred numbers in shelters are significantly lower than those of mixed-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?
Data from groups like the American Veterinary Medical Association shows that mixed-breed dogs make up around 65% to 75% or more in households and shelters.
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, like owner and dog both enjoying increased physical activity and social interaction while on daily walks. Humans develop patience and their four-legged companion learns to trust and respect new limits. For example, as dogs explore the many scents of the human lifestyle, they usually discover shoes are off-limits.
Did you know?
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.
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.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL MUTT DAY
Visit a shelter; if you are unable to adopt a dog, you can always volunteer.
Volunteer to be a foster for a mutt waiting for adoption.
Donate money or supplies to a local shelter. Shelters always need blankets, dog dishes, crates, puppy pads, and food.
Post photos of your mutt on social media using the hashtag #NationalMuttDay.
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.