Celebrating Mutts

Created in 2005, National Mutt Day is all about embracing, saving and celebrating mixed breed dogs. And mutts are so great that they actually get two days a year: 7/31 and 12/2.

Did you know that celebrities like Benji and Old Yeller were mutts? Even the dog recently featured on Max’s (formerly HBO) “House of the Dragon” is a mixed-breed buddy.

Lassie is classic and I’d never detract from her accomplishments (she was always saving Timmy from that well), but mutts have a very special place in my heart. They’re always full of quirks and personality, and they make the funniest faces sometimes.

Max the mutt

Our adopted Lhasa-Maltese-Shi tzu mix, Max (formerly known as Zeke), has opinions and emotions. And oh boy does he have rules! If I’m not on the couch by 6pm he barks at me until I acquiesce because, in his world it’s TV time, and I should know better.

We got Max from Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue in Fairfax VA about five years ago. They specialize in older dogs and poodle mixes, but they have all types of dogs for adoption. In fact, mixed breed dogs are by far the most represented group of dogs in any shelter or rescue situation.

Mutts are also the most diverse group of dogs while also being the most unique individuals, which makes them neat little (or big, or medium) packages of joy, and the diversity of their gene pools means they are less likely to present with certain health problems.

What’s not to like?