They may not come with pedigree paperwork, but Mutts are special dogs that hold a special place in the hearts of their owners. These lovable mixed breeds usually end up in shelters or rescue organizations, as they lack the distinct physical characteristics and traits that most breeders look for. They are not purebred and may not have been planned for at all.

But the term mutt or mongrel or mixed breed should not be thought of negatively. These dogs come with a host of benefits that their purebred counterparts don’t. They are typically cheaper, more distinct looking, they can be healthier, and come with the bonus of saving a life!

Initial Cost

If you decide to get your puppy through a breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere from five hundred to over ten thousand dollars, depending on the dog. This cost is associated with everything it takes to ensure genetic purity, including DNA testing, health testing, pre-natal and post-natal care for the mother, and supplies necessary to raise a litter of newborn puppies. You’ll also be combatting supply and demand; if you want a popular breed, you can expect the price tag to go up immensely.

Mutts, or mixed-breed dogs are often obtained through adoption from rescue organizations and shelters. These organizations typically require your dog to be spayed or neutered and will pay for the surgery when the time comes. Additionally, you won’t be paying for the mother’s medical bills or supplies to raise your dog, and rescue dogs come with their first round of shots included in a very reasonable adoption fee that generally only costs only a few hundred dollars.

The Aesthetic

Unlike dogs from breeders, who are bred to specific uniformed physical standards, all mutts are unique! Depending on your pup’s mix, you could get short hair, long hair, or any range of color and size. You can be sure that no other dog looks the same as yours, and a guarantee of that level of uniqueness is nothing short of amazing. They are YOUR dog and only YOUR dog!

Here’s a list of The 50 Cutest Mixed Breed Dog Names that will make you want one (or two) of your own!

Healthier And More Relaxed Dogs

Due to multiple generations of inbreeding, many purebred dogs are susceptible to hereditary diseases. Such diseases can result in expensive medical bills down the road and potentially shorter lives. Mutts, on the other hand, are generally healthier as their DNA is the result of a wide and varied gene pool. This could lead to longer lives, fewer major medical problems, and even a more relaxed temperament.

Purebred dogs are typically born to work or serve some specific function in a household. This could include herding, protection, or tracking animals during hunting. However, mixed breed dogs typically do not possess the same drive and instinct to work. They are more likely to have muted traits from even the most dominant breed in their DNA, making for a more rounded and relaxed dog.

Saving A Life

The most important benefit of owning a mutt is that you are saving a life and, in many cases, two lives. Each mutt adopted from a shelter or rescue organization frees up a spot for another dog in need. Mutts make up an overwhelming 80% of the United States canine animal shelter population, which means there are far more mutts in need than purebred shelter dogs. With only around 58% of shelter dogs adopted each year, many of the remaining population will be euthanized if a proper home cannot be found.

Rescue dogs also tend to be more eager to please than their purebred counterparts, and they will be forever grateful to you for providing them a home. You can also share their story with everyone you meet and maybe inspire them to adopt a dog in need as well!

Conclusion

Available in all shapes, sizes, and colors, mutts are special dogs that come in unique packages. If you choose to adopt a mixed breed dog from a shelter, you can be sure that you’ll have a new best friend that will love you unconditionally and will be forever grateful for the new LEASH on life you’ve given them! There are between 1.5 and 3 million dogs taken into shelters each year, so there is no shortage of opportunities to find your new four-legged family member.

If you’re considering adopting a shelter dog, check local rescues and shelters in your area or try a quick search on petfinder.com or adoptapet.com!