by Anne Rener
Jake. Handsome. Debonair. Lover of people, parties, and stuffed animals (his babies). We met by happenstance at an adoption event, but it was destiny — and love at first sight. Jake came home with us and quickly proved himself to be the coolest dog dude we’ve ever known. A mixed-breed canine, Jake also transformed us from a pure-breed family to mutt lovers.
So on July 31, 2025, we will again toast National Mutt Day with a Beggin’ Strip in one hand and red wine in the other. (Jake would snuggle close whenever there was an open glass, although he didn’t much care for white.)
As a “holiday,” National Mutt Day began in 2005 and is celebrated twice a year, on July 31 and December 2. Animal-welfare advocate and behaviorist Colleen Paige is credited with elevating the idea of embracing, saving, and celebrating mixed-breed dogs through her work, writing, and photography.
Advantages of Mixed-Breed Dogs
There’s no “muttering” about the advantages of mixed-breed canine companions. For example:
Enhanced health and longevity: Greater genetic diversity — also known as hybrid vigor — can reduce the risk of inherited health issues often associated with purebred dogs.
Unique appearance and personality: Each mixed-breed dog carries traits from various breeds, making each truly one of a kind.
Balanced temperament: Diverse genetics typically result in a more adaptable style and energy level suitable for different lifestyles. Contrast this with a dog bred for herding or hunting that might seem anxious when “off duty.”
Further, by choosing a mixed-breed dog — say, through a shelter adoption — you support animal welfare and help combat issues associated with overbreeding and puppy mills.
Mixed Breeds Take the Stage
The American Kennel Club, long recognized for purebred dog standards and registry, opened its doors to mixed breeds in 2010. The AKC Canine Partners program welcomes all mixed breeds of any age into the AKC family. Dogs enrolled as AKC Canine Partners can participate in hosted sporting events and benefit from other services such as pet insurance and lost-pet recovery protection. The program includes more than 500,000 active canines.
At the sporting events, mixed breeds have an opportunity to shine. In general, dog sports provide opportunities to bond with your pet while ensuring that he gets mental and physical exercise. Within AKC, mixed breeds compete with purebreds for titles and awards in 24 sports. Examples include:
Agility: Dogs and handlers navigate an obstacle course, competing for the fastest time with the fewest penalties.
Fast CAT: This competition (coursing ability test) literally lures dogs in a timed 100-yard dash while chasing a white kitchen garbage bag on a line.
Scent work: Inspired by the work of professional detection dogs, this competition asks dogs to search for cotton balls saturated with essential oils and then to notify their people.
In addition to sporting competitions, AKC Canine Partners can participate in family-oriented programs such as:
Advanced AKC Therapy Dog: This program recognizes dogs and owners who volunteer in schools, hospitals, and nursing homes to help other people.
AKC Trick Dog: By teaching dogs to fetch slippers or perform a series of tricks in succession, owners stimulate their pets mentally and build canine confidence.
AKC-affiliated clubs offer training in agility, scent work, tracking, and more. Search for clubs on the AKC website, and you will see more than 10 affiliates in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas. Some out-of-state clubs also serve Oklahoma pet owners.
Celebrating National Mutt Day
If you have mutts, make National Mutt Day about them. Take them to a dog park or hang out on the patio at a dog-friendly restaurant or brewery. Get them treats such as Starbucks’ puppuccino or Dairy Queen’s pup cup.
If you don’t have a mutt, consider adopting one. So many dogs — typically mixed breeds — are living in shelters, eagerly awaiting new homes.
If you’re at capacity at home but still want to help, you can always give time and/or money. Donate dollars or items to local shelters so they can obtain food, toys, medicines, and other supplies.
Volunteer time at a shelter to play or walk with animals or to help the staff with necessary chores around the facility. A few hours can make a big difference.
Holly Finds a Happy Place
The AKC Canine Partners program can help mixed-breed dogs find their happy place. Danny Terry adopted Holly, a stray Labrador and border collie mix, when he volunteered at an Alabama humane society.
“She was a high-energy dog and needed a job to do. At the same time, she was scared of unfamiliar people and places,” Terry said. “Getting involved in training and sports helped build her confidence.”
Holly showed a natural talent for running, and the joy it brought her made Terry want to pursue it further. During more than seven years, Holly became a Fast CAT champion and excelled in a variety of other competitions too. She has made history as the first mixed-breed dog to reach FCAT50 and is still the fourth-highest titled across all breeds.
Holly recently retired from sports at the top of her game. Read the full story at www.akc.org/canine-partners/
record-setting-american-retires-
top-game/.
