When it comes to choosing the perfect pup, many dog lovers are discovering that mutts, or mixed breed dogs, are truly one-of-a-kind companions. While purebred dogs often get the spotlight, mutts bring their own charm, resilience, and a genetic cocktail of adorableness to the table. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about mutts—from their fascinating history to examples of common mixes and why mutts (or mixed breeds) are often healthier, heartier, and just as lovable as any pedigree pup.
What Is a Mutt?
A mutt, sometimes affectionately called a mongrel dog or mixed breed dog, is a dog that comes from two or more different purebred breeds. Unlike designer dogs, which are intentionally bred (like Labradoodles or Goldendoodles), mutts often come from natural, unplanned breed combinations. The result? Unique dogs with unpredictable, but often incredible, temperaments and appearances.
Mutts don't belong to a specific breed and can have a wide variety of appearances, sizes, and temperaments, as their genetics are more diverse.
What is a Purebred?
A purebred dog is one whose parents, grandparents, and further ancestors are all of the same breed, and this lineage is documented with a pedigree. They are bred to maintain consistent breed characteristics like size, coat type, temperament, and exercise needs.
The History of the Word “Mutt”
The word “mutt” dates back to the early 20th century as a shortened slang term for “muttonhead,” meaning fool or simpleton. Over time, it evolved to refer to dogs of indeterminate breed, often in a derogatory way. But today, the term has been reclaimed with affection. In fact, many dog lovers proudly describe their pets as mutts, celebrating their diversity and resilience.
Why Mutts Are Amazing
1. One-of-a-Kind Looks
With a mixed breed dog, no two pups are the same. You might get a dog with the ears of a German Shepherd, the tail of a Retriever, and the eyes of a Husky—creating a true original.
2. Healthier Genetics (aka Hybrid Vigor)
Mutts are known for what's called hybrid vigor, meaning they tend to have fewer inherited diseases than purebred dogs because their gene pool is more diverse. This can translate to fewer vet bills and a longer lifespan.
3. Great Temperaments
Because they often inherit the best qualities from multiple breeds, mutts and mixed breeds can be incredibly well-balanced dogs—smart, affectionate, and adaptable to many environments.
4. You’re Saving a Life
Most mixed breed dogs and mutts are found in shelters and rescues, not pet stores or breeders. Choosing a mutt often means giving a homeless dog a second chance at life.
Common Types of Mutts and Mixed Breed Examples
The most common breeds found in mixed-breed dogs, or mutts, include German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Chows, according to DNA analysis and breed census data. Other frequently seen breeds in mixed breeds include American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and various poodle mixes like Goldendoodles and Labradoodles
While every mutt is unique, there are some popular and frequently seen mixes that showcase the best of both (or multiple!) worlds:
🐶 Sheprador
A mix between a German Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever, Shepradors are intelligent, loyal, and great for active families.
🐾 Chug
This charming combo of Chihuahua and Pug makes for a small, spirited, and hilarious companion.
🐕 Boxador
The result of a Boxer and Labrador Retriever mix, these dogs are playful, energetic, and wonderful with kids.
🐶 Husky Mixes
Huskies are commonly mixed with breeds like Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and even Corgis—leading to beautiful coats and high energy levels.
🐾 Terrier Mixes
Terrier mutts are full of personality. Mixed with breeds like Dachshunds, Beagles, or even Spaniels, they’re often feisty, fun, and deeply loyal.
🐩 Doodles
In 1969 Monica Dickens, the great granddaughter of Charles Dickens, bred the first “doodle” variety by breeding a Golden Retriever with a standard Poodle. Doodles are a general class of cross-bred dogs, where one of the breeds in the mix is a Poodle. Various breeds are often bred by many breeders with poodles to obtain certain physical characteristics.
Poodles are popular for functional crosses for companion dogs because they have non-shedding coat traits that they can pass on to their offspring, even when crossed with shedding breeds. While not all Poodle crosses or "hybrids" are non-shedding or even low-shedding, an understanding of the genetics allows a knowledgeable breeder to work within the non-shedding framework and create non-shedding dogs over successive generations (this is known as a multigenerational Doodle, or a "multigen").
How to Tell What’s in Your Mutt
Curious about what breeds make up your dog’s DNA? Today’s dog DNA tests (like Embark or Wisdom Panel) can give you a detailed breakdown of your pup’s ancestry. It’s not only fascinating—it can also help you understand their health needs and personality traits better.
Mutts and Adoption: Why They're the Heart of Every Shelter
Most dogs in shelters are mixed breeds (mutts) because they are more likely to be strays, be the result of unplanned litters, or be surrendered by owners unable to care for them. While purebred dogs can also be found in shelters, mixed breeds are overrepresented due to the factors mentioned above, and the fact that 53% of all dogs in the US are mixed breeds.
Most dogs found in shelters are mixed breeds, and their stories are often as unique as their appearances. Many come from difficult backgrounds but thrive with proper care and love. Adopting a mutt and giving them a loving home means giving a second chance to a dog that may otherwise be overlooked simply because they don’t have a fancy pedigree.
Famous Mutts in Pop Culture
You might be surprised to know that many beloved dogs in movies and real life are mutts!
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Benji – The lovable star of several movies was a mutt rescued from a shelter.
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Spike – The dog who played Old Yeller was a Labrador/Mastiff mix.
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Presidential Mutts – President Lyndon B. Johnson had several rescue mutts he adored, including a dog named Yuki.
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Sandy - Based on the successful Broadway musical, Annie tells the story of a young orphan living in New York City hoping that she'll be reunited with her parents. Early on in the film, she adopts a stray dog naming him Sandy, and to say he's always there for her would be an understatement.
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Tramp - In the animated movie 'Lady and the Tramp', Tramp is a mixed-breed dog known for his street smarts and adventurous spirit.
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Toto - In 'The Wizard of Oz', Toto, a Cairn Terrier mix, accompanies Dorothy on her journey to the Emerald City
Mutts vs. Designer Dogs: What’s the Difference?
While both mutts and designer dogs (like Cavapoos or Puggles) are technically mixed breeds, designer dogs are purposefully bred from two specific purebreds. Mutts, on the other hand, are usually more genetically varied and are often accidental crosses. That doesn’t make them any less lovable—in fact, many would argue it makes them even more special.
Most breeders do not breed mutts, but will often crossbreed purebred dogs and animals to achieve a designer combination to get traits and personality from both breeds. These tend to be called "designer" dogs.
Did you know: A mixed breed dog, often called "a mutt", are generally healthier than purebreds due to their greater genetic diversity, which can reduce the risk of inherited diseases and health issues. They also exhibit unique appearances and personalities, as their traits are a combination of their parent breeds and what their parents carry. Adopting a mixed breed dog can be more affordable and helps reduce pet overpopulation.
National Mutt Day
National Mutt Day is celebrated twice a year: on July 31st and December 2nd. It's a day dedicated to celebrating mixed-breed dogs and raising awareness about the many wonderful mutts in shelters who are waiting for adoption.
Desperately longing for a new home, millions of loving and healthy mixed breed dogs in shelters wait for someone to come and adopt them. It's important to not be set on a particular breed when being open to animals and mixed dogs needing adoption.
National Mutt Day provides an excellent opportunity to find the perfect canine companion made up of various breeds. Despite the name, a mutt learns, obeys and trains much like purebred dogs. While their lineage may not be traced fully, and their features a bit murky, their companionship will be faithful and a great addition to your loving home. Adopt Don't Shop!
Conclusion: Mutts Deserve the Spotlight
Whether you're looking for a jogging partner, a couch snuggler, or a family-friendly pup, a mutt might just be your perfect match when it's time to adopt. Their unique personalities, genetic diversity, and sheer adorability make them a fantastic choice for dog lovers everywhere.
So, next time you’re considering adding a furry friend to your life, visit your local shelter. You might just find a mutt that steals your heart—and gives you a love like no other.
WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?
PRIDE+GROOM was born because a group of New York City dog lovers wanted the same level of grooming products for their dogs that they themselves enjoyed. They looked (hard) but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could.
With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house. Skin and coat health is very important to us.
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