The PC term is "mixed breed" (a dog with unknown ancestry) or "crossed breed" (a dog with two pure-bred parents of different breeds), but we know them as mutts or mongrels. Sometimes, we can discern something of a mutt's ancestry. (I met
an interesting-looking cross-breed who was obviously the result of a Standard Collie and a Basset Hound. I'm not kidding!) And sometimes, as with mixed breeds, the mutt's
just a mutt! Here are some fun facts about America's most popular "breed".
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According to the American Humane Association, about 75% of the dogs in humane societies are mutts.
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Mutts are frequently more healthy and better behaved than pure-bred dogs.
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In my experience, mixed breeds tend to have a higher natural intelligence than most pure breeds. Mutts give even the intelligent breeds, like Border Collies and Dobermans, a run for their money!
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Mutts can have long or short fur in any color you can imagine. They can be tall, short, slim, heavy, smooth, or scraggly.
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A mutt's inner beauty is often only matched by that cute Benji face!
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There are hundreds of "mutt-centric" events put on every year by humane societies and shelters around the country.
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The Mixed Breed Dog Club of America defines a mutt as a Most Unique Totally Terrific dog!
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Each mutt is a completely unique, one-of-a-kind dog. They're part of American society, and they make terrific friends!
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