Mayday for Mutts is a special holiday celebrated on the first Sunday of May to spread love and acceptance for mixed-breed dogs. This year it falls on May 4. The day encourages adoption procedures from animal shelters to give more of these adorable animals a home.
History of Mayday for Mutts
The word ‘mutt’ was originally used to refer to half-breed dogs that were born from two different breeds. Today, mutts are more commonly referred to as ‘mixed-breed’ dogs that have no specific breed lineage or background.
The “designer dog” trend began in the late 20th century when breeders began to cross purebred Poodles with other purebred breeds to obtain a dog with the Poodle’s coat and several other desirable characteristics from other breeds.
In 1974, a Hollywood mixed-breed called Benji put mutts on the map. Benji was featured on the big screen and was loved and adored by thousands of people. He was known to be America’s favorite mutt.
The Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America (M.B.D.C.A.) was founded in 1978 and began holding shows in the same year to include mixed-breed dogs that were excluded by purebred registries.
American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry (AMBOR) was founded in 1983 in New Prague, Minnesota, to provide a competitive venue for dogs not recognized by purebred registries such as the American Kennel Club. At that time, it provided rules under which dogs could compete to earn obedience titles in the same way that most purebred dogs could compete in their purebred clubs.
By 1990, AMBOR had reached an agreement with the Illini Obedience Association, host of the prestigious Gaines obedience trials, to allow AMBOR-registered dogs to participate in these top-level competitions.
In 2006, American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry (AMBOR) became a part of the North American Dog Agility Association (N.A.D.A.C.) and AMBOR’s agility and obedience program remained in place.
Mayday for Mutts timeline
A Hollywood mixed-breed dog called Benji features on the big screen and is loved and adored by thousands of people.
Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America (M.B.D.C.A.) is created and begins to hold shows to include mixed-breed dogs.
American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry (AMBOR) is founded to provide a competitive venue for dogs not recognized by purebred registries such as the American Kennel Club.
AMBOR reaches an agreement with the Illini Obedience Association to allow AMBOR-registered dogs to participate in these top-level competitions.
Mayday for Mutts FAQs
What do you call a crossbreed dog?
A crossbreed or mixed-breed dog is called a mongrel dog or mutt.
Do mutt dogs live longer?
Yes, mutts generally live longer than purebred dogs.
National Mixed Breed Dog Day?
National Mixed Breed Dog Day is celebrated on July 31.
How to Observe Mayday for Mutts
Share photos of your favorite mutt dogs online
Share beautiful pictures of your favorite mixed-breed dogs online. Show family and friends how amazing your mutt is, and tell them what they mean to you.
Visit an animal shelter and adopt a mixed-breed dog
Visit an animal shelter and adopt a mixed-breed dog. If you like, you can volunteer to work in a mutts shelter as a way of showing concern for mixed-breed dogs.
Participate in a Mayday for Mutts event near you
Participate in a Mayday for Mutts event near you. If you have the resources, you could even consider hosting an adoption day at your local pet rescue center.
5 Interesting Facts About Mixed Breeds
Mixed-breeds rarely have genetic disorders
A purebred dog is more likely than mixed-breed dogs to develop hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia or epilepsy.
Mixed-breeds live longer than most purebreds
Mixed-breed dogs have a median lifespan of about 12 years, which is longer than the lifespan of most purebreds.
Mixed-breeds are better at adaptation
Mixed breeds’ genetic diversity allows them to adapt and react better to different situations, such as changes in climate or parasites.
Mutts are more common
Mixed-breed dogs make up about 75% of shelter dogs. Unlike purebreds, they are always as close as your local dog shelter.
Mutts are less expensive than purebreds
The cost of acquiring a mixed-breed dog is generally less than that of buying a purebred because the vaccines and other costs are already taken care of at animal shelters.
Why Mayday for Mutts is Important
Opportunity to change the attitude of the public towards mutts
The day is set aside to celebrate our mixed-breed adorable canines. Mayday For Mutts seeks to remind everyone that it is personality, not pedigree, that makes a good dog and so people should be more open to adopting mutts.
Encourage adoption procedures for the adorable mutts in the shelter houses
We get to encourage people who are looking for dog companions to adopt mutts that are just as lovable. Besides, mutts are also more disease resistant and less expensive.
Opportunity to create awareness about mutts
According to the Humane Society of the United States, approximately 75% of the six million dogs entering U.S. animal shelters each year are mixed-breeds. People need to be aware of the conditions that mutts are exposed to and understand the need to help protect them.
Mayday for Mutts dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 1 | Sunday |
| 2023 | May 7 | Sunday |
| 2024 | May 5 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 4 | Sunday |
| 2026 | May 3 | Sunday |
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