- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- DogPetPet Health
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every July 31
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐕
National Mutt Day celebrates mixed breed dogs every July 31, highlighting their unique qualities and advocating for their adoption. Learn about their diverse personalities, health benefits, and how you can support animal shelters. Consider opening your home to a loving mutt today!
Want to sponsor National Mutt Day? Learn how
Expected National Mutt Day Deals
While specific 2027 promotions are pending, National Mutt Day typically sees a surge in adoption events and special offers from pet retailers. Look for local shelters like the ASPCA or Best Friends Animal Society to host fee-waived or reduced-fee adoption drives. Pet supply stores such as PetSmart and Petco often run discounts on food, toys, and accessories for newly adopted pets. Online retailers like Chewy may feature special bundles for mixed breeds, while subscription services like BarkBox might offer themed boxes. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 31 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Mutt Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalMuttDay. Share photos and videos of your beloved mutts, showcasing their unique personalities and stories.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalMuttDay. Film heartwarming adoption stories, funny mutt antics, or ‘glow-up’ transformations of rescue dogs.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalMuttDay. Share local shelter events, post about adoptable mixed breeds, and encourage community engagement.
National Mutt Day Hero
Colleen Paige
National Mutt Day timeline
‘Mutt’ is considered a derogatory term, meaning ‘stupid person.’
The world’s largest and oldest not-for-profit all-breed registry is founded.
Cartoon dog Muttley debuts in the show “Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines.”
“Mutts” is a daily comic strip created by Patrick McDonnell.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Mutt Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Mutt Day by hosting adoption events in partnership with nearby shelters, offering special discounts to customers who adopt a mixed breed, or donating a portion of sales to animal rescue organizations. Pet-friendly establishments can offer ‘mutt specials’ on treats or grooming services. Businesses can also encourage employees to share photos of their own mixed breed companions, fostering a sense of community and support for these deserving dogs.
National Mutt Day FAQs
When is National Mutt Day?
National Mutt Day 2026 falls on Friday, July 31, offering a perfect end-of-week opportunity to celebrate your mixed-breed companion or consider adoption.
Why are there two National Mutt Days?
National Mutt Day is celebrated twice a year, on July 31 and December 2, to maximize awareness and adoption opportunities for mixed breed dogs. The dual dates ensure continuous focus on these deserving animals throughout the year.
How many mixed breed dogs are in shelters?
Estimates vary, but mixed breed dogs constitute a significant majority of the approximately 3.1 million dogs entering U.S. animal shelters each year. They often face longer waits for adoption compared to purebreds.
What is the difference between a mutt and a purebred?
A mutt, or mixed breed, is a dog whose parents are of different breeds or unknown lineage, resulting in a unique genetic blend. A purebred dog, conversely, has parents of the same recognized breed and typically has a documented pedigree.
How to Observe National Mutt Day
Adopt a mixed breed dog
There are lots of great dogs out there who lack a home just because they don't have the right pedigree. But you can do your part to change all that. Getting any dog is a big responsibility, but a mixed breed will likely be healthier, happier, better behaved — and live longer than a purebred of the same age.
Donate to your local shelter
Not in the position to adopt a mutt? You can still help out your local shelter with a donation. Your money goes to things like food, toys and medicine. Every dollar counts, so you can really make a difference in the lives of all the dogs at the shelter.
Volunteer to help out
If donations aren't your style, you can always volunteer. Shelters need volunteers to befriend the dogs, play with them and take them for walks. A few hours of your time can make a big difference in their happiness and happy dogs stand a better chance of getting adopted.
Why National Mutt Day is Important
All dogs love us for who we are
Whether your dog is from a famous breeder or your local shelter, he or she loves you in a way that can't be expressed in words. Though mixed breed dogs aren't usually as highly regarded as their purebred cousins, they've got lots of love in their hearts. And some people even argue that since most mutts weren't born on Easy Street, they love us even more.
Mixed breeds have better health
These dogs have hit the genetic lottery. The blending of genes helps fight deficiencies by providing healthier gene sequences from other breeds. Think of it this way: the smaller the gene pool, the less healthy the genes. Your mutt, on the other hand, has a sampling from all over, adding to the dog's overall lifespan and well-being.
Mutts need people, too
Often passed over for their pedigreed cousins, mixed breed dogs end up at a pet shelter more frequently and they tend to wait longer before getting adopted. But mutts have all the doggedness we love about dogs and National Mutt Day is about getting them the love and attention they deserve.
Social Media Tips for National Mutt Day
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