- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- DogPet
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every December 2
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐕
National Mutt Day arrives on December 2, celebrating the lovable, one-of-a-kind mixed-breed dogs that enrich our lives. Adopt a mutt, volunteer at a shelter, or simply shower your own furry friend with extra love and treats. Remember, we also celebrate mutts on July 31!
Want to sponsor National Mutt Day? Learn how
Expected National Mutt Day Deals
While official 2027 promotions are still under wraps, history shows National Mutt Day inspires heartwarming deals. Expect pet supply retailers like Chewy and PetSmart to offer discounts on toys, treats, and food for all dog breeds. Local pet boutiques might host special adoption events with partners like the ASPCA or Best Friends Animal Society, sometimes including waived fees or starter kits. Brands like BarkBox often feature mutt-themed subscription boxes, while smaller businesses like Pawstruck could offer BOGO deals on natural chews. Keep an eye on independent pet food brands such as Orijen and Taste of the Wild for special bundles. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 2 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Mutt Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalMuttDay. Share heartwarming photos and videos of your mixed-breed dog, highlighting their unique personality and story.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalMuttDay. Create short, fun videos showcasing your mutt’s funny quirks or their journey from shelter to forever home.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalMuttDay. Post about your favorite mutt, share adoption success stories, or highlight local rescue organizations.
National Mutt Day Hero
Colleen Paige
National Mutt Day timeline
Non-profit organization 'The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' is founded to prevent cruelty to animals.
Hanna-Barbera Productions create fictional dog Muttley, who is a sidekick to cartoon villain Dick Dastardly.
Animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige started this holiday to shine a light on the problem of abandoning mixed breed dogs.
National Mutt Day is also celebrated on July 31 annually.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Mutt Day
Local pet stores, groomers, and veterinarians can celebrate National Mutt Day by offering special discounts on services for mixed-breed dogs. Organize a ‘Mutt Makeover’ event at a grooming salon, or host a discounted health check-up day for adopted mutts. Restaurants with pet-friendly patios could offer a special ‘Mutt Menu’ item or donate a portion of sales to a local shelter. Feature customer photos of their mutts on social media, encouraging engagement and community spirit. Promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the unique benefits of adopting a mixed-breed companion.
National Mutt Day FAQs
When is National Mutt Day?
National Mutt Day 2026 is observed on Wednesday, December 2. It’s one of two annual celebrations for mixed-breed dogs, with the other occurring on July 31.
How many mixed-breed dogs are in shelters?
Mixed-breed dogs constitute a significant portion of the homeless dog population. Approximately 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters each year, and a large majority of these are mutts.
What percentage of dogs are mixed breeds?
While precise statistics are hard to pinpoint, it’s widely believed that mixed-breed dogs outnumber purebreds in the general dog population. Many dog owners prefer mutts for their unique characteristics and often robust health.
What is the difference between a mutt and a mixed-breed dog?
The terms ‘mutt’ and ‘mixed-breed dog’ are often used interchangeably, referring to a dog whose parentage is unknown or includes multiple breeds. ‘Mutt’ is a more colloquial and affectionate term.
National Mutt Day Activities
Volunteer at your local shelter
Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers, and you'd make a great one! Check in with your local rescue to see how you can get involved.
Offer to dog-sit for a friend
Chances are, you've got plenty of mutts in your life. While every dog owner loves their pet, they'd probably still appreciate a day off.
Adopt a mutt
The ultimate way to celebrate this holiday! If you've been thinking about getting a dog, open up your heart to a mutt and you won't regret it.
Why We Love National Mutt Day
It encourages adoption of mixed-breed dogs
This is what National Mutt Day's all about! While all dogs at shelters need adopting, purebred dogs tend to have much better luck, so mutts often end up being left out to dry.
They've got the best temperaments
Most purebreds were bred for specific traits, so they're likely to have a more extreme personality. Mutts, on the other hand, have a blend of traits from different sources, which often leads to a more mellow mood. In fact, purebred dogs are more likely than mutts to have genetic disorders, including cataracts and hypothyroidism.
They're all so different
With all the dog breed combinations out there, there are a nearly an infinite amount of possibilities. Just think about it this way: 4-digit combination locks have ten thousand combinations, and there are over 300 breeds of dogs. You can [try to] do the math.
National Mutt Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 2 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | December 2 | Thursday |
| 2028 | December 2 | Saturday |
| 2029 | December 2 | Sunday |
| 2030 | December 2 | Monday |
Social Media Tips for National Mutt Day
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