National Mutt Day is all about celebrating mixed-breed dogs—those lovable, one-of-a-kind pups that don’t fit into a single breed box. It’s a day to shine a spotlight on these unique dogs, often overlooked in favor of purebreds, and to raise awareness about the many mutts in shelters waiting for their forever homes.
It happens twice a year—July 31 and December 2. Why two days? Well, the idea is to double down on spreading the love for these awesome dogs, especially since shelters are full of them year-round.
National Mutt Day history
National Mutt Day was founded in 2005 by Colleen Paige, a pet lifestyle expert and animal advocate from the U.S. Paige, who also created other pet-related holidays like National Dog Day and National Cat Day, started National Mutt Day to celebrate mixed-breed dogs and raise awareness about their plight in shelters. Mixed-breed dogs, often called “mutts,” make up a huge portion of shelter populations—estimates suggest around 70-75% of dogs in U.S. shelters are mixed breeds — however, the National Animal Interest Alliance found that this was closer to 5.04% due to misbreeding in a thorough study in 2015. So, no matter the amount, there are many dogs to adopt.
Paige wanted to highlight their unique charm, challenge the stigma that purebreds are “better,” and encourage adoptions. The idea for the day came from her love for mutts and her belief that these dogs, with their diverse genetics, often have fewer health issues and vibrant personalities.
She picked two dates—July 31 and December 2—to give shelters a boost during busy summer and winter adoption seasons. The dual dates also help keep the message alive year-round.
Since its start, National Mutt Day has grown through grassroots efforts, social media, and support from animal welfare groups. Shelters often use the day to host adoption events, share stories of rescued mutts, and promote the benefits of mixed-breed dogs, like their resilience and individuality.
Over the years, it’s gained traction globally, with pet lovers celebrating by adopting, fostering, or donating to shelters. It’s stayed true to its core: giving mutts the love and homes they deserve.
How to celebrate
As for celebrating, it’s pretty open-ended and depends on what feels right for you! If you’ve got a mutt, pamper them a bit—maybe an extra walk, a new toy, or some tasty treats. If you’re thinking about adopting, visit a local shelter or rescue to meet some mutts and maybe bring one home.
You could also donate to or volunteer at an animal shelter to support their work. Even just spreading the word on social media about the day or sharing pics of your favorite mutt can help get more people appreciating these special dogs.
The goal’s simple: show some love to mixed-breed pups and help them find homes.
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