5 Reasons You Should Rescue a Mixed Breed Dog

Once you rescue a mixed breed dog, you’ll never go back

Kennedy, a 25 lb black lab/jack russell terrier/pointer mix

To know dogs is to love them, but how do you decide which breed to adopt? We are firm believers in the Adopt Don’t Shop movement, and there are no better dogs to adopt than mutts. Adopting a dog not only allows you to save that dog, but it also opens up room in the shelter for other dogs to be rescued. In this article, we’re going to break down the reasons to rescue a mixed breed pup.

Mixed breed dogs are healthier than pure breeds

20% of all purebred dogs suffer from a serious genetic issue, whereas mixed breeds benefit from something called Hybrid Vigor. When two or more gene pools are mixed, the recessive genes that carry health issues are buried, making the mixed dogs healthier. If you want a dog who will need fewer trips to the vet, mixed-breed dogs are right for you.

Their personalities are more adaptable

Mixed breed dogs tend to have subtler breed-specific traits, therefore making them more moldable to your lifestyle. Since they are not bred for certain traits, they will be much more adaptable and receptive to training.

Riley, a 70 lb Catahoula Leopard Dog/Hound/Pointer Mix

Your dog will be completely unique

When you adopt a mixed breed dog it’s very possible that your dog will be one of a kind. Even in the same litter, mutts can look wildly different from each other. While experts generally advise against adopting a dog based on looks, it’s hard to deny the unique appeal of a mystery mixed breed dog. Plus, guessing the breeds that make up their genes is half the fun!

It is cheaper to adopt from a shelter 

While the average cost of dog ownership costs between $500-$1,000 per year, the cost of adoption is one area where you can easily save money. Purebred from breeders or pet stores tend to cost $2,000 or more, while adoption fees from a shelter tend to be between $75-$250. Most shelters are not for profit, so these adoption fees don’t help them make money off the dogs, but instead helps them save more lives.

You’ll be saving a life (or two or three)

Between 75-95% of all dogs in shelters are reported to be mixed breed, which means that there are plenty to choose from. When you adopt a dog from a shelter, you’re not only saving the life of your new puppy pal. You’re also making room in the shelter for another dog in need of rescuing and your money goes towards the ongoing operations of the shelter. 

While we understand that some people have preferences for certain breeds, we hope that this has convinced you to give mutts a shot. They may not be show dogs, but they make the best of friends.

Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below! If you are the lucky owner of a mixed breed dog, please post a picture of them… for science 😇