Dec. 2 was National Mutt Day or National Mixed Breed Dog Day (also celebrated on July 31). It was established by pet & family lifestyle expert and animal rescue advocate, Colleen Paige.

The purpose of this celebratory day is to appreciate and spread awareness of the qualities and uniqueness of mixed-breed dogs as well as advocating for their adoption.

A "mutt" is a term often used to describe a dog of mixed breeds, meaning its ancestry includes a mix of two or more distinct dog breeds.

Mutts are incredibly diverse and can vary widely in appearance, size, temperament and characteristics depending on the breeds in their genetic makeup.

There is a stigma around adopting mutts and that purebred dogs are better. Mutts are often viewed as less desirable or prestigious, leading to 80% of dogs in shelters being mutts.

However, there are many benefits to adopting a mutt or mixed-breed dog with their unique personalities, as well as their many similarities to purebred dogs.

Mutts can include genetic groupings from many different breeds like Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Poodles, Pit Bull Terriers, Beagles, Border Collies, Boxers, Siberian Huskies and more.

All of these breeds can create hundreds of different mixed-breed dogs with their own unique treats and qualities, unlike purebreds that typically share traits across their breed.

Popular mixed-breeds include Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Cockapoos, Yorkie-Poos, Beagadors, Chiweenies and more. Mutts are often genetically made up of more than two, less-common breeds.

Mutts’ diverse genetics can lead to health advantages due to reduced risk of shared genetic disorders that are passed down through purebreds.

Mutt’s genetics also can give them unique appearances, making them one-of-a-kind. They can have more balanced temperaments that combine the best traits of the different breeds they are comprised of.

Additionally, because of the stigma around mutts and their high volume in dog shelters, they are usually less expensive to adopt compared to purchasing purebred dogs.

If you want to know the specific breeds in a mutt’s lineage, DNA testing for dogs (such as with Wisdom Panel or Embark) can provide fascinating insights.

National Mutt Day celebrates that mutts are just as lovable, capable and adorable as purebred dogs. You can save a mutt's life by adopting one or donating to shelters.