Mayday for Mutts is a holiday celebrated on the first Sunday of May to promote acceptance and affection for mixed-breed dogs. This year, the date is May 7. The day promotes adoption procedures from animal shelters in an effort to find homes for more of these endearing animals.
The Background of Mayday for Mutts
Originally, the term’mutt’ referred to canines that were a cross between two breeds. Today, mutts are more commonly known as’mixed-breed’ canines with no specific breed lineage or history.
The “designer dog” trend began in the late 20th century when breeders began to cross purebred Poodles with other purebred breeds to produce a dog with the Poodle’s coat and several other desirable traits from other breeds.
In 1974, a mixed-breed dog named Benji popularised mutts. Benji appeared on the big screen and was admired by thousands of individuals. He was recognised as America’s most beloved mongrel.
The Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America (M.B.D.C.A.) was established in 1978 and began holding dog exhibits in the same year in order to include mixed-breed dogs that were excluded by purebred registries.
The American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry (AMBOR) was established in New Prague, Minnesota, in 1983 to provide a competitive venue for canines not recognised by purebred registries such as the American Kennel Club. In the same way that most purebred dogs could compete in their purebred clubs, it stipulated rules under which dogs could compete to achieve obedience titles.
By the year 1990, AMBOR had reached an agreement with the Illini Obedience Association, which hosted the prestigious Gaines obedience trials, to enable AMBOR-registered dogs to compete in these elite competitions.
American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry (AMBOR) joined the North American Dog Agility Association (N.A.D.A.C.) in 2006, and its agility and obedience programme remained intact.
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MIXED BREEDS
A purebred dog is more likely to develop hereditary diseases such as hip dysplasia or epilepsy than a mixed-breed dog.
The median lifespan of mixed-breed canines is approximately 12 years, which is longer than the lifespan of most purebreds.
The genetic diversity of mixed varieties allows them to adapt and respond more effectively to various situations, such as climatic or parasitic changes.
About 75 percent of shelter canines are mixed-breeds. They are always available at your local dog shelter, unlike purebreds.
Generally, the cost of acquiring a mixed-breed dog is less than that of acquiring a purebred dog because animal shelters cover the cost of vaccinations and other expenses.
MAYDAY FOR MUTTS DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 1 | Sunday |
| 2023 | May 7 | Sunday |
| 2024 | May 5 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 4 | Sunday |
| 2026 | May 3 | Sunday |
