The Mutt
I’m sure you noticed Axle in yesterday’s post. Isn’t he a handsome Mutt?
We’re featuring the Mutt as a breed today because someone has to represent them, right? This particular Mutt was rescued after the Moore, Oklahoma tornado. He was a shelter dog prior to the storm and his shelter was destroyed by the storm.
Axle’s new mom and dad, young newlyweds, did what they could to help and adopted their first dog. Congratulations you two! Your first baby! They’ve done an amazing job with him.
Axle is timid, fearful of strangers and other dogs. His mama left him in the backyard while we visited (it was a big party), but periodically brought him in in her arms to socialize.
Of course I had to give him some Jones Natural Chews. He was afraid of me up to that point. After that he followed me around everywhere I went.
Axle has a big half sister, Belle the Beagle, who’s been featured here in the past. Belle is not a dog to pass up a Jones Chew, so it was a dog party on the back porch.
What do we know about Axle? He’s a brindle, which is a marking/coloring that’s not too often seen in the dog world. Brindle is rather like tiger striping, but I don’t think it’s usually so pronounced and patterned as a real tiger. Axle seems to be part Dachshund, part Terrier. Seriously, look at those ears.
He’s part whatever, but all cute is what he is.
Pros and Cons
Why would you want a Mutt versus a breed? Let’s break down the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Mutts have a reputation for better long-term health – this is primarily anecdotal, but I think there’s an element of truth, though you’ll find health problems in Mutts, too (look in the comments for refutation)
- Mutts as rescue dogs are usually only too happy to find a home, grateful and will show it with love and devotion
- I hate to bring this one up, but it’s true – Mutts aren’t usually going to cost an arm and a leg to procure
- Mutts come in all shapes and sizes, a variety of coats, so choosing a Mutt is fun!
- YOU will feel better about yourself and life if you rescue a Mutt
- Rescuing a senior Mutt will REALLY make you feel better about life
- Rescuing a Mutt from a shelter usually means they’re already neutered, up to date on shots, often already housebroken
Cons:
- Rescue Mutts don’t come with a written history, quite often, so they may have behaviors and health issues that show up later
- Breed dogs have fairly defined temperaments and health issues – getting a Mutt is often going in blind – but having a baby is much the same
I can’t think of any other reasons not to get a Mutt. And I’m serious when I say that I’d like you to weigh in on this. I’m all about getting the right dog for you and your family, no regrets, and I don’t want someone going into a major dog decision without being well-informed, so if you’re weighing the breed versus Mutt thing, read the comments. I just know someone more intelligent and informed than I will bring up something that will be helpful to you.
Giveaway
If you haven’t yet entered the contest, by all means, go now and leave a comment, then register that with Rafflecopter! Remember – tweeting daily greatly increases your chances of winning! It ends in two weeks, and your dog for sure will smile if you enter. The Wheezer Stick is an amazing single ingredient treat!
Spreading the good chews …
Flea
