Terminology and Classification of Mongrels
– Mongrel, mutt, or mixed-breed dogs do not belong to one officially recognized breed
– The term ‘mixed-breed dog’ is sometimes preferred
– Many mongrels have no known purebred ancestors
– Crossbreed and designer dogs are intentionally bred, unlike mongrels
– The term ‘mongrel’ has been applied to purpose-bred dogs such as curs
– In the United States, ‘mixed-breed’ is favored over ‘mongrel’
– Purebred dogs are artificially created from random-bred populations
– Dogs that are not purebred are not necessarily a mix of defined breeds
– Mongrel refers to dogs that develop by natural selection
Determining Ancestry and Genetic Analysis
– Guessing a mixed-breed’s ancestry can be difficult due to genetic variation
– Genetic analysis can determine breed composition, but tests are limited
– The tests do not test for breed purity, but for common genetic sequences
– Labrador Retrievers, Flat-coated Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and Newfoundland dogs share a common ancestry
– The American Kennel Club does not recognize DNA tests to determine breed
Health Benefits of Mixed-Breed Dogs
– Hybrid vigor suggests that mixed-breed dogs are generally healthier
– Purebred dogs may carry detrimental alleles due to inbreeding
– Breeders of showdogs prioritize conformation over health and working temperament
– Mixed-breed dogs are more genetically diverse and less prone to genetic health problems
– Several studies have shown that mixed-breed dogs require less veterinary treatment and have greater longevity compared to purebreds
Slang Terms and Types of Mongrel Dogs
– Heinz 57, Heinz, or Heinz Hound is used for dogs of uncertain ancestry
– In some countries, ‘bitsa’ or ‘bitzer’ is used to refer to mixed-breed dogs
– In Brazil and the Dominican Republic, mixed-breed dogs are called ‘vira-lata’ or ‘trash-can tipper’
– In Newfoundland, a smaller mixed-breed dog is known as a ‘cracky’
– Slang terms vary in different regions and cultures
– Mixes that show characteristics of two or more breeds
– Generic pariah dogs, or feral dogs with non-selective breeding over generations
– Functional breeds, purpose-bred dogs selected for specific tasks
– Purebred dogs with pariah ancestry, such as the Canaan Dog
– Crossbreeds with invented names constructed from parts of the parents’ breed names, known as designer dogs
Involvement in Dog Sports and Popularity of Mongrels
– Mixed-breed dogs were previously excluded from obedience and dog sport competitions
– American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry (AMBOR) and Mixed Breed Dog Clubs of America (MBDCA) created venues for mixed-breeds to compete
– Mixed-breeds are allowed to compete in most dog agility and flyball organizations
– Mixed-breed dogs cannot compete in conformation shows based on breed standards
– The Kennel Club (U.K.) operates Scruffts, a show open only to mixed-breeds, judged on character, health, and temperament
– Many people choose to adopt mongrels from shelters and rescue organizations
– Mongrels are often more readily available for adoption compared to purebred dogs
– Adopting a mongrel can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a purebred dog
– Mixed-breed dogs can make wonderful family pets and companions
– The unique qualities and individuality of mongrels attract many dog lovers