National Mutt Census: What breeds make up a mutt?
Do you know what mix your mutt is?
More than half of the dogs in the U.S. are mutts, and yet, many of us can only guess at what breeds are in their make up. A story ( First mutt census reveals strong dog DNA trends, ) first published last year on the Today Show may provide us some clues as to what breeds are more common in today’s mixed-breed dogs.
According to the story, Mars Veterinary, a division of Mars, Incorporated, conducted the first ever National Mutt Census to find out what breeds make up today’s mutts. Using an online survey, they collected information from pet owners from across the United States regarding their dog’s size, weight, place of origin, feeding and exercise habits, and health. In addition, they collected DNA samples from over 36,000 dogs to see what breeds would be most prevalent.
The results shared in the story were fascinating.
The dog most commonly found at the grandparent or great-grandparent level is the Chow Chow
American Staffordshire terrier mixes are becoming much more common
Large breeds (over 80 lbs.) were less likely to appear in mixed-breed dogs ( only 11%)
German Shepherds are a popular breed found in many mutts and are also a popular AKC breed
The 10 most popular breeds found in mixed dogs are:
1) German Shepherds
2) Labrador Retriever
3) Chow Chow
4) Boxer
5) Rottweiler
6) Poodle
7) American Staffordshire Terrier
8) Golden Retriever
9) Cocker Spaniel
10) Siberian Husky
The Today Show also reported that Mars had discovered:
Most mixed-breed dogs are adopted from a shelter (46%)
Most people feed their dogs kibble (65%)
48% of us let our dogs sleep on our beds with us
89% of mutts are spayed or neutered
I encourage you to read the full story, and even though the National Mutt census is over (it was conducted in 2010), you can find out more about the survey and the at http://www.muttcensus.com/, including what breeds are most common in the mixed-breed dogs in your state.
In Minnesota, the following breeds were more frequently detected in our mutts:
What breeds are most common in yours?
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Judging by the dogs at my local shelter, I’d say most of the breeds are mixes of Am Staff or Beagle. Both breeds are incredibly common in my province, the latter often used in hunting and then often surrendered to shelters. Shepherd mixes also seem to be common but I imagine they are everywhere.
Interesting study, for sure. I am going to have to check it out when I have more time.
How interesting that Beagle would be one of the more common mixes. So hunters use Beagles and then dump them in shelters? Why?
I wish they had added Canada to their study so people could see what the common breeds are in their own provinces.
In my rural area, I also see many beagle and hound mixes in the shelter. My theory is that people get them for hunting, and if the dog doesn’t make a good hunting dog, it ends up in the shelter. A good hunting dog is quite prized around here.
I see a ton of pittie mixes and beagle mixes in our shelters, too, though my guess is that there is a lot less hunting & dumping going on here in in Long Island. I am super intrigued now… I also notice a whole lot of mini-pins and Chihuahuas at the shelters, both mixes and pures, which I cannot figure out at all!
German Shepherd and Labrador are listed as most common in my state of IL…which our Chester appears to definitely have in him. Interesting stats they collected, for sure.
Gotta love mutts!
Thanks for your comment Kim. I also found the stats interesting. For me, the Chow-Chow parentage at the great-grand parent level was fascinating. I have seen so many dogs who clearly have a Chow background in them, including my brother’s last dog.
20 years ago when I adopted my first dogs, German Shepherd mixes were most common. I think Pitbull mixes have definitely surpassed them now.
One really neat thing about mixes is how they moderate in size. When dogs are left free to breed on their own, like street dogs, the population ends up around 40 pounds. Apparently, that’s about the size dogs, untempered by human interference, want to be.
That is absolutely fascinating Pamela. I had no idea that they tend to moderate in size. I find that so interesting!
I think Pibble mixes have become much more common here too.
That IS absolutely fascinating! Where did you learn that?
Over 1/5 of all mixed breeds in WA are Lab mixes. This does not surprise me at all. I was surprised that GSD mixes beat out Labs nation wide. I was also surprised that Am Staff weren’t in the WA list of top breed mixes. We did get Rotts, though.
I was surprised a little by the GSDs being nationwide too Erin. In MN, Lab and GSD mixes are pretty common. I think Am Staffs are becoming more common too here. How interesting that Rotties made your list too.
You know, this just made me go look on Petfinder at the dogs in my area, and now I want to adopt 3459834703248 precious things that need homes. Le sigh…
Ah yes. One of the downsides of falling in love with all those adorable faced on PetFinder.