How to Choose a Mixed Breed Dog: Real Owner Insights

When it comes to dog ownership, there's no shortage of advice about purebred dogs. Golden Retrievers are friendly family dogs. Border Collies need jobs. German Shepherds are loyal protectors. But what about the 40% of dog owners who have mixed breed dogs? The mutts, the rescues, the "we're not quite sure what he is" companions?

We surveyed 3,000+ dog owners to understand real-world dog ownership experiences, and 1,006 of them (the largest group in our study) were proud owners of mixed breed dogs. This is the most comprehensive look at mixed breed dog ownership we've seen, and the results challenge some assumptions while confirming what mutt lovers have known all along.

Jump Ahead: Mixed Dog Breeds

What Makes a Mutt a Mutt?

By definition, a mutt (also called a mixed breed or mongrel — yes that’s the technical term) is a dog of mixed or indeterminate breed ancestry. Unlike designer dogs such as Labradoodles or Goldendoodles which are intentional crosses between two specific purebred parents, true mutts are usually the result of accidental pairings over multiple generations. 

Their genetic composition comes from a wide and varied gene pool, resulting in dogs with distinctive appearances and individual personalities you won't find anywhere else.

Some people still use "mutt" as a derogatory term, a holdover from the 1800s when it was meant to imply inferior mixed heritage. But experienced dog owners know better. Mutts are often the heart and soul of a household, bringing loyalty, warmth, and one-of-a-kind charm that no pedigree can match.

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The Mixed Breed Advantage: What the Data Shows

Here's what surprised us: mixed breed owners aren't just making do with "mystery dogs." They're choosing mutts intentionally, and our data suggests they might be onto something.

They're Just as Trainable (Maybe More Adaptable)

One of the biggest myths about mixed breeds is that they're harder to train because you don't know "what you're getting." Our data tells a different story.

When we asked about relationship challenges, only 21.6% of mixed breed owners cited "dog behavior and training" as their biggest argument with partners, exactly in line with the overall average of 21.7%. Translation: mixed breeds aren't causing more behavioral headaches than purebreds.

When asked "who reinforces your routine," mixed breed owners were most likely to say it's a 50/50 partnership (43.0%). They're adaptable dogs living with adaptable owners, a flexibility that comes from their diverse genetic backgrounds rather than breed-specific behavioral programming.

The Sniffing Question: Mixed Breeds Lead the Way

If you've ever felt guilty about letting your dog stop and sniff every tree, light post, and mysterious sidewalk spot on your walk, the mixed breed community has your back.

A whopping 91.5% of mixed breed owners let their dogs sniff "always" or "most of the time" during walks:

• Always: 58.0%
• Most of the time: 33.5%
• Sometimes: 7.8%
• Rarely or never: 0.7%

This aligns with current research on canine enrichment. Sniffing isn't just your dog being annoying, it's genuine mental stimulation and stress relief. Mixed breed owners seem to instinctively understand what behaviorists have been saying for years: a good walk isn't about distance, it's about letting your dog experience the world through their nose.

Sleep Habits: The Bed is Theirs (and Ours)

Let's talk about the elephant (or should we say dog?) in the bedroom: co-sleeping with dogs.

Nearly half (47.5%) of mixed breed dogs sleep in their owner's bed every single night. Another 22.7% sometimes make it into the bed. Only 18.6% are permanent floor-sleepers.

Where mixed breeds sleep:

• Every night: 47.5%
• Sometimes: 22.7%
• Only when invited: 11.2%
• Never: 18.6%

Is this because mixed breeds are more cuddly? Or because their owners tend to be the "dog is family" type who rescued them in the first place? Probably both. Either way, if you're considering a mixed breed and value your bed space, be prepared to negotiate.

The Health Advantage: Hybrid Vigor Is Real

One of the most compelling reasons to choose a mixed breed is because they're often healthier than their purebred counterparts, thanks to a concept called hybrid vigor (or heterosis).

Here's how it works: Purebred dogs have a limited gene pool. Breeding within a closed genetic circle can amplify both desirable traits (like the Golden Retriever's friendly temperament) and undesirable ones (like the Pug's breathing problems or the English Cocker Spaniel's eye issues). Mixed breeds, with their broader genetic diversity, are less likely to inherit breed-specific genetic disorders.

Our survey respondents seem to experience this benefit firsthand. While we didn't ask specifically about vet visits, mixed breed owners weren't reporting higher rates of health-related stress compared to purebred owners, and research suggests mutts may even live longer lives because of their genetic diversity.

Common purebred health issues that mutts often avoid:

• Brachycephalic airway syndrome (flat-faced breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs)
• Hip dysplasia (German Shepherds, Labs)
• Eye problems (Cocker Spaniels)
• Skin allergies (Bulldogs, many terriers)

Of course, mutts aren't immune to health problems. Every dog can face health challenges, but their diverse genetics give them a fighting chance at a longer, healthier life.

The Less Glamorous Stuff: Poop, Humping, and Face Licking

The Poop Question Everyone Wonders About

Let's address it: yes, some dogs eat poop. But how common is it really among mixed breeds?

Good news: 57.3% of mixed breed dogs completely avoid poop. But that means 42.7% have engaged in coprophagia at some point:

• Wildlife poop specifically: 15.9% (deer, rabbit, etc.)
• Other dogs' poop: 5.9%
• Their own poop: 4.3%
• Mixed sources: 5.9%
• They roll in it instead: 6.4%
• "I'd rather not know": 6.4%

Interestingly, wildlife poop is the most common target, which makes sense from an evolutionary perspective. It's not that your dog is gross; they're just very interested in what the local deer had for dinner. Luckily, this behavior is no more common in mutts than in purebreds, despite the myth that "you don't know what you're getting."

Humping: Most Don't, But Some Really Do

The humping question tends to embarrass people at the dog park, but here's what mixed breed owners report:

• No, never: 72.1%
• Only when excited: 16.1%
• Occasionally: 9.5%
• Yes, often: 1.6%

So if your mixed breed humps, you're not alone, but most mutts keep it professional at the park. And unlike some purebred dogs with breed-specific behavioral quirks (like intact male Huskies or terriers), mutt humping is less predictable and often tied to individual personality rather than genetics.

Face Licking: The Great Divide

This one splits mixed breed owners right down the middle:

• Yes, without hesitation: 41.0% (the "dog kisses are love" camp)
• Yes, but only occasionally: 36.2% (the "sometimes" compromisers)
• No, I prefer not to: 22.3% (the "I know where that mouth has been" crowd)

There's no wrong answer here, just personal preference and varying levels of concern about canine oral bacteria. The takeaway? Mixed breeds are just as affectionate as their purebred cousins, but whether you let them show it via tongue is entirely up to you.

Anxiety and Stress Signals in Mixed Breeds

Understanding when your dog is stressed matters, especially for mutts whose behavioral cues might not match breed-specific expectations. Without predictable breed standards to guide you, recognizing stress signals becomes even more important.

Most common nervous tics in mixed breeds:

1. Whining or vocalizing – 30.8%
2. Excessive licking – 21.5%
3. Pawing at you – 18.0%
4. Pacing in circles – 5.4%
5. Tail tucking – 5.4%
6. Hiding under furniture – 5.1%

If your mixed breed whines when anxious, that's the most common stress signal across all dogs, not just mutts. But it's worth noting that nearly 1 in 5 use physical touch (pawing) to communicate discomfort, something that might be misinterpreted as attention-seeking rather than anxiety.

The benefit of a mutt? You're not constrained by breed-specific behavioral expectations. A purebred Border Collie owner might miss anxiety signals because they assume all intense staring is herding instinct. With a mutt, you learn to read your dog's signals rather than relying on breed generalizations.

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What Mixed Breed Owners Argue About

When we asked what causes the most arguments between partners who share a dog, mixed breed owners reported:

1. "We never argue about the dog" – 29.8% (relationship goals, right?)
2. "This doesn't apply to me" – 31.3%
3. Dog behavior and training – 21.6%
4. Scheduling and managing routine – 6.1%
5. Dog chores – 2.6%

The fact that nearly a third say they never argue about their dog is either a testament to mixed breeds being easy-going, or these owners being particularly aligned on pet parenting. Probably both.

What's notable here: Mixed breed owners aren't arguing about unpredictability or "not knowing what we got." The arguments are the same universal dog-ownership challenges everyone faces: training consistency, who's walking the dog today, whose turn it is to clean up the yard.

The "We're Not Sure What He Is" Factor

One thing our survey couldn't fully capture: the guessing game that is mixed breed identification.

"Is she part Lab? Maybe some Shepherd? Definitely some Terrier energy..."

This uncertainty is both a feature and a bug of mutt ownership. You don't get breed-specific predictability, but you also don't get breed-specific health problems or behavioral baggage. You get a dog-shaped surprise package, and for 1,000+ of our survey respondents, that's exactly what they wanted.

Embark DNA testing example results

The Rise of Dog DNA Testing

Curious about your mutt's ancestry? Dog DNA tests have become increasingly popular and accessible. Companies like Embark and Wisdom Panel can analyze your dog's genetic makeup and identify the breeds in their family tree. While shelters do their best to estimate breed mixes, DNA testing provides definitive answers about your dog's heritage and can even flag potential health issues based on genetic markers.

That said, many mixed breed owners never bother with DNA testing. They love their dog for who they are, not what percentages of which breeds they might be. As one owner in our survey said, “Breed isn't the only thing that matters. For me, personality, expectations, and training are what create long-term compatibility.”

What Are the Most Common Breeds in Mixed Breed Dogs?

Ever wonder what breeds show up most often when you DNA test a mixed breed dog? According to Embark's analysis of over 100,000 mixed-breed dogs across the country, certain breeds dominate the mutt gene pool.

Top 10 Most Common Breeds Found in Mixed Breed Dogs (USA):

1. American Pit Bull Terrier - The most common breed nationwide
2. German Shepherd Dog - Second most common across most states
3. Chow Chow - Surprisingly prevalent in mixed breeds
4. Labrador Retriever - America's favorite purebred shows up in many mutts too
5. Australian Cattle Dog - Herding genetics running through mixed breeds
6. Boxer - Common contributor to medium-large mutts
7. American Staffordshire Terrier - Close cousin to the Pit Bull, frequently present
8. Chihuahua - Dominates small mixed breeds, especially in certain regions
9. Rottweiler - Guardian breed genetics in many larger mutts
10. Siberian Husky - Those striking eyes and coloring pop up often

This makes sense when you consider regional breed popularity, spay/neuter rates, and historical breeding patterns in different parts of the country.

Why Are So Many Mixed Breeds Part Pit Bull?

If you've spent any time scrolling through shelter websites, you've probably noticed: a LOT of mixed breed dogs have Pit Bull or American Staffordshire Terrier genetics. This isn't your imagination—Embark's DNA data confirms that Pit Bull-type breeds are the most common component in American mixed breed dogs.

Why Pit Bull Genetics Are So Prevalent

According to Embark's research (and any shelter across the country), American Pit Bull Terriers became widely distributed across the country due to several factors:

1. Lax Spay/Neuter Laws in Many Areas Most dogs are imported across state lines to shelters with open spaces. Areas with lax spay/neuter laws and higher rates of backyard breeding have contributed to a surging number of Pit Bull-type dogs over the decades. These dogs then enter the shelter system and get transported to areas with higher adoption rates.

2. Historical Popularity Pit Bulls were once extremely popular family dogs in America (think the "Little Rascals" dog). Their widespread popularity decades ago means their genetics entered the general dog population and stuck around.

3. Breed-Specific Legislation Backfiring Ironically, breed-specific legislation (BSL) that banned or restricted Pit Bulls in some areas may have contributed to the problem. When people couldn't openly own registered Pit Bulls, some continued breeding them as "mixed breeds" to skirt the laws, flooding the gene pool further.

4. High Reproductive Rates Pit Bull-type dogs are medium-sized, hardy, and reach sexual maturity relatively young. Without consistent spaying and neutering, their populations grow quickly compared to larger breeds (who have smaller litters) or tiny breeds (who are more often kept as indoor-only pets).

What This Means for Adopters

If you adopt a mixed breed from a shelter, there's a decent chance Pit Bull genetics are in the mix, even if your dog doesn't look obviously "Pit Bull." That's not a bad thing. According to Sniffspot pittie owners, genetics often contribute:

• Loyalty and human affection (Pit Bulls are famously people-oriented)
• Athletic build and energy (great for active owners)
• Intelligence and trainability (when properly motivated)

However, it also means you should be aware of:

• Strong prey drive in some individuals
• Dog selectivity (some Pit mixes do better as only dogs)
• Breed perception challenges (unfortunately, stigma still exists)

Understanding your dog's likely genetic background through DNA testing or educated guessing based on physical traits can help you provide better training, socialization, and care tailored to their needs.

Bottom line: The prevalence of Pit Bull genetics in American mixed breeds isn't about the dogs themselves: it's about human behavior, breeding patterns, and policy failures. These dogs are just as deserving of homes as any other mutt, and according to our survey data, mixed breed owners with Pit Bull-type dogs report the same training challenges and joys as everyone else.

The Cost Advantage: Mutts Are More Affordable

Next, let's talk money. Adopting a mixed breed isn't just good for your heart. It's easier on your wallet.

Initial adoption costs:

• Purebred from breeder: $500 - $3,000+ (sometimes $5,000+ for rare breeds)
• Mixed breed from shelter: $50 - $250 (usually includes spay/neuter, first vaccines, and microchip)

Long-term costs: Mixed breeds' hybrid vigor means they tend to have fewer genetic health issues, potentially resulting in lower veterinary bills over their lifetime. 

While any dog can develop health problems, you're less likely to face the breed-specific surgeries that plague purebreds (think Bulldog cherry eye surgery, Dachshund spinal issues, or Great Dane bloat emergency surgeries).

Plus, you're saving a life. Shelters are overwhelmingly filled with mixed breeds. Some studies report mutts make up over 95% of shelter populations. When you adopt a mutt, you're giving a home to a dog who really needs one, while freeing up space and resources that can help another homeless pet.

Making a Difference: Why Adopting a Mutt Matters

To adopt a mixed breed is to take a stand against the "pets for profit" mindset. You're celebrating diversity and rooting for the underdog (literally). You're supporting shelters and rescues instead of puppy mills and unethical backyard breeders. You're possibly even saving a dog from euthanasia.

Here's what our data shows: You're not sacrificing anything in terms of trainability, adaptability, or companionship. You're just getting a dog who happens to have a more interesting family tree.

What This Means for Prospective Mixed Breed Owners

If you're considering adopting a mixed breed, here's what our data from over a thousand Sniffspot owners suggests you can expect:

The Good:

• Behavioral challenges are no worse than purebreds – 21.6% cite training arguments vs. 21.7% overall
• Highly adaptable to your lifestyle and routine (43% say routine is 50/50 with their dog)
• Healthier on average due to hybrid vigor and genetic diversity
• More affordable both upfront ($50-250 vs. $500-3000+) and long-term
• Uniquely yours – no other dog will look or act exactly like your mutt
• You're saving a life – and supporting ethical animal welfare

The Reality Check:

• Unpredictable traits – You might not know their adult size, energy level, or coat type as a puppy
• About 1 in 5 will have anxiety or stress responses you'll need to manage (same as purebreds)
• Training issues still exist – they're dogs, not magical perfect pets
• You might be guessing their breed mix forever (unless you spring for DNA testing)
• They will probably want to sleep in your bed (47.5% do every night)

The Bottom Line: Mixed breed dogs aren't "lesser than" purebreds. They're just different. You trade predictability for adaptability, breed standards for individuality, kennel club papers for a good rescue story, and a breeder's price tag for shelter adoption fees.

And according to 1,000+ owners in the largest mixed breed study, that trade-off is absolutely worth it.

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Mutt vs. Purebred vs. Designer Dog: What's the Difference?

Still confused about terminology? You’re not alone. Here's a quick breakdown:

Mutt (True Mixed Breed):

• 2+ different breeds in their ancestry, often over multiple generations
• Usually accidental pairings, not intentionally bred
• Unknown or unpredictable lineage
• Examples: The vast majority of shelter dogs

Purebred:

• Both parents are the same breed, registered with official papers
• Predictable appearance, size, temperament, and health issues
• Bred to maintain specific breed standards
• Examples: Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Poodle

Designer Dog (Crossbreed/Hybrid):

• Intentional cross between two specific purebred parents
• Often given cutesy combined names
• First-generation crosses (F1) are technically mutts but marketed differently
• Examples: Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Cockapoo, Pomsky

The irony? Many "designer dogs" end up in shelters too when owners realize that combining two breeds doesn't guarantee you'll get the best traits of both. Sometimes you get a Labradoodle with the Lab's energy and the Poodle's stubbornness. It's still a genetic lottery (just a more expensive one).

Frequently Asked Questions About Mixed Breed Dogs

Owning a Mixed Breed Dog: The Reality

The data challenges common misconceptions about mixed breeds. Training difficulties are no more prevalent among mutts than purebreds. Behavioral unpredictability does not translate to behavioral problems. And the genetic diversity that makes each mixed breed unique also provides tangible health advantages through hybrid vigor, potentially reducing long-term veterinary costs while extending lifespan.

For prospective dog owners weighing their options, the evidence suggests that choosing a mixed breed is not a compromise. It is a deliberate choice that offers financial savings, supports animal welfare, and provides a companion whose individuality comes not from conforming to breed standards but from a genuinely one-of-a-kind genetic makeup.

As shelters continue to house predominantly mixed breed dogs, understanding what actual owners experience with these animals becomes critical. This research confirms what mutt owners have long known: these dogs are not "less than" their papered counterparts. They are simply different, and for the overwhelming majority of the 1,006 owners surveyed, that difference is exactly what makes them irreplaceable.

Methodology Note

This data comes from our 2025 Dog Parent Survey with close to 3,000 total respondents, 1,006 of whom identified as mixed breed owners. This represents almost 35% of our total sample, making it the largest single category and the most comprehensive mixed breed ownership study we're aware of in 2026.

Respondents were Sniffspot users (people who rent private dog parks and yards), which may skew toward owners of dogs who need controlled exercise environments. This could mean our mixed breed sample includes more reactive, anxious, or high-energy dogs than the general population. Keep that context in mind when interpreting the data.

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