CAPS: The many perks of being a mutt

Gemma, a 2-year-old Manchester Terrier, is a spunky active girl. She loves to run and enjoys trotting by a bike. She is looking for that special someone who will take time to give her attention and focused training. Provided to the LVN

Kathleen Williams-Miller

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Dear readers, let us begin August by celebrating National Mutt Day. So what exactly is a mutt? There are three categories of dog breeds: purebreds, crossbreeds, and mutts.

Purebred are dogs with two parents of the same breed registered with a kennel descending from the original breeding pairs. Crossbreeds are a cross of two recognized purebreds; for example, the Labradoodle. Mutts are usually the accidental combination of various breeds, sometimes even more than four.

According to the ASPCA nearly half of all domesticated dogs are mutts and 70-75 percent of the dogs in shelters are mixed-breed dogs. There are benefits to being a mutt! One is health, because the higher gene diversity in mutt dogs means they are less likely to develop hereditary diseases and disorders.

Even though the term mutt is associated with stupidity, research conducted at Aberdeen University has dispelled that idea. Scientists tested 100 dogs, both mutts and purebreds, using seven intelligence and psychology tests that included complex mazes, spatial awareness, and problem solving. A comparison of the results concluded that on all tasks the mutts are smarter than purebred dogs.

Another bonus is no two mutts look the same as each dog has their own unique look. In fact, mixed-breed dogs frequently inherit the best characteristics of the different breeds in their family tree.

The American Kennel Club lists 180 purebreds and the American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes 615 crossbreeds. I suspect that the mutt breed may never be officially recognized, because it would be impossible with current DNA testing to pinpoint the specific mix making up a mutt. Who knows what future scientific discoveries will reveal?

Maybe mutts will eventually get their own special Mutt Many Breed Club, because they are smarter, healthier, and readily available. You can visit our mutts and take one home.

ATTENTION

We will be at American Car Wash on Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to wash and dry your car. Come by and support CAPS.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have two handsome one-year-old male puppies. BG and Diego are anxiously waiting to find their forever homes. We also have six Border Collie mix puppies five-months-old and 10 tabby kittens in shades of gray. Come and check them out; they are cute!

IN NEED OF

• Items for the CAPS garage sale. Call 775-423-7500 to have your items picked up.

• Volunteers to help pick up garage sale items.

• Funds to sustain the shelter. We have veterinary, food, and utility bills. Any contribution will be helpful.

• Dog walkers, we need consistent volunteers to walk and socialize our dogs. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

• The Reno Little Theater for donating the proceeds from Seussical to CAPS. Paws applause to you!

• Diane Peters for presenting CAPS on Channel 2 News. You are just Purrfect!

• Genevieve for teaching the Paint Your Pet class. A big bow-wow to you!

• All the pet painters. Pooch smooches to you!

OVER THE RAINBOW

Riley the sweet, energetic Doodle left us on June 23. He is greatly missed by Ellie and his friends.

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email [email protected].

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-4237500. CAPS’ email address is [email protected]. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email [email protected].

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