It's National Strongbred Day! Let's celebrate dog diversity. 🥰

As I write this, it is July 31, also known as National Mutt Day.

This day of celebration for honoring mixed breed pets was begun in 2005 by Celebrity Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Colleen Paige. She wanted a way to bring attention to our beloved dogs that aren’t pure, especially those languishing in kennels and shelters around the world.

One of the most recognized aspects of mutts is their unpredictability. With a blend of genetic traits from multiple breeds, each mutt becomes a delightful surprise package. From their appearance to their temperament, you never know what combinations will come your way.

This element of surprise can make welcoming a mutt into your family somewhat complicated.

Of course we love this highly diverse group of dogs. Their versatility allows them to excel in various roles, from loyal companions and therapy dogs to service animals and agility stars. Smart, loving, devoted dogs can come in any shape, size, and breed combination.

But, it is interesting to me how shallow some people can be.

On the one hand, animal advocates celebrate National Mutt Day.

On the other hand, these same people ridicule purposeful crossbreeding.

I have personally been in many heated conversations where the term “mutt” was used to dishonor the Dire Wolf Project by such individuals.

We are often directly targeted because Dire Wolf Project breeders strategically and systematically crossbreed at important times for the purpose of improved genetic diversity and critical breed development.

In today’s email, arriving in your inbox the day after National Mutt Day, August 1, I propose we celebrate National Strongbred Day!

The great thing about a strongbred dog is how genetically diverse they are, promoting superior health and longevity…

…but also how predictable they are in health and inherited temperament.

One of our American Dirus Owners, Beth, has had the privilege of owning FOUR different dogs within the Dire Wolf Project.

Her first dog, Vixen, came from my kennels in 2014. Now, almost 10 years and four or so crossbreed dogs later, she brought home another one of my dogs from the Mr. Rogers Litter, Atlas.

In her own words, she describes how alike they are:

“Update on Atlas, he’s definitely another heart dog!! He’s such a loving, sweet, win your heart over, laid back silly ham bone, I adore him!

“Totally a mamas boy, & he’s come so far out of his shell, I’m so proud of him, he knows he won’t win, so he takes it all in in stride, he’s so easy even when he’s difficult.

“He is so similar to Vixen it’s crazy… Hates pergo floors ever since he came in when he was wet and slipped, now he’s very leary of them so he stays close to the rugs, but he’s getting better, he only walked on them since I got him, lol, yup he’s Vix, she still walks up the beach stairs backwards after tripping over the cat 5/6 years ago.”

“They are so much alike. It’s not even funny, she is something special she always has been, and he is too, Sakari is also for that matter, but both Vixen and Atlas are all about mama, and with just a look is enough of a correction, the fact that they don’t want to disappoint but the adoration without all the energy of a gsd is something unto itself, all 4 have been so easy, a breath of fresh air, but these too have been the easiest!”

There you have it.

We have been able to keep Lois’s incredible sweet-natured, gentle, sensitive large breed family companion dog temperament after all these years.

The hallmark of an excellent breeding program is one that can bring in unrelated dogs to enhance the genetics within the breed at strategic times, while also not loosing the most valuable aspect that makes the breed unique.

If only the purists and activists would take the time to understand, perhaps purebred dogs would be healthier and crossbred mutts would be more consistent.

If you are looking at the American Dirus dog for your new pet, take a moment to really look at Meriwether and Lady Elaine. They both possess that amazing calm, gentle, loving, devoted, intelligent temperament.

Meriwether is already spayed, potty trained, house trained, leash trained, rides well in the car, and has basic obedience. You can’t get better than this girl right here, unless you have to have more of a dire wolf look. She doesn’t look like a wolf, but she gave us some of the wolfiest looking puppies in our kennel - bringing us the wolf mask! She deserves a family who loves her so that she can retire in style.

Lady Elaine is still a puppy and ready to learn. She is gentle and soft with a will to please. She doesn’t understand humans yet, though, and will need to learn our different human ways. She is a tall, wolfie looking female with a beautiful long tri-gold sable coat coloring. She inherited her mother, Meriwether’s, wonderful temperament. She just needs refinement.

Reply to this email about these two great dogs if temperament is your number one concern!

Here is the link to learn more about them and see pictures:

https://direwolfdogs.com/dogs-for-sale/

Yesterday’s video features Lady Elaine, as well:

https://youtu.be/CkvcvjHdTl0

In the grand tapestry of the canine world, mutts weave a vibrant and captivating thread. They remind us that diversity can be a beautiful thing and that love knows no boundaries.

At the same time, with careful breeding practices, purebred dogs provide a level of assurance in knowing what to expect from their behavior, health conditions, and appearance. They remind us that consistency and order have a place in this mixed up, crazy world.

Today, and every day, let's raise a toast to our marvelous STRONGBRED companions that embody the greatest aspects of both types of dog.

Not purebred. Not crossbred. STRONGBRED.™

Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.