Celebrate National Mutt Day with Royal Canin

Happy National Mutt Day, dog-loving friends! 

Oh, so you don’t know about National Mutt Day? Well, let me enlighten you! This special day was created in 2005 to raise awareness of mixed breed dogs in shelters throughout our country.

It’s a day for celebrating the amazing mixed breed dogs we share our homes and lives with, as well as helping to embrace and save those that are still in shelters, waiting for their happy ending.

Today would be the perfect day to visit your local shelter and perhaps bring home a new best friend.

Over the years, I’ve heard many excuses for not adopting a shelter dog. “I don’t know what kind of life he had before coming to the shelter” is a popular one. 

I’ve also heard, “Shelter dogs are bad dogs. I mean, why else do they end up dumped at a shelter?”

Both of those are poor, pitiful excuses, not to mention that they’re blatantly inaccurate. But perhaps the most misguided thing I’ve heard about adopting a shelter dog is this:

“How will I know what I’m getting? I want to know my dog’s breed, and you can’t know that with a shelter dog.”

Let me introduce you to Genetic Health Analysis from Royal Canin. 

If you’ve ever wondered about your dog’s true lineage, here’s your chance to get the details! GHA scans your dog’s DNA, both for ancestry information and specific genetic markers. This simple test can:

• Determine the breeds that make up your dog, comparing your dog’s DNA to the unique genetic signatures of more than 250 breeds.
• Help create a proactive plan for your dog’s healthcare with more than 130 genetic mutation tests.
• Predict your dog’s likely adult weight and size, providing a benchmark you can use to ensure your dog stays at a healthy weight.
• Offer precise nutritional guidelines and feeding recommendations based on your dog’s breed make-up.

How Does It Work?

I’ve got your attention now, don’t I? You’re wondering how you can get the goods on your dog, and I’m going to show you how easy it is.

If you’re familiar with those over-the-counter swab DNA tests you can do at home, you’ll see that the Genetic Health Analysis is much more more in-depth. What makes it different?

• It’s sold exclusively through veterinary clinics.
• Just like the swab test, Genetic Health Analysis provides details about your dog’s breed mix and optimal weight predictions. But GHA also gives additional information about health conditions that your dog may be pre-disposed to, as well as nutritional guidelines based on the dog’s breed mix.

Why Is It Important To Know Your Dog’s Breed?

We’ve always believed that our Nike Jayne is a Pit Bull-Boxer mix, but the truth is, we love her regardless of her genetic make-up. Knowing her true breed(s) won’t change how we feel about our big, beautiful girl. I’m guessing you feel the same way about your mixed breed mutt.

But getting to the bottom of your dog’s DNA is super important. Genetic testing gives pet parents the “big picture” of their dog’s health and dietary and exercise needs, and can provide a heads-up about possible future medical conditions. Knowing and being prepared just might mean more years with our 4-legged best friends, and isn’t that something we all want?

Check out this short video for even more great information about Genetic Health Analysis from Royal Canin.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Genetic Health Analysis can benefit your mutt, visit the Royal Canin website. While you’re there, you can also look for veterinarians who offer GHA in your area. Is your dog’s doctor on the list?

Are you interested in trying Genetic Health Analysis for your dog? Leave a comment and tell me your pet’s name and what you think his or her breed(s) is! I’d love to know!

Disclosure: The Lazy Pit Bull is partnering with Royal Canin to tell you about Genetic Health Analysis (GHA). We are being compensated for sharing this story, but TLPB only shares products and services that we love and believe in. Royal Canin is not responsible for the content of this post.