The good folks at Mars Veterinary (who bring you Pedigree dog food and Greenies chews) are running a census specifically for mixed-breed dogs.
Now, we all know that many purebreds are registered through the AKC or other similar registries, so we have a fair idea of how many of each breed exists in the United States. However, no one ever counts the mutt-i-grees. Estimates are that mutts make up more than half of all dogs and probably number around 38 million in America.
The goal of the census is not so much to count mixed breed dogs as it is to identify how certain genetic health problems affect mixed breed dogs. So, the census includes not only information about the breeds that went into making your dog, but also questions about his or her health. Don’t stop after the first page! The second page is where they get into the health problems.
If you’d like to participate, go to the Mutt Census and enter your information. For your time, Mars will enter you into a sweepstakes where you can win dog-related prizes. (This is the same company that makes M&Ms – I’m thinking I’d rather have those, and let my dogs fend for themselves!)
The company also markets a DNA testing kit that can help you identify what makes up your wonderful wonder dog, but you can opt-out of any marketing follow-up from the company, if you’re nervous about them having your contact information.
As they encourage: Please Paw-ticipate!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
Oh really strange idea…. we must count our dog on your census form. Let me know where you got the awesome idea.
I haven’t seen the form yet but it sounds like a great idea. Anything that will benefit the overall health and well being of our pets is welcomed.