who else does not like the word "mutt"?

Question

i understand that a mixed breed is a mutt (even though the dictionary says a mutt is a dog mixed with many different breeds) but why cant people call it a mix? why does it have to be a mutt? to me it sounds derogatory, it feels like we're back in the old days when people used to call other people by what are now socially unacceptable terms (not that calling a dog a mutt is socially unacceptable, i just don't want to say those words that are).... am i the only one who doesn't like the term mutt, or are there others out there who don't like it?

Answer 1

i don't like the word either. it sounds so mean, i just call my pit/grey hound mix a pit mix... she was rescued and was such a great dog. she even protected me and my family from a burglar! and my dalmation mix was rescued from an abusive home when we got her. after we got her she acted as if she was our mama, always having to sniff and inspect our friends before she would let us go play... i miss them, they where such great dogs. mixes really do make the best friends.

Answer 2

People can call it a mix, that is no problem. If they know one major breed the dog is mixed with they can say that(ex: Labrador Mix, Border collie mix etc.) The term "mutt" is nothing to get sensitive about and offended by. It's a word, that's all. A word is only negative if you make it or see it that way.



The thing that annoys people(or at least me) about the 'designer dogs' is they are a mutt, or mixed breed, whichever term you feel more comfortable using. However because they have some sort of fancy combined name people charge $500-$1,000 for a mixed breed when someone can as easily get the same quality of dog from a shelter, and save a life in the process. When people address these mixed breed dogs by some 'designer dog' name-it is irritating, which will more than likely encourage people that are tired of 'designer dog's to point out that the dog is a mutt.



Mutt, Mixed breed, etc-it's all the same thing. It means the dog is not purebred, is pet quality, etc. None of these things are bad, I own a mixed breed dog myself, but it is irritating when people pay a bundle for a mixed breed dog with a fancy name and think they have gotten something amazing and rare.

Answer 3

I think the usage of the word "mutt" depends entirely on whoever is saying it.



For example, when people say that their "designer dogs" are the best, I do use "mutt" in the derogatory sense. Which, now that I look back on it, I suppose isn't wise, since it's in no way the dog's fault for being what it is.



However, when I talk to my dog, I call him a mutt, but I say it in an affectionate way. "I love you, you stupid mutt" is what I usually say whilst petting him and giving him treats. I don't think he has any clue what I'm saying. Hell, I've even said a bunch of curse words in a soothing, soft voice, the same I'd use if I was saying "You're such a lovely dog" and he doesn't seem to mind. Just wags his tail like it's some grand thing.



Anyway, it depends on the person if the actual word is bad. Just like everything else. I don't think the word "ignorant" is a bad word. It simply means one who does not know, or someone who is uneducated in a certain subject. Using myself, I'm completely ignorant when it comes to Mathematics. I can't divide to save my life, and I'm out of high school already.



Gah, once again, I've written an answer that's far too long and has gotten totally off-subject. Well, you get my point. It's not the word, it's the person saying it.



xo VIE xo

Answer 4

Mutt - a mongrel dog

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutt



Mongrel -

an individual resulting from the interbreeding of diverse breeds or strains; especially: one of unknown ancestry

: a cross between types of persons or things

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mongrel?show=0&t=1310425866



There is no difference if it is a mix of two breeds or twenty, it is still a mutt.



I see absolutely nothing wrong with the word mutt. It is a word and not necessarily an insulting one. It is this constant fight that people need to have about purebred vs mutt that gives it the negative connotation.



Doesn't society now use words that were once socially unacceptable on a regular basis now and not as an insult. In fact, many feel the owning and using the formerly derogatory terms is powerful against the once social unacceptance.

Answer 5

Depends on the dictionary you look at.



Mine says mutt: a dog, especially a mongrel.



I don't think it's a derogatory term at all. I affectionately call my mixed breed shelter rabbits "bunny mutts". The only people who get offended by it are the ones who bought "designer" dogs and dislike being told they own a mix that's the same as any other mix out there.

Answer 6

The majority of people who "don't like it" are those that feel the practice of breeding mutts is justified.

Or those that cannot accept that their "designer breed" is in fact a mutt.



To me, "mutt" is a wholehearted term of endearment. I loved my mutt.



Add:

Of course it depends on the context.

There are some that still use it as a derogatory opposed to descriptive word.

You'll find that the majority of people that actually know what they're talking about use the term "mutt" as a descriptive term.



And simply because *one* dictionary states "made up of many different breeds" doesn't mean that is the correct or only definition.



Because anything that I'm reading states along the lines of "A dog of mixed lineage, *especially* (but not limited to) one of unknown or complex ancestry"

Answer 7

I like the term mutt. Mutt is a term for a mixed breed. It was used long before these so called designer names such as morkie, labradoodle, cockapoo, etc. were made up, all of which are mutts.

Answer 8

Mutt is a fine word! it is especially good when you are not sure of the exact breeds that a dog is, or if it is so many different breeds in one that it would take a minute to explain the genealogy.

Answer 9

Funny, I have been using the word "mutt" as term of endearment for 30 years. None of my dogs, mutts or purebreds, were ever offended by it. Just another of their nicknames.



Sophiemutt, Peppermutt, Cocoamutt, oh wait! Some of those dogs were purebreds!



You should get over it and move on.

Answer 10

A "designer" breed is a MUTT it is made of different breeds combined. For example a Puggle is a mix of Beagle and Pug and is therefore a MUTT.





and there is nothing wrong with the word mutt...

Answer 11

I actually like the term mutt. Where I come from, mutt is actually a compliment towards doggies. I call my dogs mutts and they have no problem with it. Actually, dogs don't know anything about insults all they hear from us is "Blah blah Fido Blah blah food blah blah good boy" so if it doesn't bother them it shouldn't bother you.



But actually why should it matter what we call the lovable fuzzballs. They still are our very best friends and love us to the end. Besides they are the cutest things that EVER lived ^.^

Answer 12

uh yes a designer dog is still a mutt... 2 or more breeds is a mutt



there's nothing wrong with the word.. it is what it is.

Answer 13

I call my dog a BLACK LAB sometimes, but in truth he is not a 100% papered purebred dog. He is, in fact, an Indian Reservation castoff MUTT who had two options in life; be shot or come home with me.



However, that in no way diminishes his value to me as a valued pet and companion.



Hell; I call him a MUTT on occasion. He IS a MUTT.

Answer 14

Mixed breed aka MUTT.

Answer 15

Mutt is just a word used to describe mixed ancestry dogs & I don't dislike it.



The dog doesn't care what it is called so why should an owner on its behalf?

Answer 16

So now people worry about a politically correct way to refer to a mixed breed dog? Sheesh! This PC train has got to slow down!

Answer 17

I've had many, many purebred registered dogs in my life and I still call them mutts. They have never, ever once complained, so I don't see what the big deal is.

Answer 18

i love calling my dog a mutt it sounds cute to me and rescueish!!! i dont know others have different opinions!

Answer 19

Mutt? What's wrong with the word? I don't take any offense to it. I have several mutts.



*Sometimes it tastes like a mutt, sometimes it don't, some dogs are mutts, some......*



Boy, I messed that one up........can someone help me with this, please?

Answer 20

i don't like it. it sounds bad and kinda demeaning. i had a mixed dog, not a "designer dog" just a mix that was bred by an animal abuser (he dropped her off at a shelter after 9 months abusing her, then she found a new home, then i had her because she didn't like their new baby, then they gave her to her permanent home) i know that by today's standards a mix of even just 2 breeds is a mutt, but i hated when people said that my dog was a mutt, of course i didn't mind joking "You crazy mutt!" when she did something dumb. but growing up, i've mostly heard "Mutt" as a way do describe a dirty, diseased, street dog that attacks the "Dog catcher" or the mail man.



But sometimes a mutt is just a mutt.... like when you have to say "Wtf is a [insert weird made up "designer" name here]"





i do agree with Julian though.



in my Microsoft word dictionary i got:



"1. mongrel dog: a dog that is of mixed or unknown breed (slang)



2. offensive term: an offensive term that deliberately insults somebody's intelligence or knowledge (slang insult) "

Answer 21

I also HATE that word and how it makes it sound like it's horrible, if you want a family pet than a "Mutt" is fine...

Answer 22

me, i like the word mix better its a lot less harsh

Answer 23

Basically I don't mind the word mutt. What I hate are the people here who think they are better than everybody else and use it in a negative way to hurt others. No show breeders, you are not entitled to run the dog world.

Answer 24

its not like the dog knows what it means thrn im ok

Answer 25

Mutt is a horrible word because even though they are mixed breed dogs they aren't mutts. I own a morkie and i hate the fact people call them mutts!!!!!

Answer 26

I don't like it either