Is "mutt" a bad word?

[CaliTerp07]

I just called a new vet to make an appointment for Lucy (she's got conjunctivitis again...) When they started making up her file, they asked what type of dog she is, and I said, "I dunno, she's a mutt." The technician on the phone was like, "uhhh...let's call her a mix, then".

Is mutt derogatory? I've always called her my little shelter mutt. Actually we've always called all our mixed-breed dogs mutts. Is it considered bad?

 

[Sweet72947]

I've never thought it was bad. I've heard lots of people use it. I use it. *shrugs*

 

[CaliTerp07]

That's what I thought too, but I've had several people give me strange looks when I use it.

 

[xpaeanx]

I don't think it is. :shrugs: but who knows, I almost feel that people actively look for things that they can consider offensive these days.

 

[MandyPug]

To some people it is... Heck to a lot now a days even "mixed breed" is a derogatory term.

They want their dogs to be called poopadoodles or cockashits i guess..

 

[dobesgalore]

I think its just a personal preference, myself. I normaly say mixed, but I don't see a problem with mutt either. Just up to you!

 

[Kat09Tails]

Mutt means parentage unknown, mix is known parentage. At least that's how it's always run in this neck of the woods.

 

[CaliTerp07]

Mutt means parentage unknown, mix is known parentage. At least that's how it's always run in this neck of the woods.

Oooh, that makes sense. In that case, she's absolutely a mutt. I have no idea what she's made up of. (Well, sugar and spice and everything sneaky. But breed wise, no clue.)

 

[Maxy24]

You CAN use it negatively. For instance someone can use it to mean lesser than purebred dogs, I always dislike when someone says they "would never pay that much for a mutt" (assuming we are comparing to purebred from the same source).

However if it's not being used in a negative way the word itself is fine, I would use mutt instead of mixed breed, it takes less time to say

 

[eddieq]

Well, I've referred to myself as a mutt for years. I've got about 10 different nationalities in my lineage. I've always called Xena a mutt, too.

To me, it's a term of endearment and an apt description. Nothing derogatory.

 

[CaliTerp07]

Well, I've referred to myself as a mutt for years. I've got about 10 different nationalities in my lineage. I've always called Xena a mutt, too.

To me, it's a term of endearment and an apt description. Nothing derogatory.

Hehehe, I do that too. I'm a european mutt!

 

[Xandra]

It could be the technician had one of those computer programs that has the drop-down list of breeds, and mutt wasn't on it.

But yeah, I think most people like to refer to their dog people as a "mixed breed" rather than a mutt. Mutt sounds kinda mangy or something lol. Personally, I still use it on purebreds.

 

[eddieq]

Our vet officially has Xena listed as a "Dalmatian Mix". We always know who the new girls are because they come out and say, "Xena?" and we stand up and they look at her coat and then down at the clipboard again and say, "Hmmm, I thought I was getting a dalmatian" :rofl1:

 

[MPP]

I'd rather call them mixed breeds or random bred. But I don't find "mutt" offensive. Just prefer something else.

 

[~Jessie~]

I'd rather call them mixed breeds or random bred. But I don't find "mutt" offensive. Just prefer something else.

Me too.

I don't think I've ever personally used the word mutt... I usually just say "mixed breed" because it's what I've always used.

 

[AGonzalez]

I use the word mutt for my purebred dogs, I don't find it offensive...most of the time it's "Oh, it's time to feed the muttley's isn't it?"

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

I never viewed it as a "bad word". I just don't usually say "Mutt" or "Mixed Breed" I usually just say "Mix".

I do refer to myself as a mutt though .

 

[JennSLK]

I dont find it bad. Your dog is a mutt, get over it. I think people who take offence to the word (not a prefereance, actuall offense) have a issue with the fact they have a mixed breed. JMHO.

I get offended when you call your Mix a poodlewhatever or cockawhatever. No, its not. There is no such thing, your dog is a MIX

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

I get offended when you call your Mix a poodlewhatever or cockawhatever. No, its not. There is no such thing, your dog is a MIX

I agree that is much more annoying/offensive.

 

[Southpaw]

I use mutt all the time. Even with Juno haha, "come on crazy mutt, let's go!"

Some people don't like it but IMO mutt = mixed. And mutt is a lot more fun to say.